NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP - 523

NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP.

BY WESTON A. GOODSPEED.

The territory embraced within the present limits of Northwest Township belonged to that historic ground which, in early years, involved two States in what was known as the " Ohio and Michigan Boundary War." Bounded on the north by the Harris line, the one which Ohio maintained was the true boundary ; and on the south by the Fulton line, which Michigan claimed was the true boundary, the territory of Northwest, with the strip of land of which it was a part, became the subject of a protracted and bitter controversy, that was not adjusted until the year 1836, at which time Michigan lost the disputed ground, more from her lack of power to enforce her claim, than from any other cause. Had Michigan been as powerful, numerically, as Ohio, she, with that old hero, President Jackson, as her friend and supporter, would undoubtedly have se-

524 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY

cured the coveted territory. As it was, the entire strip between the Harris line and the Fulton line, became part and parcel of the Buckeye State.

OWNERSHIP OF LAND.

The situation of Northwest Township in the extreme corner of the county and State, and the fact that a portion of its territory was very low and wet in early years, postponed the settlement of the land until surrounding and better lands had been occupied and partially improved. It thus occurred, that nearly all the land in the township, except a few tracts of marsh, was entered by speculators and others, who never expected to reside in the township, but who designed to hold possession until the soil had risen in value, when it was sold, not to other speculators, but to those who expected to become actual and permanent settlers. In 1841, the following men, so far as the records show, were the only land owners in the township: Calet Dodge, Township 4, Range 9, Section 12 ; Benjamin Joy, Township 4, Rang , Section 10 ; Matthew Keith, Township 4, Range 9, Section 12 ; Israel Parish, Township 4, Range 9, Sections 9 and 15 ; Robert Talbot, Town ip 4, Range 9, Sections 10, 13 and 14. During the same year, the following were the only men who paid tax on personal property; William Billings, Ozias Billings, James Knight, Richard Parish, Asa Parish, Adolphus Rogers and Thomas Whaley. These men, with perhaps a few others, were then the only residents of the township. At this time there was not a horse in the township, and only twenty-three cattle, valued at $184, the tax on the same being $2.42, all the tax paid that year, on personal property, by the township. In 1842, the following men owned land in the township : William Bancroft, James Beatholf, N. C. Baldwin, Amos Bigelow, Enos Beals, William Barnes, Edward Ripell, M. F. Baker, Lyman Brewer, Irvin Camp, Nathan Comstock, Calet Dodge, J. W. Devoe, Townsend Ellis, Russell For sythe, Pliny Foster, Mr. Lester, Mr. Hance, W. P. Green, Benjamin Hornbeck, Jedediah Huntington, James H. Johnson, James D. Johnson, Benjamin Joy, Charles and Dwight Johnson, Matthew Keith, A. H. Morris, James Mather, Israel Parish, G. L. Perkins, John Reed, F. Q. Root, Peter C. Rowe, M. Steely, Mr. Sumner, Stiles Stanton, Thomas Southard, Robert Talbot, J. F. Trumbull, James White, Oliver Prescott, W. R. Rodman, C. W. Morgan, Thomas Whaley, James White, William Watson, Lucius Watson, Noah A. Whitney, Horace Waite, Calvin Welcher and Jonathan Petty. In 1842, those who paid personal property tax (on horses or cattle), were J. B. Butler, William Billings, Ozias Billings, George Matthews, Richard Parish, Asa Parish, Adolphus Rogers, Thomas Whaley, Jr., and Thomas Whaley, Sr. Not a horse was taxed this year, and only

NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP - 525

twenty-one cattle, the tax being $2.35. At this time there were not more than twelve families living in the township.

THE FIRST SETTLER

As near as can be learned, the first settler in the township was Aaron Burr Goodwin, about whose life a great deal of romance and mystery lingers. He was. He was a man of fine education, was an excellent surveyor, and for years before the settlement of the township had been an Indian trader in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. He was possessed of a violent temper, which, when kindled, raged like a conflagration within him. He was brave, but cautious, and was wholly unscrupulous in his

dealings, not only with the Indians, but also with the white settlers who were associated with him. He appeared in the township as early as the autumn of 1837, and might have been in a year or two before, as the exact time of his arrival could not be determined. He had taken two orphan children (a girl and a boy) from Cleveland, Ohio, to rear. The girl, Anna, afterward became the wife of Hiram Russell, who owned the land in the extreme northwest corner of the township, upon which the log Cabin of Goodwin was located. The cabin was situate out forty rods northwest of the present residence of the old settler, is Johnson, and was within about forty rods of the State lines of both Ohio and Indiana. Goodwin was an experienced gun-smith, and derived no little revenue from the Indians in tinkering their guns. He kept powder and lead, tobacco, calico, whisky and various trinkets and ornaments for the Indian trade. He kept just such things as the Indians must have, and, when his unscrupulous character and violent disposition are taken into consideration, the result of his constant intercourse with the red men may be easily guessed. His business was to take constant advantage of ttheir wants by getting them drunk, and fleecing them to the uttermost farthing of their annuities and their valuable furs. He had many severe altercations with them, but managed to shield himself and his property from their attacks. It is said that he once shot an Indian whom he found stealing his potatoes, though this circumstance is purely traditionary. He told Aldis Johnson that on one occasion he succeeded in getting one hundred Indians drunk in the woods near his cabin, at which time he cheated them of large quantities of valuable skins and furs. One of the Indians, when thus drunk, was ugly, and wanted more whisky, but was refused. He drew his tomahawk and struck a violent blow at Goodwin ; but the latter avoided the stroke, and sprang into the cabin, quickly closing and barring the door. The infuriated Indian split the door down with his tomahawk, but was driven away by the rifle of Goodwin. On another occasion a very untractable and savage Indian was cheated of an unusually large and fine

526 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.

bear skin, whereupon he threatened to kill Goodwin at the first opportunity. The Indian, whose name was Big Jack, was one of the most desperate and revengeful of his band, and was greatly feared by Goodwin, Who knew that he would lose no chance of putting his threat into direful execution. This threat and other hostile demonstrations from Indians. who had been cheated and abused, rendered the situation of Goodwin' precarious, and he became very cautious in all his movements. He scarcely dared to venture from his cabin at night, and was constantly on his guard during his cabin at night, and was constantly on his guard during the day. This led to the report that he was cowardly, but precisely the reverse was the case. He was simply prudent, and had reason to be so. At last, when he found that Big Jack was slowly and stealthily getting the advantage of him, he offered Thomas Knight a $10 gold-piece to shoot the Indian, but the latter refused to commit the murder. Events went on without any serious occurrence until a short time afterward, when the removal of the Indians westward terminated the siege of Goodwin's cabin. Goodwin had formerly lived, it is said, near Jackson, Mich., where he had been an Indian trader. He was for a time mail-carrier in that section of country, and carried the valuables of Uncle Sam in his hat, if reports are reliable. After a residence in the township of some six or eight years, he moved to Iowa or Illinois. His subsequent movements are unknowns

THE POTTAWATOMIES

Previous to about the year 1843, members of the above tribe habitually encamped temporarily in the vicinity of Nettle Lake, around which, in the swamps, almost every species of wild game could be found. On the old Knight homestead, just north of the lake, was a spot where the Indians had assembled at certain seasons for many years. Wigwams of bark and poles had been constructed, which survived the intervals of non- occupancy, and were soon made tenantable for the Indians by coverings of skins and fresh supplies of basswood bark. Any abundance of fine fish inhabited the lake, and afforded an excellent variation in the limited food for the Indian. Along the shores of the lake, finding a home in the swamps, minks and otters dwelt ; and, it is said by Thomas Knight, a few beavers also were there. The township was one unbroken forest of heavy timber, except in the southwestern part, where, on the sandy soil, were a few oak openings. Considerable swampy land was to be seen, more than at present, as the ax of the husbandman has remorselessly leveled scores of acres of magnificent natural forests, and the rays of the sun, unchecked by the natural Covering of the soil, have drank up the superficial waters. Not a road was to be seen, but here and there, throughout the tangled wildwood, old and well-traveled Indian trails Wound

NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP - 527

around on the higher lands, centering at the permanent and temporary villages. Hundreds of deer wandered through the township, browsing on the rich verdure of grass and bush. Packs of ravenous wolves infested the woods, chasing down deer or other inoffensive animals, and filling the affrighted air of night with their wild and discordant music. Panthers and catamounts were sometimes heard at night, uttering their peculiar and terrifying cries. Bears were frequently seen, walking the kings of the woods. Nothing human was to be found, save the few bands of Indians who were almost as wild as their daily companions, the beasts. Dangerous and venomous reptiles inhabited every acre of land, and all was silence and solitude. This was the Northwest Township of forty-five years ago: Goodwin was the first man to herald a change, but soon after him came

THE SECOND SETTLER.

In September, 1838, James Knight, with his sons Thomas, Philip, Samuel, James and Joshua, established himself in a rude log cabin about eighty rods north of Nettle Lake. He was a professional hunter, but soon after his arrival became afflicted with white swelling in the hip,

which rendered him almost helpless, and from which he never fully recovered. Much of the care of the family fell upon Thomas, who became one of the most expert hunters and trappers ever in the township. At that period, an experienced hunter and trapper could make five times as much money as he could who turned his attention to farming. Deer skins sold quite readily at $1 each; bear skins at from $3 to $8 ; and the furs of the mink, otter or raccoon, at from 50 cents to $5. These facts caused the Knight boys to spend almost their entire time in the wonderfully exciting sport of hunting, trapping and fishing: They carried flint-lock rifles, and always went armed with huge knives. The lake was a great resort for deer, which came there in the night to drink. The boys

spent many a night upon the lake hunting these animals. That was a strange place to hunt deer, but the old settler will readily understand what it means. A canoe was made of some large log, and provided with oars. A large beeswax candle was made, and fastened in a socket on the bow of the canoe. Just back of it, a large piece of bark was fastened upright in such a manner as to conceal the occupants of the boat. When darkness had descended, two of the boys, thoroughly armed, would enter the canoe, and silently and slowly row along the margin of the lake. Deer that had come to drink would stand motionless in the edge of the water, staring, apparently fascinated, at the light, until the canoe would almost touch them. It was an easy matter then for the hunters from

their concealment to shoot their deer. In this manner. five or six were killed in a single evening by Thomas and Philip Knight, and doubtless

528 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY

by others of the first settlers. One evening, while thus engaged, Thomas shot and wounded a very large buck, which ran up the bank a few yards and stopped. The canoe was darted to the shore, and Thomas sprang, out and up the bank after the wounded animal. He came to it almost immediately, and instantly seized it by the antlers ; but the animal made a lunge, pinning the hunter fast against a tree. He shouted for help, but ere his brother could arrive, the wounded buck fell upon the ground in the agonies of death. The wound had been mortal. Thomas became an expert trapper of raccoon and mink. He used an ingenious wooden trap which held the animals securely. The most money he made in any one day through his prowess as a hunter and trapper was $11.50, as follows :

A BEAR STORY.

One day Thomas Knight went out to inspect his pole traps, which had been set for raccoon. He had many in the woods near his father's cabin, and expected to bring in five or six skins that morning. While he was walking along in the direction of his destination, he suddenly heard quite a noise off at one side, and looking in that direction saw what at the first glance appeared to be an Indian pony. Nothing but the back of the animal was visible above the intervening clump of bushes, and without thinking much about the subject, the hunter continued his walk. A moment later he glanced around for the second time, and was astonished and somewhat frightened to see walking directly toward him the largest bear he had ever before encountered. The animal was some distance away, and had not yet observed the hunter, as it was moving almost directly toward him. Knight instantly concealed himself and examined the priming of his rifle, and, finding it all right, anxiously awaited the re-appearance of the bear. A minute later it came leisurely along, and when it had approached within easy rifle shot, the hunter took careful aim, and pulled the trigger. The sharp report was followed by a terrific growling and tearing of the leaves and bushes, and the hunter began loading with his utmost dispatch to be in readiness, if necessary, for a second shot. About the time the loading was finished the noise ceased, and, when Knight looked out, he saw the huge animal lying motionless on the ground. The bear proved to be one of the largest of its kind, and was found to weigh almost five hundred pounds. When alive, it had stood at least three feet in height, and was a formidable animal for a hunter to encounter. The rifle ball—a heavy one—had struck a vital part, and it was lucky for Knight that it had done so. The skin sold for $8, and, when to this amount the value of the skins of the raccoons he caught during the day was added, the total footed up to $11.50. The fore paw of this bear was taken to Columbus, Ohio,. and for many years could be seen

NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP - 529

in a museum in that city. Mr. Knight contracted to clear ten acres of timber land for some man just across the line in Indiana, for which he was to receive as payment a large fine, sow—the prospective mother of a numerous family. While cutting on this tract of timber one day, he suddenly heard his sow, off some distance in the woods, begin to squeal in the greatest distress, and, surmising the cause, he seized his rifle and started at his best pace in the direction whence the sounds proceeded. He soon reached the spot, and beheld a scene which roused every fiber of courage and passion within him. A large, savage-looking bear had seized his sow, and was tearing her in pieces alive. A great rent had been torn in the tender flesh near the loin ; and when the enraged owner reached the spot, panting, on the run, the bear angrily raised its head with a furious growl, showing two rows of gleaming teeth, discolored with blood. Without a moment's hesitation, the enraged owner raised his rifle to his eye and fired, and a half ounce of lead went crashing through the brain of the bear, entering at the eye and emerging at the base of the skull. The huge animal released its hold and dropped upon the ground, and after a few feeble kicks, lay motionless and dead. The unfortunate sow was so mangled that she died soon afterward. Such scenes were often enacted in early years, and many incidents of a similar nature might be related. There was scarcely an early family that did not have swine killed by bears.

THE WAY TO TRAP A BEAR.

One evening, when the country was new, Mrs. Aldis Johnson, then a little girl, the daughter of Mr. Myers, who lived just across the line in Michigan, was sent a short distance to bring up the cows which were in sight. She soon returned with the animals, and reported that she had seen a bear ; but her folks thought she must be mistaken, and paid little heed to her statements. That night a great commotion among their swine convinced her folks that the little girl had not been mistaken, and when the morning dawned, and search was instituted, the half-eaten carcass of a hog was found in the woods where the squealing had been heard. It was concluded to build a " dead-fall " trap to catch the bear if possible, and, accordingly, H. C. Johnson, brother of Aldis, proceeded to construct one after the following fashion : A log about a foot in diameter was fastened upon the and at a suitable place, and wooden pins were driven into holes bored on the upper side, after which the upper ends of the pins were sharpened, Another log fully as large was partly suspended over the lower one, and provided on the lower side with sharpened pins as above described. A trigger was made and baited with a portion of the dead hog, and arranged in such a manner that the bear must stand directly over: the lower log and under the upper to secure the meat. To get the bait the bear must nec-

530 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.

essarily pull the trigger, which would cause the upper log to fall, thus thin pinning the animal like a vise between the two logs, and piercing it with the sharp pins. The trap was fully prepared and left to perform its work. It worked like a charm, and when examined, at the proper time, the bear which had returned, as was expected, for another feast from the carcass of the hog, was found dead between the logs, pierced through and through by the pins.

AN UNFORTUNATE AND LAMENTED OCCURRENCE.

About thirty-eight years ago, two young men, Phillip Knight and John Crum, entered a canoe on Nettle Lake for the purpose of spending a few hours in hunting and fishing. Time passed away, but they failed to return, though no uneasiness was felt by their friends, as it was well known that the young men were abundantly able to take care of them, selves in the woods. Something over a day passed, but still no serious misgivings were entertained by the relatives of the boys. The second day of their departure, Thomas Knight, having occasion to pass along the lake, discovered, greatly to his alarm, the. canoe, in which the boys had ventured out, floating bottom upward in the murky water. The boat was brought to land, and, when the circumstances became known to the friends of the boys, it was thought that possibly they had been drowned, and search was immediately instituted to ascertain if such was the case. After about an hour of sounding and dredging the bodies of both were recovered. From appearances they had been dead some time ; but the cause of their death has never been, and, in the nature of things, will never be, unraveled. Both boys were bright, manly, and well known, and their untimely and melancholy death was widely and bitterly lamented.

FURTHER EVENTS OF THE EARLY SETTLEMENT.

A few families arrived in the township for permanent settlement in 1839, 1840 and 1841, among them being those of William H. Billings, Ozias Billings, Thomas Whaley, John Whaley, Hiram Russell, Johnson Butler, Richard Parish, Asa Parish, Adolphus Rogers and George Matthews. After 1841, the settlers came in quite rapidly. The Whaleys,. Billingses, Russells, Rogerses, and soon after several families of John sons, and others established themselves in the northwestern part near what afterward became Billingstown. The western part was much more attractive and inviting in early years than any other portion of the township. The soil was sandy, and Was tolerably free from those marshy and unhealthful appearances which, were so uncomfortably suggestive of fevers, ague, and their kindred ills. These facts caused the bulk of the early settlers to locate the western part, though scattering families were located, in 1843, in other portions. Early settlers had but little time to

NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP - 531

spend in idleness or play. The question of successful life in the backwoods was a staggering one, and required unflinching hardihood and resolution to be met and overcome. Mills and stores were miles away, and the distance was rendered practicably double by the bottomless condition

of the roads and the want of bridges. Sometimes a week would be spent ring to going town, to Defiance, or to some distant village in Michigan or Indiana ; after the return the ox or horse teams would be so harassed by the journey as to be unfit for work for many days. And even when the settlers went to the villages, the price of all supplies or commodities was so exorbitant as to be almost wholly beyond the reach of the settler's purse. Grain and other farm productions were scarcely worth hauling to market for the mere pittance they brought ; and the almost total absence of money and the spiritless condition of the demand for farm supplies, compelled the settlers to forego, not merely all commercial luxuries, but too often the actual necessities of life. They were thus forced to rely almost wholly upon their home productions to sustain life. Pork and wild game were the meats ; corn and wheat, ground often at home, and by hand, were the breads ; and the hide of the deer, and linen, and (later) woolen, with the supply of clothing brought into the woods, were the clothes. Wild honey was abundant in the woods, and was often candied and of the finest quality. Maple sugar was easily obtained. Tea and coffee were rarities, their substitutes being barks, herbs and grains. In this manner the early settlers lived and labored. All subjected themselves to the severest labor to clear the farms and fit them for remunerative cultivation. Women and men worked day and night, chopping and burning, and the results of their unceasing toil are the splendid farms and homes of to-day.

CATALOGUE OF EARLY SETTLERS.

It is impossible to give the names of all the early settlers in the township, as many remained but a short period, and their names have slipped the memory, and do not occur on the tax duplicates of the county. Those who paid tax on personal property for the year 1845 were James Burke, William H. Billings, J. B. Butler, O. M. Billings, A. C. Johnson, Aldis Johnson, George Matthews, John Maybee, William McLain, William Phelps, Adolphus Rogers, James Whaley, Washington Whaley, Thomas . Whaley, Thomas Whaley, Richard Parish, Daniel Smith and Anson Smith. At this time, there were five horses and seventy-three cattle in the towhip. The settlers went to Defiance the greater portion of the time to do their trading, but often they went north to some of the larger towns in Southern Michigan, or to Lima, Ind.

532 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.

MILLING INTERESTS.

No grist-mill, not even a corn-cracker, so far as known, was ever, erected and operated in North West Township. Almost all the early families obtained their flour at Martin & Depew's Mill, in southern Florence, and those that did not were compelled to go nearly twice as far before finding another. Vile most of what little lumber that was brought in was obtained at New Buffalo also, as a small village had been laid out there in 1836 by Martin & Depew, who had erected a grist-mill and a saw-mill. Probably the first saw-mill constructed and operated in the township was built, between 1840 and 1845, by Richard and Jacob Parish and located on Nettle Creek, above the lake, on the farm now owned by H. Waldron. It was a small, rude affair, with an up-and-down saw, set in motion by water that moved so sluggishly that, it is averred by old settlers, the sawyer could set the mill in operation on a large log, and take to a nap before his services would again be required. The mill was conducted during the wet months for a few years, and was then abandoned, and has long since been almost forgotten even by the old settlers. Although this mill sawed but little, still it supplied the demand for four or five miles around, which is not saying very much. The second saw-mill, a much better one, was erected on Nettle Creek, below the lake, in about 1845 by Daniel Smith and Alpheus Petty. Smith had been a soldier in the war of 1812, and during the remainder of his life was a pensioner of Uncle Sam. The mill was located at the outlet of a large natural pond, and in easy and excellent water-power was secured by means of a dam. The mill, under different forms, managements and structures, is yet in existence, though the appearance of rapid portable mills has stolen the patronage of the older and slower. Thus it has ever been, the young and quick taking the place of the old and slow. During the early history of the township, this saw-mill was one of the most, if not the most, important industrial features within its limits. Settlers, after the earliest ones, preferred to locate near mills, stores, etc., that many of the privations of life in the backwoods might be avoided, and therefore this mill was one inducement for emigrants in search of homes to locate near it. During its more active career, it sawed enormous quantities of lumber. Two of the earlier owners were Adam Crum and Robert Russell. George Kint has owned it since not far from 1850. No steam has been used as a motor in this mill. A steam saw-mill was built during the early part of the last war by Alfred Gamber, and located about forty rods east of the Columbia schoolhouse. It passed to Ford and to several others, and was finally removed about ten years ago. About twelve years ago, Mr. Casebeer built a steam saw-mill in the western part. It passed to Robbins and Brown. It is yet owned by the family of Robbins. The Spielman steam-mill was

NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP - 533

built about five years ago. At the center of the township, Mr. Taylor has a saw-mill, a tile factory, a shingle mill mild a "small brick kiln. He is doing, in these various pursuits, an extensive business.

STORES, POST OFFICES, ASHERIES, ETC.

The first mail route that passed across the township started from Pulaski ; thence passed to Eagle Creek, in Superior Township ; thence to Spring Lake, in Florence; thence to Northwest and thence on northward to Hillsdale, Mich. It was established by Congressional enactment in 1843, and the office of " Northwest" was located at the house of William H. Billings, in the northwest corner of the township. Jabez Perkins is said to have been the first carrier over this route. He traveled on horseback, and was always loaded down with articles which the necessities of the settlers along the route required. Billings was, of course, Postmaster at northwest. In about the year 1846, Mr. Billings opened a small store on his farm. He slowly increased his stock until it was probably worth about $3,000, and continued selling some fifteen years. A. small village, named Billingstown, in his honor, sprang up around him. S. B. Braman, a blacksmith, built his shop there quite early. Whitney Foster, an excellent blacksmith and a well-known and respected citizen, worked at his trade there for a number of years, but lately has been at Columbia. Israel Shook is the Vulcan there at present. Charles Hall and Orin Fenton succeeded Billings in the mercantile trade, but they retired after a few months and were followed by Jacob Kintigh, who, for many years, kept a well-patronized country store. No goods are for sale at present. The post office “Northwest " has been changed to various residences until at present it is located at the store of E. W. & E. F. Welch, in the northern part, S. W. Houtz being the Postmaster. This store was opened about five years ago, but about three and a half years later the Welch brothers obtained it in a trade. They have for sale a fine general assortment of goods valued at $2,000. The brothers deal largely in produce, and have a wagon on the road six months of the year. Jacob Shake conducted a cooper shop at Billingstown for a short period, some ten years ago. The steam saw-mill in the northeastern part, near the Winebrennarian Church, was built by Ezra Welch some ten years ago. At his death it passed to Joseph Esterline, and is yet owned by him. Joseph Strayer had an interest

in the mill for a time. Jacob Kintigh built an ashery at " Kintightown" in about the year 1854, and at the same time began selling from a small stock of goods he placed in his dwelling. For the first few years his goods were weighed with steelyards ; but, after about 1856 or 1857, when his small store-building was erected, he had a much larger stock of goods, and much better means for weighing the same. He did

534 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.

a thriving business. Citizens without money could take their ashes to him and get goods from his store in exchange. This was a great accommodation to the neighborhood. Mr. Kintigh manufactured a large quantity of fine pearl-ash, which was carted to Defiance, where it found a ready sale to Brice Hilton and others. His son, George, succeeded him in the mercantile trade in about 1866, while the father, as above stated, opened another store at Billingstown. At the death of .George, some eight years ago, his brother Cyrus secured the store, but some time later sold to his father. Kintightown has had no store for the past three years. Dr. James Steward was located there for a short time some twenty years ago. Aaron Shinn was the first blacksmith there, and Mr. Butts the second.

FORMATION OF THE TOWNSHIP AND FIRST ELECTION.

On the 30th of March, 1835, the territory embraced within the township limits became, by the action of the County Commissioners, a part of St. Joseph Township. At that time the boundary difficulty between Ohio and Michigan was in full blast, and, while Ohio claimed the township with the remainder of the disputed land, and the Commissioners of Williams ordered its attachment, to St. Joseph and its creation, Michigan likewise claimed the land, and attached it to the territory on the north. In 1836, the township became, definitely, the property of Ohio, but at that time not a settler, so far as known, resided within its limits. In 1837, Florence Township was created, and comprised the present townships of Florence, Superior, Bridgewater and Northwest. In March, 1839, Bridgewater was created, and comprised the present townships of Bridgewater and Northwest. At last, in December, 1840, upon the petition of William H. Billings and others, the Board of Commissioners ordered the creation of a new township, to be called "Northwest," by reason of its being in the extreme northwest corner of the county and State, to be - composed of the present territory, and an election was ordered held at the residence of Adolphus Rogers, on the second Monday in January, 1841. Since this action, the boundary has not been changed. It has been stated (upon what authority the writer cannot tell) that the first. township officers were as follows : Adolphus Rogers and William H. Billings, Justices of the Peace ; J. C. Whaley, Treasurer ; T. F. Whaley, Constable ; William II. Billings, Clerk ; Thomas Whaley, William H. Billings and Adolphus Rogers, Trustees. Thomas Knight says that, at the Presidential election in 1844, only eleven votes were polled in the township, nine of them being Democratic. It is highly probable that, while Northwest was attached to Bridgewater, some of the officers of the combined townships were chosen from what is now Northwest. The facts in this particular cannot be learned, although in the past it has

PAGE 535 - PICTURE OF H. B. ALOONS

PAGE 536 BLANK

NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP - 537

been, quite currently stated that, at one time (possibly at the election last preferred to), William H. Billings held every office in the township except that of Constableship.

PRE-HISTORIC OCCUPATION OF NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP.

In the vicinity of Nettle Lake, on every side of it, are some eight or ten earthworks erected by an unknown race called Mound-Builders, probably more than a thousand years ago. It is quite generally, though erroneously, believed that these earthworks (mounds being one of them) were the work of the Indians ; but archaeologists are of the opinion that the mounds have a higher antiquity, and that they were erected by the Mound-Builders, who might have been the remote ancestors of the Indian tribes, though this is disputed by many eminent scholars in this department of historic research. On Section 23 are a few of the mounds, two of them being of unusual size for this section of the State. The greater number has been opened in past years by curious and inexperienced persos, who failed to properly notice features which are considered highly important by archaeological students. In almost every instance, human bones were unearthed, as was also charcoal, sometimes in considerable quantity. Copper implements, such as arrow and spear heads, were taken from several of the mounds, and in one was found a piece of mica pix or eight inches square, and about an inch thick. In several instances, it was definitely ascertained that many individuals were buried in the same mound. The Indians had no knowledge, traditionary or otherwise, concerning these people, save what was derived from their works, the same character of knowledge which we have. If the Mound-Builders were the ancestors of the Indians, such fact was unknown and unsuspected by the latter tribe. Indians never buried their dead in mounds like those referred to, neither did they erect altars where animals and human beings were immolated to secure the favor of the Great Spirit, and afterward cover such altars with a mound of earth. These, and many other important considerations lead the majority of students of antiquity to the opinion that the Mound-Builders were a distinct race of people, and that they inhabited a large portion of America several thousand years ago.

EARLY AND SUBSEQUENT SCHOOLS.

In the early winter of 1841, a small log schoolhouse was erected in the northwest part of the township, on land now owned by Isaac Parsons, by William H. Billings, Jonathan Butler, Thomas Whaley, John Whaley, T. F. Whaley, Adolphus Rogers, Hiram Russell, and possibly a few others, who resided either in the township, or in the adjoining States of Michigan or Indiana. The first teacher in this house, and, so far as known, in

538 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.

the township, was Miss Abigail Hills, now the wife of T. F. Whaley, who taught two or three months during the winter of 1841-42. She had enrolled about ten scholars, received her pay from the public school fund, and during the term was married to Mr. Whaley, which occurrence did not stop school until the end of the term. This house was used by all the families in the northwest part, and by several in the other States, until about 1846-47, when the district was divided, those families along the center of the western side of the township erecting another log school building where Samuel Cain's orchard now is. The log house on Parson's farm was used a few years, perhaps until 1849, when a frame was built a short distance north of it, Mariah Marquart being the first teacher. This house was used until about four years ago, when a larger and better frame schoolhouse was constructed a short distance east, for about $900, The old frame is now used by a Grange lodge, which was organized a few years ago, and which is yet in active working order, with many of the most prominent citizens in the township as members. The second school house in the Whaley neighborhood was built, about 1848, in T. F. Whaley's orchard (on the land now his orchard), and was a small frame structure. This house was used for educational purposes until about 1860 when another frame building, called the " Old Red Schoolhouse," was erected on the old Whaley farm, and used until about four years ago. when it was succeeded by a neat brick structure, which cost about $1,100. The first schoolhouse at Columbia was built in 1849 or 1850, and is now occupied as a residence by Mr. Reeves. The first teacher is said to have been Rebecca Tomus, who taught during a few months of the summer of 1852, the house not having been completed before that time Mariah Kinney taught the second term. The second schoolhouse in this district, a frame, was constructed, during the last war, by Mr. Gillis, for about $1,000. The building was two stories in height, containing two neat school rooms, one above, and one below. For several years two teachers were employed, and the school enumeration in the district was about 130. Among the teachers were Robert Carlin and wife, and Jefferson Friend and wife. One year ago, the present brick schoolhouse was erected at a cost of $1,500. The schools taught by two teachers in the second frame house in Columbia were much the best ever taught' in township. The school was graded, and during one winter, Mr. Friend and his wife were paid $100 per month. Several finished scholars received the foundation of their education at the " Columbia Graded School.” The first schoolhouse in the northeastern part was built about four rods west of the Wiriebrennarian Church, not far from the year 1845: It was erected by Daniel Smith, William Stickney, Anson Smith, Thomas Knight, and perhaps two or three others. This house, a frame structure,

NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP - 539

was soon burned to the ground by a man, it was thought, who had been put out of the house for disorderly conduct while Divine service was being held there. Nothing could be proved, however. A second house was built about 1854, and the present one some five or six years ago. The other districts throughout the township had their first schoolhouses built from 1848 to 1855. The present Centre Schoolhouse is a large, fine brick and cost in the neighborhood of $2,000.

DEVELOPMENT OF MORALS.

The Methodist Episcopal class at Columbia was first organized at the house of James Coon in the northern part of Florence Township, in the year 1843, by Rev. James Alderman, who then lived at Pulaski, doing missionary work over a circuit of Evansport Mission, which mission cornprised all Northwestern Ohio. The first members were James Coon and wife James McClarren and wife, Martin Perkey and wife, J. R. McConnell and Benjamin B. Tomus. As soon as the schoolhouse in the northwestern corner of Florence was built, services were held there, and later in the schoolhouse at Columbia. Finally, the frame church was built some ten or twelve years ago. Some of the ministers of this class have been James Alderman, Ferris and Coleman, Winter and Mower, Boggs and Fairchild, Burgess and another, Chapman and another, Parker and another, Lindsey and Albright, Warner and Nickerson, Thomas and Albright, Poucher and Boyers, Miller and Kemp, Zimmerman and Barnes, Cameron, Powell and Bowers, Dunham and Hill, and Poucher at present. Greatt revivals were conducted by Everhart, Cameron, Dunham, Thompson and Olds. The Close Communion Baptists organized a small class at Thomas Whaley's at quite an early day, but later met at the school-house near there. A Free-Will Baptist class was early organized at William Billings'. Neither of these classes survived many years. The Winebrennarian class, in the northeast corner, was organized at an early day. Adam Beaver, Wesley Houtz, Aaron Culbertson are said to have been among the first members. The church was built some eight or ten years ago and cost about $1,800. Other denominations assisted with the understanding that they were to have the use of the church. There were a few United Brethren, Dunkards and Methodists in the neighborhood. Some trouble arose a few years ago over the use of the church, which culminated last year in the erection of a new church near there by the United Brethren for about $1,400. Among the Dunkards are Adam Kimmell, David Throne and Jesse Collins. Among the United Brethren

are Ira McLain, Ambrose Hoverstack, John and William Hyserman, Alfred McCloe, George Kint, Ferris Kintigh and William F. Kintigh. The German Reformers once had a small class in the northeast corner. A

540 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.

Methodist class once met at Centre Schoolhouse. One man in the to township, it is said, has been converted twenty different times, and still he is not satisfied with the mercies given him. The United Brethren organized a class many years ago in the southern part. The society grew and finally built a fine frame church that cost about $1,600. The Presbyterians have a fine frame church building on Section 36, which was built a number of years ago. The class at first was strong, and its strength was increased by meetings. It is at present in good working condition.

VILLAGE OF COLUMBIA.

This little hamlet was laid out in February, 1854, by J. R. McConnrll, William Rannels and Alfred D. Gambell, proprietors, on the north half of the northeast quarter of Section 5, Township 10 south, Range 4 west, there being a total of forty-five lots. In about 1850, George Porter open a small store about half a mile east of Columbia, and at the same time began making black salts and some pearl-ash. About three years later he moved to what is now Columbia, which was at first called Porter's Corners, from his store and ashery. Since his commencement the following-named men have been in busines in the village : Fenton & Hall, William & Bartholomew, Ferrier, Lehman, Crawford, Long, Maddon, Bates, Gamber, Lyon, Goodrich, Beck, Shepard, Hamilton, Cameron, Pierce and Poucher. The first blacksmith was Barger, and the second, White Foster. The village has had the usual number of doctors, and at times in its career has been bright and promising. Of course, if the town had a railroad, it would soon treble in population, and no doubt become a power in the land. The following table, from the assessment rolls of 1880, shows the present school valuation :