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CHAPTER VIII.
PITT TOWNSHIP.
ITS LOCATION AND RELATION PRIOR TO THE ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY -PRIMITIVE SETTLERS AND THEIR IMPROVEMENTS -FIRST ROAD
-VILLAGES OF LITTLE SANDUSKY AND FOWLER-THEIR CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS
-THE TOWNSHIP AS COMPARED WITH 1845-ITS LIST OF REAL AND
PERSONAL ESTATE OWNERS-BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
THE portion of Wyandot County designated by the above title was formed at the organization of the county in 1845. It is composed of twelve sections which formerly belonged to Salt Rock Township, Marion County, and the remainder from the reservation. It is one of the southern, townships of the county, being bounded on the south by Marion County, on the west by Marseilles and Mifflin Townships, on the north by Crane 'Township, and on the east by Antrim Township.*
Pitt is one of the most fertile townships of the county, a large portion of its area being made up of prairie land. The Sandusky River enters near the northeast corner of Section 25, and flows in a tortuous, general northwest direction, leaving the township at the northwest corner of Section 15, while the Little Sandusky Creek enters near the center of the township on the south, and flows north being joined by Honey Run from the east near the southern line of Section 35, and uniting with "Big" Sandusky near the center of Section 26. These Streams water the eastern half of the township, which is also favored by several flowing springs. The western portion of the township is drained by several small Streams which take their rise in that region and flow in a northwesterly direction, carrying the surplus water from the fertile fields which are so generally provided with the "blind" tile ditches, and affording an ample supply of water to the large herds of stock which may not be provided with pools and springs. The territory is well adapted to general agriculture and stock-raising, and is the Pat of operations for some of the most prominent dealers in this section of the State, chief among them being David Harpster, C. R. Fowler and Lewis Straw.
PRIMITIVE SETTLERS.
At this period it is difficult to state positively who the first settler of Pitt Township was, as, like the Irishman's rattlesnake, " where there's one there's two ; " so it usually transpires, at least in the settlement of a territory so large as that which is usually comprised in the limits of a township. John Wilson, a native of York State, is reputed to have located here in 1820, the first white man to call the locality his home, though it is well known that one Walter Woolsey came here in the same spring. The former was a married man with the brilliant advantage of eight children; the latter was a bachelor, also a native of 'York State. He built a little log cabin in Little Sandusky in 1820, and in his maturer years was finally persuaded
*The township derived its name from one Pitt, who resided here at the time of its organization, and .h. moved here from New Jersey in 1822.
898 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
to "turn from the error of his way." He married. It is also stated that Ebenezer Roseberry, a somewhat noted hunter and f rontier sportsman, located in the southern part of the township as early as 1818, though it is not quite certain that any white man ventured to raise his cabin in that locality as early as that date. For 1820, we find the names of Ora Bellis, William and Samuel Morral and Nehemiah Staley; and in 1821 there appeared reenforcements in the persons of Jacob Snyder, David R. Bargley, George Johns and Peter Bowsher. Anthony Bowsher was also one of the first settlers. He was born in Union County, Penn., in 1800, and grew up, so to speak, on the frontier, the family moving from Pennsylvania to Ohio in an early day, and settling near Circleville, Pickaway County. Anthony was married in the fall of 1818, and in the spring of 1819 settled in this township, built a small cabin on "Garbland, " and with one Staley, his father-in-law, began improving eighty acres of land, which was surveyed during that year. About 1828, Maj. Bowsher, as he was latterly called, erected a building at Bowsherville, and began keeping a hotel and store, which occupations he continued there for forty years. He had a race track, and for many years Bowsherville was a favorite rendezvous for equine sportsmen of this and adjoining counties. Maj. Bowsher is still living, and but a few months ago went from Upper Sandusky to Kansas to reside with his son. Others said to have located in the township in the years 1821, 1822 and 1823, are Alexander Frazier, Cornelius Wilson, Michael Harmon and Jacob Brewer.
In the spring of 1820, John Wilson built a log cabin eighteen feet square in Little Sandusky, and this, we are informed by good authority, was the first clapboard canopy that-was erected in this township by the de. fenseless hands of the pale-faced inhabitants. The first schools were held in a log cabin on Section 10, the house having been occupied formerly by Anthony Bowsher for a dwelling. William Brown, from Now Jersey, was the first teacher who taught "the young idea how to shoot" amid these humble surroundings. In 1824, the first school building of the township was erected by Michael Harmon and his neighbors on Mr. Harmon's land, the northeast quarter of Section 11, and here Mr. Brown instructed the youth at intervals for seven or eight years. Other early teachers were William Howe and Mary Howe. In the sixty years that have followed, the progress has been such that seven well-established schools have been founded, the buildings being erected on the respective Sections 11, 15, 23, 27, 31, 33 and 35.
The first thoroughfare laid out in this township was established prior to 1821, and was known as the Columbus & Sandusky road. It extended through Sections 1, 35, 26, 27, 22, 15 and 16, and it was by this route by which the first settlers reached the Indian Mill above Upper Sandusky and the town of Delaware, where they were accustomed to go for supplies. They also went to the town of Fremont to obtain supplies and get their "milling " done. In 1839, the first saw mill run by water-power was constructed on Section 35 by Thomas Holmes, and in 1844 this same enterprising gentleman built a grist mill, run also by water-power, on the Sandusky River in Section 26. The only mill of the kind in this township is now located at Fowler, and is owned by David Harpster. Ora Bellis established the first store in Pitt in Little Sandusky as early as 1820. He died, as may have been expected, in the fall of the same year, having the honor of establishing the precedent for such transactions in this township. In 1844, the United Brethren denomination erected at Little Sandusky the first church
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building in the township, which now claims four of these places of worship, two in Little Sandusky, one at Fowler, and one on Section 12. The latter is owned by the German Reformed society; the others by the Methodist Episcopal denomination.* The first election held in the township was at Little Sandusky, the officers elected being one Justice, Gideon Messenger; a Constable and three Trustees, Moses Messenger, Walter Woolsey and Cornelius Wilson They were all Whigs. the number of votes polled not exceeding twenty. As early as 1821, Cupid found his way into these wilds, and the first victims of his magic spell were Joseph Wilson and Cloy Woolsey. They were married at Little Sandusky, and in the following year, 1822, a daughter, Hannahret, was born to them, she being the first white babe in Pitt Township to mingle her cries with those of the wild papoose.
LITTLE SANDUSKY.
This village, originally established and named by the Indians, was laid out in 1830 by Dr. Stephen Fowler, John Wilson and Walter Woolsey, who owned the land upon which the village is situated. Dr. Fowler came from Pennsylvania in 1827, and was an extensive land owner in this community. He was likewise one of the ablest physicians in this part of the State at that time and had an exceedingly large practice. Wilson and Woolsey both came from York State, and in 1820, located here, owning small pieces of land. Little Sanduskv is situated on the banks of the Little Sandusky Creek near the Indian reservation, and was once an important trading post. Before the days of railroads, it had a daily line of stages which ran between Columbus and Detroit, and the prospects for its future greatness seemed quite flattering; but the march of time and the decree of fate gave it rivals in sister towns which taxed its vitality more than it could endure and prosper beneath, and the result has been an existence of mediocrity, both in the number of its inhabitants and the extent of its commerce.
The first house erected in the village was built by John Wilson in 1820. It was made of round logs, was eighteen feet square, and is now used for a stable. In the same year, Walter Woolsey also erected a log cabin, somewhat smaller, in the village. It is stated in the beginning of this chapter that Ora Bellis conducted a store in Little Sandusky in 1820. This was while it was yet an Indian village. After the town was regularly laid out, the first business room was built by Cornelius Wilson in 1830. He kept a sort of hotel and general store, and continued in the business for fifteen years, carrying a stock of goods valued at from $1,500 to $2,000. He at length became addicted to the use of strong drink, and later became insane. Wilson was succeeded in business by Henry Raymond, who, after four years, returned to the East. Guy C. Worth was next to take up the commercial cross. He came from York State and remained in business about five or six years when he gave up mercantile pursuits and enlisted in the cause of his Master. Prior to his retirement from business, he erected, in 1840, the second store room of the village-a frame building, one-story, 22x40 feet in dimensions. He was succeeded by his brother, S. M. Worth, who conducted a very profitable business till about 1865 or 1866. Mr. Worth was followed by H. Simons, who sold out to C. R. Fowler three or four years later. Mr. Fowler placed his son Hiram, in charge of the store and after two years' operations he turned the business over to the present proprietors, Burk Martin and James Whittaker, who repaired and enlarged the building, and have since conducted the business.
*Prior to the erection of a church building, services were held at the cabin of Mr. Harman, by Rev. J. B. Finley and James Gilruth, Methodists.
900 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
In 1876, Morris Carnes purchased and remodeled the building formerly used by John Kisor as a residence, and later by William Montee as a saloon, and opened a grocery store, which he is still conducting with fair success. In 1881, Frank Sabaugh erected a frame business room, 18x30 feet, one story, and placed therein a stock of general merchandise, which he has since been engaged in handling. Charley Hornby its the proprietor of a very creditable clothing store and tailoring establishment in the village. C. R. Fowler, a prominent stock and wool dealer of the place. handles annually products in his line to the value of from $50,000 to $75,000. The village supports at present two grocery stores, one dry goods store and one clothing and tailoring establishment, the annual business of these firms aggregating about $50.000.
Little Sandusky's first school building was erected in 1854. It was a frame structure, one story, 22x40 feet, contained two rooms, and cost about $400. It has been used since 1883 as a sort of public hall, where elections and other official gatherings are held. The present now school building was erected in 1883, the building board being David Bretz, Burk Martin and Hiram Cunningham. It is a neat brick structure, two-story, 40x22 feet in size, and cost about $4,000. The present Board of Education consists of the following members: David Bretz, Bark Martin and Hiram Cun. ningham. S. S. Hart is the present Superintendent and high school teacher; he is a young man of efficient qualities, a resident of this township.
CHURCHES.
Methodist Episcopal -The first meetings of this society in this township were at the residences of Samuel Winslow and Michael Harmon in 1820, under the charge of J. B. Finley, who was then also engaged at the Wyan. dot Mission at Upper Sandusky, and in 1821 he organized a church at Lit. tle Sandusky, with twelve members, whose names as far as remembered were as follows: S. Winslow and wife, William Woolsey, wife and children, Jacob Brewer and family and Michael Harmon and family. In 1856, the society erected a church building in Little Sandusky, and this structure is still in use. Rev. J. B. Finley was the first pastor who officiated in this charge, and he was succeeded by Rev. Cooper. Others were Revs. Montgomery, Bigelow, Thompson, Shaw, Camp, Bell and Jackson-all missionaries. The present pastor is J. Carr. The society now comprises thirty members. The present officers are S. Burbach, Jacob Worley, Marion Wolverton, Charles Hornby and William Simons. In 1880, under the adminis. tration of Rev. Donan, a series of meetings were hold in which seventy-five members were added to the society. The following your, Rev. Lucas conducted a protracted meeting with fair results, and he was succeeded in 1883 by Rev. Paul, who was also quite successful in reviving the interest. Mrs. Catharine Hall, widow of David Hall, is the pioneer member of this society, having been connected with it for the past fifty-three years. She was well acquainted with many of the Indians, with whom she often met in worship.
United Brethren Church.-This society was organized at the residence of Michael Harmon by Rev. James B. Gilruth, with ten members, whose names as nearly as can be determined, were as follows: Michael Harmon and wife, John Green and wife, Andrew Plummerfet and wife, Thomas Mount and wife, Charles Best and wife. In 1844, the society erected a church building in Little Sandusky, at a cost of $1,000. It was a frame structure, 30x4O feet in dimensions. The society eventually disbanded, the
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few remaining members uniting with the Methodist Church. The old build ing which was wont to resound with the holy words of Gospel truth, is now utilized as a stable.
FOWLER.
This thriving young village derives its title from C. R. Fowler, whose lands join the town plot on the east, and who has already been mentioned in the preceding pages of this chapter. The village was founded in 1876 by David Harpster and John Wood, who owned the land upon which it is situated, and whose prominence as farmers and stock dealers gives it its prestige as a commercial center.
Fowler is located near the center of this township, on the C., H. V. & T. Railroad, in Section 33, just south of the old Wyandot Reservation line. The town plat was recorded in 1877, and the first house was erected within its limits by William H. Parkins, of Crawford Township. It is still used as a residence. and is a plain frame structure, one and one-half story, 16x28 feet in dimensions, located on Lot 15.
The first and as yet the only store in the village was established by David Harpster. In the years 1876 and 1877, he erected a large two story brick block, 22x80 feet, adding a second building, 22xl00 feet, in 1882. In the former apartment, in partnership with Mr. Cyrus Sears, Mr. Harpster opened a stock of general merchandise in 1877 on an investment of from $10,000 to $12,000. The firm of Harpster & Sears continued until 1883, *hen the capacity of the store being more than doubled, Mr. McCampbell was admitted to the firm, which has since been known as Harpster, Sears & McCampbell. The establishment is second to none in the county for quality and completeness of stock and range of prices, and does an annual business of $25,000 to $35,000.
The village is supplied with an excellent grist mill, which was begun by L. W. Murphy in 1879 and 1880. Mr. Murphy having failed in the attempt to establish the industry, it was completed by David Harpster, who put in the machinery and began its operation in 1883, the total cost of the institution being about $10,000. The building is a frame structure, forty feet square and three stories high. The mill has three run of buhrs, with a capacity of seventy-five barrels of flour per day.
Fowler has also a warehouse, erected in 1877 by John Gregory, of Marion. It is a frame building, 24x60 feet, two stories, with ordinary receiving capacity. The annual shipments amount to about 60,000 bushels. In 18 9 , Mr. G regory sold his interest in the elevator to Harpster & White, the latter of Upper Sandusky, and this firm conducted the business till 1881, when Mr. Fowler purchased Mr. White's interest, and the firm of Harpster & Fowler has since had the institution in charge.
In 1880, a saw mill was erected in the village by Mr. Murphy. It soon fell into the hands of Parkin & Frater, and is now the property of Garvin & Frater. The mill is well managed and does an excellent business. The village is also supplied by quite an extensive tile factory, established in 1878 by Messrs. Hunt & Frater, the latter member of the firm now being sole proprietor. It is one of the most important industries of the village.
The only hotel of the village is conducted by Henry C. Jury. It is a good-sized frame structure, well furnished and ventilated, and the accommodations here offered are much superior to those of many more pretentious establishments of the kind.
The Harpster Bank was organized in 1883 by David Harpster, with J. L. Lewis as Cashier, and with a capital of $120,000. The institution has
902 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
a sound basis, being thoroughly Secured by a large amount of real and personal estate.
The first and only school building erected in Fowler was built before the town had an existence. It is a comfortable brick building, one story, 25x30, and cost $2,500. The present Board of Education is comprised of the following members: William Parker, John L. Lewis and Cyrus Sears. W. V. Smith was the last to officiate as teacher.
CHURCHES.
Fowler Methodist Episcopal Church.-This society may be Said to have been organized about 1853, as it was originally made up of members from the Bowsherville society and a few from Little Sandusky. It was first or. ganized as the Fowler society by D. B. Rinehart in 1847 with twenty-five members, among whom were John Wood and wife, William Parker and wife, James Parker and wife, John Mawer, George Baldwin, Richard Mould and others whose names are not now remembered. The church building, a brick structure, 40x60 feet, was erected in 1878-79 at a cost of $5,000. A B. Rinehart officiated as pastor two years from the date of organization of the society; J. W. Donan, one year; William Lucas, two years; William S. Paul, one year; and Jesse Carr is the present incumbent. The society is in a flourishing condition and numbers about seventy members. The pres. ent officers are William Parker, Richard Moulds, E. B. Lewis and John Wood.
The Methodist Episcopal Church at Bowsherville, as above stated, was organized about 1853 by Rev. Jacob Fegly, meetings being hold in school. houses till 1869, when a church building was erected on the northwest quarter of Section 6. It was a frame building, 30x40 feet, and is still standing, though in 1878 it was moved to Pleasant Grove, one and one-half miles west of its original site. The society organized with about thirty or forty members, some of whose names are remembered as follows: William Miller and wife, B. Swayze and wife, Mrs. Catharine Hughes, Mrs. Lydia Hunt, Mrs. Sallie Hunt, John Brown and wife, Mr. Mallow and wife and Mrs. F. Holland. Those who assisted in the erection of the church outside of the society members were David Harpster and family, Mr. Hunt and family, John L. Lewis, Charles Burke and Mr. Stoneburner.
The German Reformed Church of Pitt Township was organized in 1852 by Rev. Winter. The first meetings of the society were hold at John Kepler's residence, on Section 12, in 1850, Mr. John Kepler and John Brand, citizens, officiating. The church was organized with from twenty to twenty. five members, John Castanien and wife, George Kramer and wife, John Kepler and wife, and John Brand and wife being among the number. In 1854, the society built a frame building on the Southwest quarter of Section 12, the structure being 25x35 feet in dimensions, and costing about $700. As a protection against the frosts of winter, the spaces between the studding of the frame work were filled with clay. In 1872, this primitive edi. fice gave place to a comfortable brick building, 34x50, erected at a cost of $2,300. The pastors who have served on this charge are as follows: Rev. Winter, two years; Rev. Brecht, four years; Rev. Peter Jarus, five years; Rev. Jacob Klingler, twelve years; Rev. C. Wisner, five years; and Rev. E. D. Miller, who is still in the service. The society now comprises 110 members, the present officers being Christian Foucht, Christian Barth, Solomon Katterman and Ulric Brandt. It conducts a live missionary society on the most approved plans, and is growing rapidly.
Pitt Township is one of the most flourishing in this county, and the re-
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markable progress made in its social and material interests is well illustrated when the present condition of the township is compared with the following list of the taxable inhabitants, and the number of acres of land owned by each, in the year 1845.
OWNERS OF REAL ESTATE.
Bruen, Matthias, 852 acres. Larvill, Jabez B., 58 acres.
Benjamin, Herrick, 80 acres. Moody, David, 30 acres.
Bowen, Ozias, 160 acres. McLean, David, 225 acres.
Corey, David J., 2,235 acres. Mead, Matthew, 75 acres.
Cresap, Eusibius, 53 acres. Montee, A., 49 acres.
Davids, John E., 20 acres. Miller, David, 861 acres.
Fowler,* Stephen, 1,874 acres. Officer, Thomas, 42 acres.
Fowler, Findley, 50 acres. Proctor, Robert, 10 acres.
Garrett, Tira, 115 acres. Rappe, John S., 59 acres.
Green, Jemima, 162 acres. Rowse, Zalmon, 60 acres.
Hunt, Nancy, 50 acres. Renick, Ivy, 81 acres.
Hunt, William, 209 acres. Swayze, Caroline, 160 acres.
Hunt, Snowden, 145 acres. Swayze, Bescherer, 158 acres.
Holderman, John, 70 acres. Swishart, Ezekiel, 80 acres.
Hill, William, 80 acres. Straw, David, 76 acres.
Horr, Jacob, 238 acres. State of Ohio, 316 acres.
Hughes & Harpster, 33 acres. Worth, Guy C., 240 acres.
Hammond, Michael, 160 acres. Wheeler, H. N., 120 acres.
Hardy, Elisha, 80 acres. Wilson, John, 80 acres.
Hughes, Barnett, 153 acres. Wilson, Daniel, 169 acres.
Harpster, David, 85 acres. Hughes, Barnett, 86 acres.
Keen, Aaron, 2 acres. Hunt, Nancy, 60 acres.
TOWN OF LITTLE SANDUSKY.
Banning, Anthony, owner of Inlot No. 105.
Barnes, Peter, owner of twenty-one inlots,
Fowler, Stephen, owner of twenty-eight inlots.
Fouke, Joseph E., owner of Inlot No. 49.
Gorman, John, owner of four inlots.
Montee, A., merchant, also owner of twenty-two inlots.
Proctor, Robert, owner of Inlot No. 35.
Rappe, John S., owner of three inlots.
Moore, William, owner of six inlots.
Shorb, Joseph, owner of six inlots.
State of Ohio, owner of seven inlots.
Rowse, Zalmon, owner of Inlot No. 104.
Taylor, John, owner of Lot No. 45.
Wilmoth, Joseph, owner of Lots 39 and 60.
Wilson, George, owner of Lot No. 100.
Worth, Samuel M., owner of storehouse and Lot No. 57.
Wilson, John, owner of thirty-five lots.
Wilson, Daniel, owner of Lots 25 and 26.
Stokely, William, owner of Lot No. 50.
TOWN OF BOWSHERVILLE
State of Ohio, owner of Inlots from 1 to 34 inclusive.
*One of the first County Commissioners.
904 - HISTORY OF WYANDOT COUNTY.
OWNERS OF PERSONAL PROPERTY.
Alexander Armstrong, Henry Aughenbaugh, Paris C. Brewer, Elihu Bowen, Ruth Benjamin, Samuel Bird, George Bowsher, Purdy Butler, Ja. cob Brewer, Hannah Brewer, Cornelius Brewer, Thomas Coon, William J. Clugston, John Clayton, Corey & Pettit, Lorenzo H. Cook, James Clark, Walter Coulton, John Coon, Eusebius Cresap, Dr. James H. Drum,* James Duley, George Duddleson, William Fulks, Joseph E. Fouke, Dr. Stephen Fowler,* Findley F. Fowler, C. R. Fowler, Amos Green, Joseph Gillett, David Hall, Alpheus Hill, Samuel Harmon, John Hickman, Margaret Har-, mon, William H. Harris, Nehemiah Harris, John Holloway, Nancy Hunt, John Hunt, Snowden Hunt, William H. Hunt, Hiram Holdridge, Barnett Hughes, Chester Holland, Jacob Horr, James Holdcraft, William Hill, Da. vid Harpster, James G. Harvey, John Johnson, Kiser & Shirley (merchants), Belah King, John Kinney, Aaron Keam, Jacob Lantz, John S. Leach, John Lynch, James McWhorter, George and James Mears, Luther McEwell, Dr. James B. McGill, * Thomas McLean, David 0. Miller, Abel Martin, Nathaniel C. Manley, Jacob Mutchler, Abraham McLean, James McLean, A. Mon. tee, Henry N. McElfish William Martin, Rebecca McLean, David Miller, David Mears, William Miller, Priscilla Moody, William Nutler, Thomas Officer, George Preston, John Preston, John Pryor, David Pettit, Leonard Plants, Robert Reed, Azariah Boot, John N. Reed, Samuel Riggens, John S. Rappe (a merchant), George W. Reed, Cyrus Ramsey, Isaac Robinson, John Raney, Renick & Hunt (merchants), Isaac Smalley, David Straw, Da. vid Straw, Jr., Joel Straw, Henry Seiger, John Smith, Clark Shepard Bescherer Sweezy, Vance Stewart, Ezekiel Swihart, Benjamin Smith, Jo. Shorb (a merchant), Milton Swigart, John Tinkey, Robert Tygart, Edward Thompson, Israel Tarpenning, Widow Ward, Samuel M. Worth (a merchant), John L. Woodcock, Curtis Warner, John Williams, David Williams, Guy C. Worth, Joseph Wilmoth, Benjamin Winslow and James Wilson.