444 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY CHAPTER XII. * (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) CITY OF GALION-FIRST PLAT AND ADDITIONS-SOME OF ITS BUSINESS MEN-GROWTH AND BUSINESS-HOTELS, BANKS, MILLS, FIRE DEPARTMENT-CEMETERIES. GALION was laid out September 10, 1831, by Michael and Jacob Ruhl. At this time, it was in Sandusky Township, Richland County. The original plat consisted of thirty-five lots, and extended from Lot No. 1, on which the Ristine Block stands, to the second alley on West Main street. The first addition was made by the same parties December 14, 1833, and consisted of thirty-three lots. Over sixty separate and distinct additions have since been made. The nearest towns to Galion, when it first made its appearance as a geographical location, were Mansfield, Upper Sandusky, New Haven and Mount Gilead, and by calling them towns at that time they received a dignity; that would hardly be accorded them now. Galion was the natural inheritor of what little business and enterprise existed at the Corners. About the public square was higher ground and a more desirable location in every respect for a village; the Corners were built upon low, swampy ground; they were in close proximity to the sluggish head-waters of the Olentangy, and the land rose higher on every side of the settlement; nothing but the crossing of the roads ever gave that spot any prestige over any other locality. The business was not long in being transferred to the vicinity of the square, and the plat of the old settlement was taken up. It was, as we have intimated, known by numerous names; but when a post office was * Contributed by Dr. J. C. McIlvaine. established in 1824, it began to curtail some of the titles, and select one upon which there could be some unanimity. The petition signed by the residents, named Goshen as the most euphonious, but the Postmaster General informed the good people of the burg that there was already more than one Goshen, and with their permission he named the new post office Galion. The name can be found nowhere else in the world. What suggested it, or whether it was arbitrary upon his part. is unknown. John Ruhl, the father of Michael and Jacob Ruhl, had entered several quarter-sections in the vicinity of Galion. He came from York County, Penn., direct to Galion and moved into a log cabin at the Corners. The cabin was without a floor, except the earth; the family consisted of father, mother, Michael, Jacob, Levi, Henry, Peter and Rebecca; the daughter, Rebecca, was married to Mr. J. Criley, who lived on a farm, which now forms the southeast portion of the city; the west line of this farm is now South street, on the corner of which stands the residence of Samuel Myers Mr Criley had a carding machine and fulling, mill; the motive power of this machinery was a steam engine, the first that ever did service in Galion. Mr. Ruhl. Sr., was possessed of considerable means in lands and money; he purchased and sold to Jacob, his son, the northeast quarter of Section 31, and to Michael the southeast quarter of the same section. Henry Ruhl owned HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 445 the Gill farm and Levi owned the land that was known as the Brewery- land, on the State road, and Peter Ruhl owned a farm east of Asa Hosford's mill. Jacob Ruhl was an active member and a zealous worker in the Lutheran Church and gave much of his time and influence toward the erection of the first public edifice that was dedicated to God in Galion. He erected the first saw-mill in Polk Township or near vicinity of Galion. James Nail had erected a saw-mill at a much earlier date, but, as near as can be determined, it was just without the present south line of Polk Township. Mr. Ruhl's saw-mill was on North Market street, at the creek: traces of the old race and dam are yet remaining east of the street. Michael Ruhl kept a store on the square in a frame house: Jacob Ruhl kept a tavern where the Sponhauer Block is. This was the first frame house erected in Galion or Polk Township. It had been built by Asa Hosford, who, some time before, had erected a frame barn near the old Corners, which was also the first frame barn in the township This barn was entitled to special recognition, as its walls and rafters had been witness to the word of God and hymns and prayer long before any building had, been specially consecrated to Him. Michael Ruhl kept a varied stock in his store south of the square goods of all descriptions that could be wanted in a frontier town were there. It has been n said of him, however, that he inclined to drugs, and that he carried quite a stock of medicines, patent and otherwise: also that he possessed as much medical skill as was possible without a special preparation for the practice, and was always proud to be able to assist in alleviating suffering and pain. John Ruhl. the father, died in Galion. Jacob and Michael are both dead, and Peter yet resides in Galion. Jacob has three daughters living in Galion. Mrs. O. T. Hart, Mrs. Seth Cummings and Miss Mary Ruhl. The latter lady has her home with her sister, Mrs. Seth Cummings. Mrs. O. T. Hart, while a young girl, went to school at the old log schoolhouse on Main street. One day, while they were conning over their lessons and deep in the mysteries of Webster's old speller, a man on horseback came riding from the west, at a breakneck speed; his hair was disheveled, his clothing hung in the wind, and his countenance had an appearance of abject terror. He shouted and gesticulated in a load and excited manner, saying that the Indians were coming in force, and bidding each one seek safety in flight. School was promptly dismissed, and the little ones fled with unabated sped to their homes for safety. No Indians came, and the excitement died away. No one has ever accounted for the origin of the alarm. Soon after the arrival of the Ruhls, they began to plan the work, which they afterward accomplished. They already possessed a manifest advantage in the great quantity of valuable land they possessed. and it was soon known that they were in possession of money with which they could purchase more: and they determined to possess more they bought of others such pieces as they would need to carry out their enterprise or that would sell at a good advance after their improvements were made. They were considered good men, of an enterprising nature, and valuable additions to the little community There were others in the settlement who had hoped to do much, and contemplated the very work that the Ruhls were a evidently engaged in. But they knew they could not compete with the new-comers and their wealth. The result was that they combined their labor with the Ruhls and honestly aided them in the furtherance of their plans. It is not known that any of the Ruhl family ever took advantage of any man's poverty or financial embarrassments when they 446 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. bid for their lands. When Col. Kilbourn was surveying his road from Columbus to Portland, he tried hard to get the road through James Leveredge's land, so the two road would cross considerably east of where the crossing now is. Leveredge positively refused to allow it. It had been whispered around that Col. Kilbourne intended to lay out a village about half way between Columbus and the lake, and Leveredge was bound that his farm should not be cut up into lots. In this eo showed the childish fear of a surveyor that pertains to the Indians, for the latter have a superstitious dread of surveyors. The Colonel wanted to avoid the swamp, and talked up the matter of a village to Mr. Hosford. This gentleman had not the means to do anything but became the warm friend of Col. Kilbourne. The latter had stopped a few nights with Leveredge, who charged him a high price for his entertainment. Col. Kilbourne was a little soured, and, perhaps, justly incensed against the indifference of Galion, and when his compass came to the last sight before reaching Gabon; it pointed farther west, and the road took its present location. Col. Kilbourne was bound to have his town. Soon after, he ran the road from Columbus through where Bucyrus now is, and there he planted his town. It has done well, and perhaps but for the railroad interest here, would have been much ahead of Galion, as, in fact, she was for many years. By his influence, the road became a stage route to the lake. Thus it was that the Ruhls took up the work that Col. Kilbourne had planned, and that Asa Hosford had afterward contemplated. In nearly every instance they (the Ruhls) paid the price asked, and closed the bargain with ready cash or its equivalent. We are unable to find any of the deeds, or any records of their transfers, with the exception of one, which is in the possession of Hon. O. T. Hart, of Galion, a son-in-law of Jacob Ruhl. It is a curious article of agreement between Samuel Brown and John Ruhl. At the time of the transfer, the land in question was in Sandusky Township, Richland County, the western line of the township of Sandusky being located on the west line of J. R. Clymer's orchard, and the west line of the farm in question, was the north and south quarter line, on the east line of Gill's farm. The land had been entered by Cracraft and sold to Samuel Brown. The document reads as follows: Article of agreement, made and entered into this first day of August, A. D. 1831, between Samuel Brown, of Sandusky Township, Richland Co., Ohio, yeomen, of the one part, and John Ruhl, of Sandusky Township, and Crawford County and State aforesaid, yeoman, of the other part; Witnesseth, That the said Samuel Brown, for the consideration hereinafter mentioned, doth grant, bargain and sell unto the said John Ruhl, a certain tract of land, with all thereunto belonging (excepting one acre in the southeast corner of it, which being sold for a church yard), situated in Sandusky Township, Richland County, aforesaid, being the northeast quarter of section 31, Township 20, Range 20 and containing -acres, and adjoining the public road leading from Mansfield to Bucyrus, Frederick Dickson and others, for which the said John Ruhl is to pay unto the said Samuel Brown, the sum of fifteen hundred dollars, in the manner following, viz.: Eight hundred dollars in hand on the first day of September next, and seven hundred dollars on the first day of September, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty-three. The said John Ruhl is to have six geese, six hens and one rooster, to be delivered up to the said Ruhl when said Brown gives full possession, and the said Ruld is to have liberty to cut timber, dig, etc., on said land from the date hereof, and the said Brown is to give the said Ruhl a good right and title for said tract of land when he pays the hand money. But the said Brown is to have the crops now on the ground, and have privilege to live on the said land until the first day of April next ; then he is to deliver up all unto the said John Ruhl, excepting the house now on the State road (now occupied as a schoolhouse), which, in case said Brown would not move on the first day of April next, he is to have the privilege of living in two HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 447 months after, and Sarah Brown is to have stuff for a new frock when she signs the writing. The said Brown is to have the privilege of sugar camp next to the house, and all the pasture on the farm, excepting the six-acre meadow. But Ruhl is to have privilege to plow the fields. For the true performance of the above agreements, both parties bind themselves, their heirs, executors or administrators, one to each other, in the sum of thirty hundred dollars. In witness whereof, hoth have hereunto set their hands and seals, the day and the year first above written. Witnesses: SAMUEL BROWN. [SEAL] ASA HOSFORD, JOHN BUHL [SEAL] BENJ. GROVE The burying-ground referred to is the old one east of the German Reformed Church; the schoolhouse named above was the second one built and referred to before. It was a custom in former days, that holds now in some communities, to present the wife stuff for a new frock whenever called upon to sign a deed. From this piece of land, and a corresponding piece on the south, was laid out the public square, and the first thirty-five lots of Galion. It will riot be unfair to say that the Ruhls had no idea nor fall conception of the extent to which their new town would prosper. They could have had no knowledge of the coming of railroads, for it was not till the year 1844 or 1845 that Mr. Hosford was intrusted with the developing of an interest in railroads in favor of Galion They could not have known that the Columbus and Portland wagon road would cease to be the highway to market, for the railroad from Sandusky to Mansfield had not been built. After all, they must have had undaunted courage, and strong faith in the future. At this very time, one could look around and see but few houses about the square, and fewer people, while, looking down West Main street toward the Corners, there could be seen on the north-and-south road and about the hotel and little cluster of buildings there, in almost unceasing stream of wagon, fairly blocking the roads at times. The bustle and activity of the roads crossing here had, of course, trade it an excellent tavern stand and location for post office and blacksmithshop. Otherwise, it was a poor site for a growing town or city. Any one having a proper idea of the development of our country and the growth of the State, would never have laid out a town at the Corners; but this could be known to no one. The first railroad would stub the travel to market on the wagon road, and travelers would at once have better egress and ingress at a less cost than by staging over rough roads and deep mud. Mansfield was growing; surrounding towns gave evidence of advancement; foreigners were arriving in great numbers, and the land was being rapidly taken up; travelers were numerous everywhere, and the stages and hotels were crowded with men, whose purpose and business it was to put their shoulder to the wheel, and, with mighty efforts, crowd the line of the frontier on to the west-through forest and prairie and over river and mountain. This spot where Galion now stands has grown beyond all former expectations, and the whole State now occupies a position among her sister States that is enviable in the extreme. Nor is the end yet. The city of Galion has an inherent property pertaining to its potential powers and possibilities that few realize. There are large opportunities here for manufacture and wholesale and shipping facilities that should be utilized to a far greater extent then they are at the present time. We believe that a few more years of time will give to moneyed men a realizing sense of their golden opportunities. However, returning to the Ruhls, they found their lots were having a fair sale, and quite a little business began to exist, which made some stir around the square. The business was gradually transferred from the Corners to the new plat, although it is a mistake to think that any of the buildings were removed. In 448 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. the winter of 1833, the Rulds put on another addition of thirty-three lots, and they were much pleased with the prosperity of their young city. In the year 1836, Jacob Ruhl erected a saw-mill at the creek on North Market street. The timber was heavy, and the ground wet and swampy; the handling of the timber was an herculean task, yet paid well for the investment. It was the only saw-mill in the hear vicinity, and furnished most of the sawed timber for the early-buildings on the first and second plats. The panic of 1837 had little bad effect in Galion. The Ruhls had paid, and paid well, for all they got; they had bought out Asa Hosford's hotel and nine acres; they had bought the southwest corner of the square and the frame building that was the first erected in Galion. East of the square, Samuel Brown owned on the north side, and Asa Hosford had purchased south and east of the square. Mr. Hosford had his own idea of about what he intended to do, but had no idea that any other person contemplated doing just the same thing. He had had a talk with Samuel Brown, and the two had agreed that they together would lay out a plat and become the proprietors of a village. Hosford was full of this plan and was feeling quite positive of success. Imagine his chagrin when he found that Mr. Brown had sold to the Ruhls, and the latter were at his door in a quiet, gentle and most apologetic manner in the world, begging to know how much Mr. Hosford desired for this last piece of ground. Mr. Hosford would like to have founded a town; but he was yet comparatively young and other opportunities might present themselves more favorably than the present. He accordingly asked a good high price for the land. Mr. Ruhl paid the price, and the platting went on. Thus, when the panic of 1837 came, the Ruhls were out of debt. The farmers were mostly out of debt, and the city passed through the panic with colors flying, as she did during the panic of 1873. As far as manufacturing is concerned, there was almost none in 1837. Produce brought a very low price, but it could be consumed or stored at home, and there was no crash by banks, for we had none in Galion; and what cash was in the county was in the hands of the people. As a matter of course, some lost by reason of bills that became bad while in their possession, but that was a minor evil compared with the distress in some communities. We know of one man in the West who has one room papered with bills of banks that were broken while in his possession. Directly after the war of 1812, settlers coming to Ohio paid $2 a bushel for wheat $1 for corn. Everybody sowed as much as they could and put no restrictions upon the amount they would raise. In two years wheat was 25 cents a bushel and could not be marketed when raised any distance from navigable streams, not even could the produce be traded for store goods. The result of this was that farmers raised no more than was sufficient for home consumption. Many of these men emigrated to Ohio, and some to this vicinity. They knew well from experience or tradition the results of the panic of 1815 or 1816, and treasured up wisdom for what they had anticipated. One of the duties intrusted to Asa Hosford during the session of the Legislature in the winter of 1844-45-during his visit to the State capital -was that of securing an opening through the township and city by means of a railroad. Mr. Hosford worked earnestly for this road. As first proposed, it was to end on the south at Columbus and strike the old Sandusky Mansfield & Newark Railroad at some convenient point near Shelby. Now, to fully realize the condition of affairs, it must be remembered that Polk Township and all the farming country that was nearer to Mansfield HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 449 than Sandusky, were having their trade and selling their produce at Mansfield and Shelby, Richland County, which was the most powerful county in Northern Ohio. She had brilliant men in her courts and legislative halls, among whom might be mentioned Gov. Bartley, Thomas Ford, Judge Brinkerhoof, Judge Stuart, Barnabas Burns, and hosts of others. At this time, Thomas Bartley was President of the Senate, and Hettrick was Representative. Hettrick had secured an enactment whereby that portion of Richland County that had passed into Crawford was released from taxation for public buildings for all time. But in regard to the railroad, Mansfield was the market town, and her people knew that a railroad through Galion would destroy their trade with us; and on the west at Bucyrus, they were making a desperate struggle for the county seat against Galion. Mr. Hosford succeeded in putting by the permanent location for two years, and it has been said that Galion came within one vote of securing the location here. With this opposition, Mr. Hosford had a large and formidable array of opponents and a perfect galaxy of talent against him. The Representatives from the two north and south extremes of the State were indifferent about the road, for neither extremes of the road affected them. Eventually, the Representatives of Cleveland and Cincinnati conceived the idea of projecting the proposed road from the lake at Cleveland to Cincinnati, on the Ohio River. They at once interested themselves in the project, and went to work with Mr. Hosford. They found an old charter bearing date of 1836. This charter was revived on the 15th day of March, 1845, and the road was completed in 1851, and known as the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad. It is a fact little known that Mr. Hosford never put forth any urgent claims to this honor, and has never made any clamorous demands for recognition in this respect. It is fitting in this place, to give him the credit he deserves, and recognize in him the chief worker in the interests of Galion for this railroad. The success following this enterprise was great; it took Galion from the woods and gave her a highway to the markets of the world. A great boon was this railroad to Galion; her greatest era must date from its completion; the natural growth and prosperity of Galion were immediately advanced; there were no valuable water privileges; there were no rich veins of mineral wealth hidden beneath the soil. Galion had heretofore existed as a mere convenient center for agricultural interests; there was now a road that brought foreign produce and articles of home consumption to their doors and which took in return the wheat and corn and pork of their own production. For years, Polk and Galion had gone abroad with their products in search of a market. Now there was a reversal of conditions-Galion was now a market, and others came to her to trade. Sandusky, Milan, Monroeville and Mansfield were only casually mentioned, and but few interests remained to call the citizens of Galion to these places. New settlers could reach the township and village with greater ease; goods and household furniture could be brought cheaper than by the long roads with cumbersome wagons across the mountains, through swamps and long reaches of wilderness. Gradually the property left the possession of the Ruhls, but they yet retained an influence and had considerable power in shaping the destiny of Galion. The lands changed hands rapidly; new buildings were erected, of a more modern style; new interests arose; the occupations of a large number of the citizens were changed, and from a country town Galion rapidly assumed the habits and manners of a railroad center. In the year 1840, Galion 450 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. was advanced to the dignity of a borough, the definite date of which is not known. At this time, the population of Sandusky Township was 679, and as near as can be determined, the population of Galion within its present limits, was, in 1849, but 379. Surely there must have been a sparse settlement in 1840; however, as small as it was, she elected Joel Todd for her first Mayor The first brick block in the village was erected in 1839, by Davis & Bloomer, on the northeast corner of the square, where for many years they carried on the dry-goods business. It was generally known as the "village store." This building is yet standing, and is occupied. The brick which forms it were made by Dr. Beard on the ground where now stands the Capitol Hotel. The Doctor found ample time between epidemics to manufacture brick. The first brick building for a residence was built by John Ruhl, on the property at the Corners, and is the little brick on what is known as the J. R. Clynyr property. This was followed by the brick, in the east part of the city, now known as the Harding property. Thus it will be seen that there were but three brick buildings within the present limits of the city of Galion in 1839, and each of them put on quite an aristocratic appearance. This can be readily understood when we know that the first frame building in the township was erected by Asa Hosford on the public square in the year 1832. The charter for the Bellefontaine & Indiana Railroad was issued February 25, 1848; it was completed in 1859, and consolidated with the Bellefontaine & Indianapolis Railroad, forming what is now called the Indianapolis Division of the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad; strips of land, 180 feet wide, extending from plain street to Atlantic & Great Western crossing, and from South Market street to the old junction of the Indianapolis branch with the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati road, were donated to the company by Alpheus Atwood. The old Bellefontaine & Indianapolis shops were finished in 1854. Thomas Quigley was the first master mechanic; he took the first engine, "Washington," over the road. The roundhouse was destroyed by fire in 1866, but was immediately rebuilt. When the road was completed from Galion to Marion in 1852, the shops were located at the latter place. A. M. Stewart, of Galion, was one of the first workmen employed. He afterward. in 1863, with Mr. Duck, built the cattle yards and sheds in Galion. H. S. Camp, also a resident of Galion, was employed by the company for many years at this point as agent; he sold the first ticket at Marion, using a box car for an office; the money and tickets were carried home with him every night in a tin box. Previous to the completion of this road to Galion and the location of its shops here, there were no residences south of J. U. Bloomer's residence on South Market street. Many persons, at that time, desiring to take a walk into the country, would go no farther than the residence of J. U. Bloomer's, and the present site of the Ohio & Pennsylvania Railroad depot was well into the suburbs. The Atlantic & Great Western was finished through Galion in 1863, and the shops built shortly after the completion of the road. In 1871-72, the large brick shops were erected, and a new impetus was given to the building interests of Galion. These railroads, with their immense shops, constitute the life and vitality of Galion. It has been estimated that not less than 65 per cent of our present population is composed of railroad men and their families, and the average monthly sum paid out to the employes residing in Galion was, five years ago, over $45,000. Since then the amount has increased to a much greater extent. The men from the shops of the Cleve- HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 451 land, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad, were removed to the new shops at Brightwood some few years ago; they retained some hands here, and the blacksmith department is of greater extent than at the time of removal: there are upward of a hundred men in the old shops. There are at present twenty-two day-men in engine house, and twenty three night-men: there are thirty-five helpers and forgers: twenty-three in machine shop, and twenty-two in car department. There are ninety-eight engineers and firemen, and the whole number of men in the employ of this company and residing in Galion is very near four hunched. Among the old and well-tried engineers, running now on these divisions, are, A. B. Quigley, who commenced in 1852; John Brunton, 1855: William Smith, 1853 ; Jerry Myers. Samuel Rule, Samuel Alleman, 1860. The Ohio & Pennsylvania shops are now in a prosperous condition: the men are working over hours. The immense undertaking of narrowing the gauge of the road from 6 feet to the standard of 4 feet 8 1/2 inches has caused the narrowing of all the engines and shortening the trucks on all the cars. Before the large shops were built, a portion of the roundhouse was utilized as a shop. There are accommodations for twenty-two engines in the roundhouse. All the water used about the works comes from the creek, where the company have a pump. This is about a quarter of a mile north on Edward street. The first superintendent of the third and fourth divisions was H. D. Chapin, who remained for about one and a half years. Mr. T. A. Phillipps succeeded Mr. Chapin, and has retained the position ever since. On the 6th day of January, 1880, the Atlantic & Great Western was sold by the foreclosure of mortgages, and passed into the hands of the Ohio & Pennsylvania Company. No sooner had they taken possession than they began to plan for the narrowing of the gauge, and the general improvement of the road. All being ready, on the 22d day of June, 1880, the signal was given, and from end to end of the road, men labored with might and main. This work had been so skillfully planned, every difficulty anticipated, and all preparations so accurately made, that the road was narrowed in less than half a day. Very few trains were delayed, and hardly a break occurred in the great business of this road. The work of narrowing engines is yet going on, the average cost being $1,600. If a new boiler and fire-box are required, the expense runs upward of $3,000. The machine shop proper contains the locomotive works, the smith-shop and carpentershop. Just west of the roundhouse, there is a building occupied as railshop. The cost of all the buildings connected with local work has been estimated at nearly $100,000. The first master mechanic of these shops was James Ball; the date at which Ball took possession was 1864; H. M. Sprague succeeded Mr. Ball in 1866: Mr. Sprague remained till 1861, when Allen Cook succeeded him; in 1873, C. W. Butts succeeded Cook; it was during the stay of Mr. Butts that a large portion of the machinery was put in place; on the 1st of July, William Hill became the master mechanic, and has retained his position ever since. Mr. Hill made large additions to the tools, and successively introduced new machinery. In the same office with Mr. Hill are Mr. P. H. Martin, locomotive clerk for third and fourth divisions, and Samuel Parsons, assistant locomotive clerk for third and fourth divisions. Both these gentlemen have been long connected with the shops here, and are well acquainted with all the minutiae and details of their history. A. M. Brown is foreman of the machine shop; William Price, foreman of blacksmith-shop; Robert Laird, 452 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. foreman of boiler-shop; James Spittle, foreman of coppersmith-shop; A. M. Ball is engine dispatcher and foreman of roundhouse, and is the oldest man on the road; Ed Schrock is store-keeper; A. N. Monroe is foreman of carpenter-shop; C. H. Newell, foreman paintshop; Hugh Ross has charge of the rail-shop, and Col. J. W. Holmes is superintendent of car repairs. Among some of the oldest engineers connected with the road are L. C. Harriman, J. T. Pinckney, J. T. Wright, J. C. Bull, J. M. Dando and E. A. Gurley. For several months the average number of men employed in the shops has been 362, including engineers and firemen of third and fourth divisions. The average pay to each man by the day is $1.93, excluding those employed by the month, whose pay monthly amounts to $710. The average monthly pay to the shop department is $21,500. All this does not include the superintendent's office. There the pay-rolls are made up of the conductors, brakemen, and the monthly men in their department. For some considerable time, the subject of making Galion a city of the second class had been in contemplation. A number of times a vote was taken and the people declined to favor it. Finally, in 1878, a charter was secured, and an election ordered. The city is divided into four wards, each of which was entitled to two Councilmen. Abraham Underwood was elected Mayor the last election before the charter was received. James R. Homer was elected Mayor; John D. De Golley, Solicitor; H. C. Sponhauer, Treasurer. Members of Council-First Ward, M. Wider and C. R. Miller; Second Ward, H. Helfrich and D. Hoover; Third Ward, Samuel Myers and A. Long; Fourth Ward, David Mackey and P. Daily. D. T. Price, Marshal. The names and the date of the election of each Mayor, from the advance of Galion to a borough, up to the time of the charter election, are given below with as much accuracy as is possible. Joel Todd, 1840, Daniel Hoover, 1846 (Mr. Hoover resigned one year after election, to take the post office under President Polk); Alpheus Atwood. unknown: George Downer, unknown; Andrew Poe. 1858: W. C. Parsons, 1860 and 1862; Charles Quigley, 1864; Peter Cress, 1866; M. V. Payne, 1868; O. T. Hart, 1870; H. Burn:, 1872 (resigned, and Samuel Myers elected to finish the term): Jacob Meuser, 1874 (resigned, and Wilson Armstrong elected to serve out the term): W. I. Goshorn, 1876: Abraham Underwood, 1878; charter election was in 1879, au J. R. Homer elected first Mayor of the city. Part of the time while Galion was a borough, the term of office for mayor was two years, the balance of the time being but for one year. The assessed valuation of Galion was, in 1860, $374,757; In 1870, $759,578; In 1879, it was $1,500,330; and in 1880 about $2,120,000. There was no separate census of Galion prior to 1860, at which time the population was 1,965. In 1870, the population had increased to :,523. At the present census (1880) there is a population of 5.634. Since 1874, the population has increased over 2,000, and the valuation has increased about $1,250,000. In 1874, the city and school debt of Galion was $74,792. In October, 1880, the debt is about $17,000, and provisions are made for liquidating the last cent of indebtedness in 1873. By that time, Galion will be read for new enterprises and projects for advancement toward her destiny. Of the various industries of the city of Gabon, we may mention " The Galion Machine Works" as entitled to notice, as they deserve a much greater consideration than is generally accorded them. The immense railroad-shops in the near vicinity overshade them in impor- HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 453 tance, but, when we examine into the business of these works, it will be discovered that good work has been done. They were established in 1854, and at the time of starting, the works consisted of one frame building, which was devoted to the casting of small articles used mostly by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. In 1856, the foundry was destroyed by fire, but by the energy of the proprietors, Messrs Sqnier Homer, it was soon rebuilt and in one month from the fire was at work in the new quarters. In 1858, the machine shop was added by a Mr. Holms, who was the owner of the same for eight years, at the expiration of which time he was succeeded by J. B. McClinton, who shortly afterward associated his brother with him as a partner, under the firm name of McClinton & Brother. This was the style for three years. when the firm was known as McClinton & Co., and remained as such until July 1875, when the present owners (the hitter going into to firm in 1867) took solo charge of the machine shop. The machine shop and main building is a two story brick, 30 x 50 feet: the engine-room, 20 x 25 feet: the foundry-room, 40 x 60 feet: core-room, 12 x 20 feet. There are, in addition to these different departments, a paint and blacksmith shop and a pattern and storage room. All of these buildings occupy on the ground a surface of 132 x 150 feet. Constant employment is given to fifteen men, all of whom are experts in the different departments wherein they work. The engine has a power of twenty-five horse, and the machinery is of the best and most approved patterns and fully adequate to the purposes intended. Both members of the firm are practical molders and have worked for wages. They are the kind of men that lead in their trades, and whose word and integrity are unquestioned. The senior member of the firm had charge of Woodruff & Beach's machine shop, at Hartford, Conn., for a number of years. J. R. Homer has held the office of United States Gauger for the Eighteenth District; he has also been member of the Board of Education. Mr. Homer landed in Galion with 50 cents in his pocket. This, with his honorable character and integrity, has made him one of the most respected citizens in the city He was elected -Mayor (although a Republican in principle) in a largely Democratic city, at the first charter elected in Galion. His 50 cents, with the other requisites, have brought him a fine residence, with other real estate, and a good paying business. His partner, Mr. A. C. Squier, is also a man of indomitable will and perseverance. He is a master mechanic, and was connected with the machine works of Welch, Gray & Co., Bristol, Conn. This firm is manufacturing largely portable and stationary steam engines, Star feed cutters, saw-mills, wood-saws, etc. They also do all kinds of foundry work, and are prepared to repair engines, threshers, mowers and farming implements. The shops are located on Washington street, east of Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad Freight Office. One of the most important considerations in the advantages of a city is its banking facilities. Much of the prosperity of a city may depend upon the integrity of these institutions. Like all other powers, with capabilities of working good, they may, when misused, be the instrument of great harm. When badly managed or dishonestly conducted, they, may plunge a city into distress, paralyze manufactures, and bring disaster and ruin to almost every industry. During the last financial panic, when neighboring cities were so suddenly plunged into debt and bankruptcy, and the whole county suffered so severely, the banks of Galion stood firm and true to the interests of all trusts reposed in them. There are now in operation two national banks. 454 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. Their career, from the first beginning to the present, has been one of prosperity. They both enjoy the confidence of the community, and their credit is enviable. So it has ever been in the whole history of the banking business of Galion. Not one cent has ever been lost to a depositor, nor has any one ever suffered from bad credit. The first bank established in Galion was a private institution, owned and conducted by John S. Davis and John U. Bloomer. They commenced operations in the year 1852. It was not a bank of issue, nor has there ever been such a one in Galion. This bank was located in the room now occupied by C. Fox as a clothing store, on East Main street. For seven or eight years, these gentlemen conducted their business with profit to themselves and convenience to the people. On the 22d day of February, 1864, the First National Bank was organized. It absorbed within itself the private bank of Davis & Bloomer, these gentlemen entering prominently into the new organization. The First National Bank of Galion has a capital stock of $50,000, divided into 500 shares of $100 each. The first President of the concern was C. S. Crimm; J. U. Bloomer was Cashier and Miles Hosford, Teller. Crimm remains President; O. L. Hays is Cashier, and W. P. Stentz, Assistant Cashier. The banking-rooms are conveniently and pleasantly located in the First National Bank Building, on the northwest corner of the public square. The Citizens' Bank was organized July 25, 1866. There was invested a capital stock of $20,000. The first officers were John Beatty, President, and J. H. Green, Cashier. The bank was conducted under the above title for about six years. The rooms were in the building on South Market street, now owned by Dr. C. S. Coyle. On the 2d day of June 1872, it was incorporated as a national bank, at the same time the capital stock being increased to $60,000. About the year 1872, the association bought ground on the southeast corner of the square, and erected a brick block, and removed the bank to this place. The President is I. H. Pennock; Vice President, A. Long; Cashier, J. H. Green, and Assistant Cashier, Austin Lowe. The Citizens' Building Association, of Galion, was organized the 3d of August, 1872. The authority upon which this association is founded is as follows: We, the undersigned residents and citizens of the incorporated village of Galion, Ohio, to wit, James H. Green, J. G. Meuser, S. G. Cummings, Henry Van find C. Ernst Klopp, desiring to organize a company for the purpose of raising moneys to be loaned among the members of such company for use in buying lots, or houses, or building or repairing houses, agree to become a body corporate, under the act of the Legislature of the State of Ohio, passed May 5, 1868, and the amendments thereto, and upon the terms and conditions following, to wit : The name and style of the company shall be "The Citizens' Building -Association of Galion, Ohio," and its place of doing business at Galion, in Crawford County. The capital stock of the company shall be three hundred thousand dollars, divided into fifteen hundred shares of two hundred dollars each. In testimony whereof, the parties aforesaid have hereunto subscribed their names and affixed their seals this 3d day of August, A. D. 1872. J. H.. GREEN J. G. MEUSER, S. G. CUMMINS, H. NAU, C. ERNST KLOPP. The officers, at the time of organization, were David Mackey, President; J. G. Meuser, Secretary; Citizens National Bank, Treasurer. Directors-David Mackey, S. G. Cummings, C. Ernst Klopp, A. M. Brown, F. A. Keen, James Marshman, J. Jacob Schaefer. The shares have been reduced to about 1,100, the limit being between 500 and 1,500. This association is a solid concern, and is of real benefit in assisting worthy persons to build, HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 455 buy or repair homes for themselves. The terms upon which its members receive assistance are easy and just. The association is doing a good, safe and prosperous business. The mercantile business of Galion is similar to that of cities generally of the same size. There is some considerable jobbing of hardware, oils, etc. There are the usual number and quality of stores, and in no wise does Galion differ from other towns in dry goods, groceries, hardware, furniture, clothing, etc. Proper advantage has not been taken of all the facilities for trade as should have been done. Every enterprise in Galion, and every business that has been well and properly conducted, has succeeded, and this argues well that the railroad facilities might well be utilized in building up more than one good trade. A good woolen mill was once in operation in the city, but did not survive its trial. There is no doubt but this, as well as many other enterprises, will, within a few years, be in successful operation. The character of a city is known by its hotels, and in this respect Galion presents a good showing. The Capitol Hotel was first opened by John Tracey in 1853. He did not run it long before he was succeeded by Terry Harding. Mr. Harding was succeeded by Oliver Ruck, who, in 1870, was succeeded by C. E. Pratt, now of the Miltenberger House of Bellefontaine. Mr. Pratt enlarged, improved and refurnished the building. J. F. Mohen bought out Mr. Pratt, and ran the hotel the month of October, 1880, when it was bought by H. H. Elliot, of the Simms House, Bucyrus, and Will J. Ryan, of Galion. Fred Ticknor, of Bucyrus, and formerly of Weddel Struburger's House, of Cleveland, will represent Mr. Elliot. There are fifty rooms furnished in a superior and comfortable style. The hotel is located at Nos. 107, 109 and 111 East Main street, and has a frontage of 99 feet, while it extends back 198 feet. It is a handsome three-story brick structure, with some show of Gothic in its architecture, while a Mansard roof surmounts the building. Its capacity is for seventy-five persons, and the dining-room will seat fifty people. It is well conducted and is excellent in all its appointments. The Central House was built by Joel and David Riblet in 1851. They occupied it as a dry goods store and dwelling. At this time, the little hotel opposite, where Jacob Ruhl had kept tavern, was occupied by Michael Matthius. David and Joel Riblet had kept the same hotel in 1848. In 1852, Brown & McMillan opened a hotel in the brick building, and called it the Western. It was extended back by the Riblets, but the third story was added after it left their possession. It has changed hands, and now several parties have an interest in the building. One of the present proprietors took possession of the hotel (now called Central) in 1874, by virtue of having purchased the interest of Mr. W. W. Reed; October 9, 1878, George H. Stringham became a full partner. The house is centrally located, as regards the business and residences of the city. It has a frontage of 99 feet on Main street, and extends back 198 feet. There are sixty-six sleeping rooms, three large sample rooms and a dining-room with a capacity of sixty seats. There are thirteen servants employed. The Galion House is situated on South Market street, just over the Ohio & Pennsylvania depot. This hotel has, within a year, been repaired and refurnished by J. Garver. It is convenient to the depot and shops. It is a frame building without any pretentious look, but it is popular among the railroad men and enjoys its full share of patronage. A large number of the houses in Galion have boarders. Every building, every room, is utilized. The number of mechanics makes 456 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. it necessary to have these boarding-houses or more taverns. Five times the votes of any district generally amounts to the same as the population. But five times the number of voters in Galion would give us a population of nearly 7,000. Thus it can be seen that there is quite an excess of unmarried men, for the population is actually only 5,300 in round numbers. Nothing so accurately measures the social condition of a community as the amount and kind of literary matter that is read. The newspaper business commenced early in the history of Galion. The changes in politics and names of proprietors of newspaper, and the names of the papers themselves, would constitute a lengthy sketch of itself. A full history of the press of Galion can be found in another chapter of this work, devoted to the press of the county, and hence will not be repeated here. The National Mills, one of the solid concerns of Galion, were established by David & Parson over twenty years ago. They have passed through various hands. were successively improved, until purchased by C. & F. Nachtrieb, twelve or fourteen years ago, from Snyder & Brothers. When they Nachtriebs took hold of these mills their capacity was not very great. They put in a new boiler and machinery and enlarged the building, about one year after the new boiler had been put in, it exploded, and caused a damage of $3,000 to $4,000. In 1877, the mills were overhauled again, and machinery put in of a later pattern. Later, other improvements were made. These mills have a capacity for 100 barrels of flour per day. They do both custom and merchant work. Their trade is mostly in Pennsylvania and New York. The company are manufacturing their own barrels, and employ eight to ten men night and day; a switch running to the mills connects with the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad. Charles and Frederick Nachtrieb, the proprietors, are both natives of Germany. In 1865, F. W. Johnson and William Patrick , entered into the lumber and coal business. This forms a very important interest in this part of Ohio. Much capital has been invested by the present firm. Johnson, Linsley & Co., and the business requires considerable skill in keeping up with the trade and studying the new demands constantly made. The firm has two branch lumberyards in other towns, which will show at once their ability in building up such a trade. They carry a stock of 1,250,000 feet of lumber, and do an animal business of over $150,000. On the pay-rolls there are forty mines. There are two foremen, and T. H. Linsley acts as book-keeper. In 1854, John Kraft erected a brewery, west of Gallon. He is a German, and early learned the practical part of the business of brewing. He was succeeded in the business by his, son. John Kraft, Jr.. in 1866, who enlarged and improved the business. The main building is brick, 40 x 60 feet, and three stories high. The capacity of this brewery is 8,000 barrels per annum. Gallon consumes of this product about 2,400 barrels. The brewery is now conducted by Daniel Roth. The Tyler Organ Company was established in April, 1879, with its place of business on the northeast corner of the square, in the old brick. In June of the same year, the company was re-organized and the name changed to that of the "Empire Organ Company," The quarters were removed to the old planing-mill on South Market street, near Pennsylvania &, Ohio Railroad depot. This building was remodeled to meet the requirements of the company, and a dry-kiln erected on the grounds, by means of which they are assured HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 457 of the perfect seasoning of the lumber used. Two gentlemen of this company, Mr. Tyler and Mr. Whitney, have been employed as master mechanics in many of the largest establishments in the United States. They have agents throughout Ohio and adjoining States. The company employs constantly about fifteen men, and sales have progressed steadily from one organ per week up to seven. They are at this time putting in nearly $1,000 worth of new machinery, and intend enlarging the capacity of the building. The amount of sales, when compared with the length of time the works have been established, is sufficient evidence of the quality of their ware. Mr. Tyler has added to these organs certain improvements of his own invention. Mr. Whitney and Mr. Tyler are both fine musicians, and their personal supervision over the whole establishment, and their inspection of each piece in detail, as well as of the instruments complete, makes a double guarantee of their perfection. It was in the year 1824 that Galion received a post office. As stated in the preceding chapter, it was at the old Corners, and Horace Hosford, a brother of Asa Hosford, was the first Postmaster. It can easily be imagined that the duties pertaining to postal matters were not arduous. Mr. Hosford relates that an average of one letter per day, as long as he was the public functionary, was considered evidence of a flourishing condition of that department. Letters could be sent without prepayment of postage. If a young man in Galion corresponded with his lady love, and she resided over 500 miles from him, it cost him 50 cents a month to pay for her letters and his own, providing each wrote once a month. This was a fearful drain on the pocket of a lover, and the flame would necessarily be warm and ardent when it consumed such precious fuel. The amount of postage at that time was regulated by the distance the mail matter was carried. The mail came by stage from Bucyrus and Mansfield, and was carried by the Ohio stage line, running originally from Pittsburgh to Mansfield. The line was extended afterward to Bucyrus, and mail was taken every Wednesday to the latter place. As the county settled up, the stages were increased and the number of post offices multiplied. The stages were the old style rockaway, on strap springs, painted a wine and bright red color. They were generally drawn by four horses in winter, and when the roads were good in summer they got along with two horses. There were two boots on the stage, one behind and one in front under the driver's feet. These stages were intended to carry fifteen persons, twelve inside and three outside, including the driver. There was a seat at each end, and a double one in the middle, each seat capable of holding three persons. Straps were placed across the stage in front of each seat, on which the passenger leaned or held on with his hands. But for these protecting straps, the lurching and swaying of the stage in chuck-holes would throw the passengers about indiscriminately. The horses, and generally the driver, were changed at Riblet's hotel. There was a stage arrival every day, one from Mansfield, and the next days return from Bucyrus. Among the drivers of this old set of Jehus were Eri Hosford, Samuel Casey, Joel Riblet, John Snyder, Benjamin Hoover, John Hoover, Joe Hoover, and, occasionally, Dunk Mitchell. At a later day, Thomas Holton and Peter Ackerman. Once William Hoover, in driving from Galion to Riblet's Corners, became a little anxious about not seeing some feature of the general muster which was then going on in the fields near the hotel. On the way, a linch-pin was lost from a hind axle, and in going down a hill the wheel ran off and upset the coach. No 458 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. one was hurt, and all the passengers took the back track to search for the linchpin, which was found after an hour's delay, half a mile back. Mr. Riblet gave up the tavern business to his son-in-law, Mr. Samuel Shunk, and then built for himself a fine brick residence on East Main street, and removed to Galion in the year 1854. Under Pierce's administration, Mr. Riblet was made Postmaster of Galion, and served up to the administration of President Lincoln. Mr. Riblet occupied a prominent position, and was identified with many of the interests of Galion after his removal. He had been a Justice of the Peace for eighteen years. He was elected to serve as State Representative for two terms-from 1840 to 1844. He was also, in 1852, elected a member of the State Senate. He died in 1865, and was buried in the cemetery that he donated and named. The Postmasters of Galion, as far as is known, were Horace Hosford, who, in 1821, kept the office in connection with his store at the old Corners; Jonathan Ayers was Postmaster, but for how long a time or where he kept the office we have been unable to ascertain; Solomon Nave kept the office in a small frame building near the square, where Anthony Long now lives; Ran Hoover, as Postmaster, occupied a hewed-log building on the lot opposite the Capitol House, where he carried on the business of wheelwright and chair-making; Mr. Hoover was Postmaster for four years; Jacob Bryfugle kept the office on the Anthony Long property, where Solomon Nave had occupied; John S. Davis, in Davis & Bloomer's brick block, where the latter carried on the business of dry goods; Dan Riblet first kept the office in the dry goods store of Joel and Jacob Riblet, where George Snyder's grocery now is; afterward, Mr. Riblet erected a small frame building for the purpose, where Burgest & Deitrich's tin and stove store now is, and back of the Central Hotel. Mr. Carhert was appointed Postmaster at the beginning of President Lincoln's administration. His brother, E. Y. Sinith, was deputized to conduct the business of the office. As soon as Mr. Smith had possession, he removed the office to a frame building where, Kesselmier's Block now stand. During the service of E. Y. Smith, which was sixteen years and nine months, the office was located in quite a number of different places. Once it was where Mackey's Block now stands; for a time in Howard's Block; once on North Market street, and the last time in Keene's Block; Robert Cowden became Postmaster January 29, 1878, and is still in the office. Mr. Cowden removed the office to the north part of the First National Bank building, where it has remained ever since. Galion Post Office became a money-order office while Mr. Smith was acting as Postmaster, on the 21st day of July, 1871. As the city and township business increased, the authorities began to agitate the question of building a public edifice for the use of officers, court-room, etc. In 1873, the authorities of Polk Township and the corporation of Galion entered into an agreement to erect jointly a building for the above purpose. It was agreed that the township should pay one-third and own an undivided interest of one-third the building, and the corporation to pay two-thirds and own a two-thirds interest. There was much discussion in regard to the location of the building. Long remonstrances were signed and presented to the Council, and, before the site was selected, this question became an issue in the elections. Eventually, a part of Lot 48, original plat of Galion, was selected. The size of the building was to be 66x 75 feet, three stories high, to be built of brick and stone. Plans and specifications were agreed upon, and the contract awarded to George Wimmie in 1875, and it was fin- PAGE 459 - PICTURE OF JOHN TRIMBLE PAGE 460 - BLANK HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY, - 461 ished the following year. At the time the plan was completed, Sam Myers was Mayor: M. Doty, clerk of corporation, and J. G. Meuser, clerk of township. The lower story of the building has one storeroom. two election rooms (one for city and one for township), one room for Star steamer and hose cart, and one jailroom. The second story has six rooms, Mayor's and Justice's court-room. Council room, firemen's room, one room to be used temporarily as infirmary, and one that is open for rent. In the third story is the opera hall, a good room with stage complete, and twenty-six changes of scenery. It is so arranged that the township receives two-thirds of all rents from opera house, and one-third from the rents below. The ground upon which the building stands was purchased at a cost of $3,500. The building cost $26,336.22, and is a good one and well worth the money expended upon it: yet many of the citizens remain dissatisfied with the location. Especially is this the case as regards the opera hall. During the last year. Dr. H. R. Ke11y , David Stout and John Riblet, who own the building, have fitted up the hall in the upper story of the Sponhauer Block. The stage has been enlarged new scenery painted. and the hall generally remodeled. For convenience of location, this is an excellent improvement, and the manner in which the hall is patronized gives evidence of its appreciation. Galion has been one of the muddiest cities in the State. No one can conceive of any worse condition of roads than those in this vicinity. About the first sidewalk put down in the town was a walk around the square. A double row of logs extended around and were slightly raised from the ground. The upper surfaces of the logs were hewn flat, and answered the purpose very well. The Supervisors annually worked the streets and extended the poll-tax, but Market and Main streets refused to be dry. During the winter of 1879-80, there was so much open weather that the streets were in a semi-liquid condition most of the time. So terribly bad was the condition of the city at this time, that the people became in earnest in demanding that something be done. It is not difficult to grade the streets of Galion, but they are little better when graded than before. In the spring a petition, signed by a majority of the resident property-holders, was sent to the City Council, demanding that Market and Main street., be graded and paved in some manner. There were many suggestions, and considerable investigation into the best method and the best material. F. L. Krouse, civil engineer, was called to Galion. elected City Engineer, and proceeded to advise and assist. Piking was decided upon, and was to extend from about one and one-half blocks west of the square on Main street over the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad on the east, and from the square on south to the depot on Market street. Plans and specifications were made, and an invitation to bid for the work published. The contract was awarded to Gray & Co., of Cleveland. The whole design of the work, including all the details, is excellent. It will not fail to enhance the value of property in the city, and those two streets will serve as a model that we think many other streets will copy more or less from. The amount of money spent on these two streets will amount to upward of $30,000. It was during the year of 1859 that Galion came from darkness into light. Before this time, her citizens waded mud, fell into chuckholes, and stranded themselves generally over dry goods boxes, hogsheads, and such things as usually give evidence of prosperity and home consumption. The location of the gas manufactory was near the railroad on Main 462 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. street. The construction of the works was intrusted to William Stephenson. About two miles of wooden pipe was put down, which served their purpose for twelve years. The stockholders in this company lost all they put in it. The stock was all absorbed; there never was a dividend, and every one had assessments. Principal among the stockholders were Dr. John Reisinger, Martin Sponhauer, William Hays, Joel Riblet, David Riblet, Jacob Riblet and others. The old gas factory was removed to its present location about eight years ago. The old factory was sold at Sheriff's sale, and bid in by W. Hays. Mr. Hays sold to Miller &; Kuhn, of Pennsylvania. They kept the factory at the old place for a short time, and removed the wooden pipes and replaced them with iron. They also laid down considerable more pipe, and increased the works to a greater extent. In 1872, they built the works where they are now located, on East Church street. Their contract price with the city is $1.75 per thousand foot for gas. It was made a stock company a few years ago, but Miller & Kuhn retain a controlling interest. We are informed that in the early times of Galion, each available citizen was a self-constituted member of the fire department. As soon as the alarm was given, each one seized a pail and rushed to the scene of action. It was seldom that much order existed and each one worked with a will, but independent of all others. Later in the history of the town, a brigade was formed, which was capable of doing much good. Two rows of men were formed, extending from the water supply to the conflagration. The pails full of water were passed hastily along one line and returned empty along the other. Afterward, when the small rectangular boxes, with pumps in them, came into use, the brigade emptied the water into the box. These boxes held from one to three barrels of water, and were set on low trucks. A pump was placed in the box, but there was no auction, however, and the lids of the box had to be kept shut while pumping. From four to six men could work at the levers. A tongue was attached to the forward trucks, by which the whole apparatus was drawn. About the first fire that occurred after this box had been purchased, the citizens made a great discovery. It was found that it was just as well to pour the water from the pails on the fire as to pump it after it had been carried to the vicinity of the conflagration Immediately upon this discovery, the crowd began to jeer and make merry over the fire department. and so ashamed and disgusted were some present that the innocent little piece; of mechanism very narrowly escaped being thrown into the burning building. It was called the " Protection." and was purchased by the Council in 1852, at the instigationtion of Dr. John Reisinger and Jacob Riblet, who were both members of the Council. Jacob Riblet lent the village S100 with which to purchase it. It was soon sold as a garden sprinkler. In 1853, the Council deemed it best to provide some more efficient method of combating fire. Much discussion and many disagreements eventuated in the purchase of the "Phoenix" hand fire engine. This was a great advance in the utility and importance of the fire department, yet the growing burg must needs learn by experience that which she could learn in no other way. The Phoenix was an excellently made engine, tremendously heavy and low built. She had been intended for Cleveland for use upon paved streets, but about that time steam fire engines were coming into use, and Cleveland did not want her. Andrew Poe was the first foreman. It had considerable effect upon the fun-loving portion of the community to see this valiant fore- HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 463 man at the end of the rope--his pants tucked into his stockings, with himself and the engine stuck in the mud The engine could throw a considerable volume of water to a good height. Soon after her purchase. Jacob Riblet. who had opposed the purchase on the ground of her heaviness. made a bet of a keg of beer to the company that they could not throw water to the top of Wimmie's Block. The bet was accepted, and Jacob ascended the roof with an umbrella. The company won the beer and thus demonstrated the capabilities of the Phoenix on dry land. But when Galion assumed her lacustrine condition. the Phoenix would sink to the bottom. She was housed, with her hose-cart, in a little tumble-down brick on the northwest corner of Atwood and South Market streets. The village there owned seventy-one feet front, running back to the alley; a small building in front was used for jail and engine house. The building was condemned as unsafe and was torn down, and a new and substantial brick building was erected farther back on the lot, which is now used for engine house, jail and firemen's room. The building faces Atwood street. The reason of setting it back was, that a market house had been contemplated on the portion facing Market street ; but the east front was sold, and the project of a market-House failed. In the year 1856, the Phoenix engine was traded to Button & Blake, of Cincinnati, for the ''Niagara,'' now in use and housed in the engine-house on Atwood street. The authorities paid to the Cincinnati firm $800 as the difference between the two engines. The first officers of the Niagara were Dick Watkins, Foreman, and A. M. Brown. Assistant Foreman. After purchasing the Niagara it was found one hose-cart was unable to carry all the hose required, and in order to overcome this difficulty. a second hose-cart was purchased. The present Foreman of Niagara Fire Company is E. Fissel. The fire apparatus, etc., are in the comfortable rooms in the brick building on Atwood street. The firemen are well uniformed and properly disciplined, and know well what is expected of them, and. undoubtedly, are well aware of the many responsibilities resting upon them. They are well worthy of the esteem bestowed upon them by the people, and no fear need be entertained but that they will be as brave and daring in danger as the occasion may require. October 10, 1872, the corporation purchased the Star Steam Fire Engine of Ahrens & Co., Cincinnati. The cost was $4,500, The hosecart was purchased at Akron, Ohio. The steamer and hose are housed in the City Hall building. Jacob Lamb is Foreman of Star Company. and H. McFarquer, engineer. Their room is on the second floor of the city hall building. The whole fire department of Galion belongs to the " Firemen's Volunteer Association of Northern Ohio." Two of their annual tournaments have been held in Galion, the last one September, 1880. Wherever men live or dwell, whether on sea or on land, and no matter what cares or other sorrows burden them down, there is always one awful and solemn duty that must be prepared for and performed. Every nation, every tribe, are bound to certain and various customary rites and ceremonies and methods of disposing of the departed dead. We have before alluded to the Indian burying ground on the Gill farm, with some few of their methods of sepulture. It is the oldest city of the dead in the township. We give what James Nail, an old settler, says of our oldest burying-ground, used by early settlers. It was embodied in a communication written by him to the Crawford County Farmer: "In early pioneer days, before any graveyard was 464 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. started in the eastern part of the county, it was the custom of the people to bury their dead in favorable localities on their newly cleared farms. As the neighborhood improved, the settlers conceived the necessity of purchasing a site for a burying-ground, when John Williamson, James Nail and others selected an acre of ground out of the corner of the northeast quarter of Section 31, Township 20, Range 20, in what was then Sandusky Township, Richland County, but is now Polk Township, Crawford County, in the present limits of Galion, situated on Main street, immediately east of the German Reformed Church. This land belonged to Samuel Brown, and, being in the woods, covered with timber, such as beech, maple and underbrush, was bought for $5. They paid for it, and the deed was written in the name of John Williamson and others, to be used for burial purposes forever. This deed was left in Squire Williamson's hands, and unfortunately was never recorded. These men then employed a man by the name Sedorus, for $14, who chopped off and cleared away the timber and made the ground fit for use. This was before Galion was laid out. In every transfer of the farm from that day to this, we are informed that this acre, consecrated to the dead, has been reserved for that purpose. The first or second grave was for a child of James Nail, who has eight members of his family sleeping there-two wives and six children. One of the original purchasers-Mr. William Neal-has been one of the men to keep this graveyard under fence and repair, from the time of its purchase to the present time, at an expense to him of more than $100. The last payment, $25, was made some fourteen years ago, to H. C. Carhart and James W. Gill, for the present fence. Many suppose that the graves lying in the street belong to the graveyard. This is a mistake. These graves were made on the corner of the farm owned by Benjamin Leveredge, Esq., which joined Mr. Brown's farm." The last person buried in this graveyard was Mr. John Williamson. It was done by his request, as he desired to lie by the side of his family, who had previously been buried there. Good old Benjamin Leveredge lies beneath Main street, opposite this old gravel yard. When Main street was laid out, it followed the quarter line and lapped over the edge of Mr. Leveredge's farm, and covered the spot consecrated by him as a private burying-ground. Another old burying ground lies in the northeast quarter of what is now known as Union Green Cemetery. The ground was donated for the purpose by Jacob Ruhl. Additions were made to this gift sometime afterward by the Lutherans. The last addition was made by Daniel Riblet, who, in 1861, gave a strip of land on the south side of the original grounds, inclosed the whole of it and laid it out. To the whole piece he gave the name of Union Green Cemetery, under which name it has been used ever since. North of Union Green Cemetery, and adjoining it is the Catholic Cemetery. This was opened for burial purposes at a later date and has been in use only since the establishment of Catholic societies in Galion. No dead are interred here but those having membership in the church of the Catholic faith. It does not bear the crowded appearance of the other cemeteries, and is kept in very good repair. All of these cemeteries are located almost in the midst of the city, and are strangely out of place. The city has improved so rapidly in population and growth, that some of her institutions, adapted to the village only, have fallen behind in comparative worth. Nothing connected with a city, growing as Galion is, can be more worthy of attention than the cemeteries. It would be HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 465 folly to expend much on these old cemeteries, and it is with great pleasure that the citizens notice a recent act of the Common Council and Trustees of the Township, whereby a tax of one-fourth of a mill is to be levied on all taxable property in township and city for the purpose of obtaining a new cemetery. A fine gravel knoll is to be selected, if possible, within a mile of the city, and improved with drives and walks, with beautiful designs in landscape gardening. Such a place as this, in some sightly location, away from the hum of industry and the busy scenes of the city, would give that peace and quiet that should pertain to the city of the dead. Such a place is to be selected with no thoughts of temporary use, but with the full idea of permanence. Then we can ornament and beautify with no fears of removal or dread of over-crowding, but with hopes of a perpetual rest for the remains of our friends and kin. There is no question but that this work will soon be done, and thus save much labor in the future, of removing bodies to the new site which are now almost daily being deposited in the old grounds. When the new cemetery is ready and the bodies removed from the old one, the city of Galion will have ample room in the latter place for the park which has been in contemplation so long.