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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 623 CHAPTER XXIII. CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP- DESCRIPTIVE-EARLY SETTLEMENT-INDIANS-CRANBERRY MARSH- INDUSTRIES-NEW WASHINGTON-SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES, THIS township derives its name from the extensive cranberry marsh lying in the southwestern part. As far as can be learned, in the date of its creation was irrevocably lost when the court house was burned. soon after the organization of the county. The township is peculiarly situated. comprising land lying on either side of the eastern boundary of an extensive tract of land, known after 1820, as the New Purchase. The three tiers of sections on the east belonged to the “Three-Mile Strip," a narrow tract of land lying next east of the boundary mentioned above, and the tier of sections on the west and the fractional tier lying next east of the western tier, were portions of the New Purchase. That portion of the township lying east of the eastern boundary of the New Purchase, was surveyed in 1807, by Maxfield Ludlow, but it was not until after 1820 that the remainder of the township was laid out into sections. In February 1820, the Ohio Legislature passed an act to organize a number of counties out of the eastern side of the New Purchase and Crawford County was among the number organized. These new counties were surveyed and laid off into townships and sections, but the townships were at first known only by their numbers and ranges. Afterward. when settlers began to come in. the townships were christened. so to speak, and the necessary officers elected. The boundaries of Cranberry have been frequently changed and in early times, were not as they are at present. When it first received its name is indeterminate, but it is quite certain that in 1827, it was known as Cranberry, and, at that time, included the present Chatfield Township, and perhaps others. This is true. because, when Andrew Jackson was elected President of the United States for his first term, the few settlers n Chatfield came to the cabin of Joshua Chilcote, in Cranberry, to poll their votes. renderng it certain that the latter township had been created a year or two previously, and that its officers had been duly elected. There were some fifteen or sixteen votes cast at the time, seven of them coming from Cranberry; and the remainder from Chatfield or other townships. In the year 1835, when Sandusky Township was divided and .Jackson Township created. Sections 34, 35 and 36 were annexed to Cranberry, and. as near as can be learned, the township at that time took its present size and shape. It lies wholly on the northern slope of the Ohio water-shed, and is drained on the northern and eastern sides by several leading tributaries of Huron River, and on the western side by Sycamore Creek, a winding branch of Sandusky River. This creek has its source in the cranberry marsh. The surface of the township is generally flat, though in the northern half it becomes Gently undulating. Here are seen evidences of those glacial rides which run east anal west across Northern Ohio, although they are broken and irregular. The soil is deep and black, and largely alluvial in the southern half, while in the northern portion it assumes a lighter color, and contains quite a percentage of course sand and heavy tenacious clay. This clay is excellent for brick, tile and pottery, and has been thus used. The soil has great strength, and year after year the same crop can be raised on one piece of land, without any appreciable decrease in the quantity or quality produced. The drift deposits are deep, and no stream has yet cut through them 624 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. far enough to expose the underlying rock. No quarries have yet been opened. A few sulphur springs and wells are found. though there are none of any great value or note. The soil, from the earliest times, has sadly needed artificial drainage, and it has only been comparatively late that the large ponds of stagnant water have been turned into some of the neighboring streams. Until about twenty-five years ago, the cranberry marsh (or "mash," as it was called by the old settlers) was never wholly dry, and, during wet seasons, the water, in many places, was two feet deep. This is the largest and almost the only cranberry marsh in the county. It comprises about two thousand acres, and was known far and near by trappers and hunters in early years. All the varieties of game, when pursued by the hunter or his dogs, would “take a bee line" for this marsh, as its impassable and intricate mazes, like those of the Cretan labyrinth, became an exasperating perplexity to those wishing to get out. It was here that many an exciting hunt took place in winter time, while yet the Indians roamed the forest aisles. This marsh was well known to all the early settlers in neighboring townships, who came, when the water was covered with ice, to trap wolves, foxes, mink and other fur-bearing animals. Prior to 1820, the larger varieties of animals abounded, and the enterprising hunter, if he had the necessary courage and skill, could penetrate the marsh and kill a panther or bear. But the rapid settlement of the surrounding country, and the increase in the number of skillful hunters, soon drove these animals into regions farther removed from human habitations. The Indians also soon found that they had no interests in common with the white race, and they, too, turned toward the setting sun, no doubt sorrowfully thinking “Oh why does the white man follow my path, Like a hound on a tiger's track? Does the flush on my cheek awaken his wrath ? Does he covet the bow at my back ? " There were extensive camps of nomadic Wyandots in the northern part of Cranberry as late as 1825, but after that their visits became less frequent, and. in 1835, had ceased altogether. A large band of them had, for many years prior to 1825, camped. during the hunting season, on a small stream in the northern part. The location was quite valuable, as. during the winter, the frozen swamps were easily penetrated, and afforded excellent trapping and hunting ground. There was an enchantment about the circular hunts that was irresistible; and it must have been wildly exciting to see several hundred Indian bunters surround half a township, and then begin to move toward a common center, hallooing and beating up the bushes, driving the frightened animals before them. Often scores of animals of different varieties were inclosed within the “magic circle" and greatly frightened by the whooping and noise, ran wildly from side to side until completely tired out, when they were shot. In the winter of 1824-25, about seventy-five Indians organized a big hunt, just after a deep snow of about fifteen inches. It had thawed some the day before, and the surface of the snow was covered with a thick crust. There had been bitterly cold weather for several weeks, and the swamps and marshes were frozen solid, and upon this came the deep snow. The Indians had foreseen that it would be all excellent day for the hunt. In order to secure as much game as possible, the hunters surrounded a section of country about five miles in diameter. the center of which was the cranberry marsh. Five or six white settlers were present Charles Doney, George Byers, possibly one of the Chilcotes, and one or two from Auburn Township. The march began about 9 o'clock in the morning, and was purposely slow to give the frightened animals abundant opportunity to become tired by constant running. About 11 o'clock, the lines were closed enough to make it advisable to begin the slaughter, as HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 625 otherwise the animals might break through the line and escape. A small herd of deer, seven or eight in number, were killed. Several red foxes, wolves and wild-cats shared the same fate. The hunt was barren of anticipated results, and the hunters, one and all, were sadly disappointed. Expressions of mortification came in guttural tones from all side. One old Indian, the chief of the band scowled and said. "Ugh ' no bear; hunt no good." The hunters had felt sure of several bears and panthers. At the time of the hunt, there were only three or four families in the township ; but, in 1833, the settlement began in earnest. The land was wet and unproductive, and the earliest settlers who desired farm, passed on to drier localities. It thus came to pass that adjacent townships were settled earlier than Cranberry. But it was soon seen that, on account of the rapid settlement of the country, the low land was destined to be reclaimed, and the pioneers began “buying for a song" large tracts of swampy land. Even the cranberry marsh, which no ogle at that day, imagined would ever be dry and finally cultivated, has been cleared and drained, and in a few years more will be turned up with the plow. The first settler who purchased the marsh (and his name is forgotten) came to the conclusion, as he naturally might, that the cranberries that grew therein were rightfully his, and that whoever came in to gather them, without his sanction, was a trespasser and could be summarily dealt with. He therefore announced that no more berries were to be gathered without his permission. As might be expected. no one paid the least heed to his wishes, but continued to gather even more extensively than before. This led to numerous quarrels, that only ceased when the berries grew no longer in paying quantities in the marsh. The name of the first settler is so uncertain, that conjecture is presumptuous. Even the early traditions throw no light on the subject. The probability is that no cabin was built until after 1820. A Mr. Bergin settled on the old Cory farm as early as 1824, and very likely the year before. He built a small log cabin, which was raised by several settlers from Auburn Township, who were his nearest neighbors. By 1826, he had cleared a number of acres, and fenced them with rails. Aaron Cory, who came to the township in 1826, and who became one of its most enterprising and respected citizens, was of Scotch descent, and was an ordained minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He possessed great personal magnetism and an iron will and did a vast amount of good in founding and encouraging church and school organizations. He came from New Jersey to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in 1802, and after remaining there a number of years. changed his residence to Richland and Wayne Counties. He remained in Cranberry Township until his death in 1834, at the are of sixty years. Since 1826, the Corys have been among the most distinguished and far-seeing citizens in the northeastern part of Crawford County. Thomas, the son of Aaron Cory, was a man of great natural practical ability, and served with singular fidelity in various positions of honor and trust. Nor have the present generations of the family deteriorated in intellectual vigor or moral and social usefulness. One of the county's representatives in the Ohio Legislature is James E. Cory, who was the author of several legislative enactments, and who is just beginning his career of utility to the county. The family are distinguished for intelligence and uprightness of character. In the tear 1825, Charles Doney built a log cabin near the cranberry marsh. He was a skillful hunter and trapper, and very likely came to that locality for the purpose of trapping the fur-bearing animals in the marsh. There was a long, narrow, winding ridge extending out into the center of the marsh This ridge was first brought to tile notice of 626 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. trappers by Mr. Doney, and soon became known as Doney's Point, a name it yet retains. If the Indians knew of its existence, they never communicated their knowledge to the settlers, perhaps for the reason that they did not care to have their trapping-grounds invaded by the white men. Doney had come from the Nutmeg State a few years previously, and had first located in northern Richland County; but, having to depend largely upon his rifle for a living, and the game having become scarce and shy in his neighborhood, he sold his land and hired a neighbor to convey himself and family to his newly erected cabin in Cranberry Township. He cleared sufficient land to furnish a garden, abundantly large enough to satisfy his ambition to labor; but, after it had been fenced, his time was spent in trapping, hunting and preparing the skins for market. He became well known to the Indians, who did not like the idea of so skillful a hunter settling near the marsh. His remaining there could but result in loss to themselves, and they began to destroy his traps and steal the animals caught therein. They continued to annoy him for some time, stealing many valuable furs from him and, though he began to exercise vigilance and to watch carefully, he was unsuccessful until one morning. having visited one of his traps, he discovered that an Indian had preceded him, had torn the log trap down, and had stolen the animal it contained. He started rapidly in pursuit, knowing that the thief could not be far away, and hoping to catch him before he reached the reservation. He was fortunate enough to surprise the Indian, who turned quickly around to see the rifle aimed at his head. The Indian made a movement as if about to leap behind a tree, but Doney sternly commanded him to stand still or be shot. He ordered the Indian to cast his rifle and tomahawk upon the ground. and the crestfallen redskin reluctantly obeyed. Doney was much the larger and stronger man, and he determined to give the thief a thrashing that would not soon be forgotten. He took the ramrod from his gun, and, stepping up, began laying it with all his strength across the back of the astonished brave. The Indian did not utter a whimper during the whole flagellation, although the blood flowed freely from his back. Finally, Doney told him to “ Go ! " a command that was obeyed with greater haste than dignity. The traps were not molested after that event. The chastisement had wrought a radical cure. About the time Aaron Cory located in the township, George Myers and Joshua Chilcote also came in and built their cabins. Myers purchased the land where New Washington now stands. and afterward became closely identified with the early history of that village. Chilcote located about a mile and a half southeast of New Washington. He had come from one of the Eastern States a few years before, and had settled in Columbiana County, Ohio ; but, when his land there arose considerable in value, he sold out and came farther into the unsettled forest in order to purchase a larger tract of land with the money at his disposal. He had five sons-John, Nicodemus, James, .Joshua and Heathcote-and two or three daughters. These children married and settled in the neighborhood of their father’s farm, and afterward became prominent citizens. The father was a man of Great energy and decision of character. He served at diflerent times in nearly all the township offices, and was influential in opening up many of the early roads. His descendants are yet living in neighboring counties. A young man named ̊Oak" Tyndal married one of his daughters in about 1827. This was probably the first marriage in the township. Two years later, a young Teuton named Zipsie came to Squire Boner and asked for explicit directions as to the modus operandi of getting married. Boner informed him of the legal steps necessary, and, about HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 627 two days afterward, early in the morning, before the Squire had left his bed, the young fellow again presented himself, accompanied by his “future happiness," and said he had come to get married. The Squire “tied the knot," and the happy-couple departed. About a week afterward, as Boner was weeding his garden, Zipsie appeared and came up to him with face wreathed in smiles. He shook the Squire cordially “by the hand, and exclaimed.”Wie gehts, Mishter Boner, wie gehts! you did got me a firsh shtrate wife clot time.” The Squire congratulated the happy fellow, and informed him that married life was always the happier. to which Zipsie warmly assented. James Boner, who served many years as Justice of the Peace, settled in southern Cranberry about 1828. He was an intelligent man, and did much in after years to render the township all inviting locality for settlers. Jacob Shafer, Jacob Boyer, Christopher Faulk and one or two others established themselves near New Washington in 1830. Three years later, a large German emigration arrived and located in different parts of the township. Among those who came were George Donnenwirth, George Klein, Warner Raug. Joseph Worst. John, William and Armstrong Irwin, William and Arthur Tildon, William Scott, William Hoover, Henry Koehler, George Seifert, George Seiter, Jacob Sanaloff, Fred Weaver, Timothy McCarty, George Strohacker, Michael Hartneck, Adam High, John Robinson and many others. Nearly all these settlers came directly from Germany to Cranberry Township. As far as possible, they chose the higher lands. but many of them built their cabins on the ridges that rose almost like islands from the swamps. They seemed to have a reckless disregard for ague and the various types of malarial diseases. With no hope of seeing the land drained for twenty or thirty years, they went to work to let in the sunlight, and to let out the stagnant water. After many years, this course brought the desired result, but not without all the accompanying hardships and self-denials. The settlers were quiet, unobtrusive and industrious. The cranberry marsh furnished an abundant harvest of berries, and it also furnished to those of sufficient skill valuable returns in the way of furs. The cranberries grew on short stems on the under side of long, wiry vines that crept over the mosses and sedges growing in profusion in the marsh. The vines did not grow on the dry ridges, but sought the wet grounds, often growing out of the mud, which was covered with several inches of water. Cranberry picking was extensively engaged in by all the neighboring settlers, many of whom made no little money in the business. In 1824, the berries sold for 20 and 25 cents per bushel. They steadily increased in value, the market for them always being active. In 1835, they were worth 75 cents per bushel, and, in 1850, had arisen to about $2. Those gathering the berries - men and women-wore long-legged boots to keep out the water, and as a precaution against snake-bites. A section of plank, from a foot and a half to two feet long, and about a foot wide was taken and around one end was bound a tough band of hickory bark, forming a sort of box. The other end of the plank was serrated. the teeth being about eight inches low!,. Two handles were attached. and the rude implement thus completed was used in gathering cranberries. The teeth were placed over one of the long, slender vines, and the implement was held so that. when it was pushed along, the berries were scooped into the box at the other end. Fifteen or twenty bushels were often gathered in one day with this implement. The cranberry season began the latter part of September and lasted nearly two months: or. rather, it lasted all winter and the next spring. But few were gathered in the winter, however, owing to their being frozen in the ice. As soon as the ice had thawed in the spring, the gathering began again, and the berries obtained at this season 628 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. were considered better than those gathered in the fall, as less sugar was required to prepare them for the table. Whole families turned out during the cranberry season, and the marsh swarmed with settlers, some of whom came many miles and remained several days, camping in their wagons When a sullicient quantity of berries was gathered to fill the wagon-bed, they were taken to Sandusky, or some other city, and sold. Some families, desiring to make the most of the marsh, picked day and night while the season lasted. The berries were heaped on some dry mound near by, and a member of the family was detailed to guard and clean them, while the remaining members picked as fast as they could. Although hundreds of bushels grew in the marsh they were usually all gathered long before the season had closed. Several incidents are related where the gatherers were severety bitten by rattlesnakes, though no cases are recollected where death resulted from the bite, except. perhaps. the death of the snake, as inevitable result of the reptiles indiscretion. Joseph Smith and Robert Hilburn were one day picking in the marsh, when they were startled by a piercing scream near them, and, glancing quickly around. saw a woman, distant about twenty- rods throw her arms wildly in the air and sink fainting upon the ground. They ran to her assistance, and, as there happened to be no water near. Robert plunged his arm down into the mud. forming a well after a small pattern, which was quickly filled with muddy water. This was dashed copiously is the face of the unconscious woman who soon revived. She said she had been bitten by a rattlesnake, and showed a small wound just above the ankle. The flesh had already begun to "swell, and Smith took from his pocket quite a quantity of “dogleg " tobacco, and, having moistened a moderately large "quid," applied it to the wound. After a few minutes, this was removed and another portion applied and the operation was repeated until all the tobacco had been used. The woman recovered from her nervous shock and arose to her feet. She had had enough of cranberry picking that day, and started for home. Her name has been forgotten. After she left, a large rattlesnake was killed about a rod from where she had fallen. It was evidently the same one that had bitten her. In 1855, the marsh had become so dry that cranberries no longer grew there, in paying quantities. It must he remembered that cranberries, when first gathered, were full of leaves, moss and grass. and had to be cleaned before they were taken to market. A sort of ladder war made, having the cross pieces about an inch apart. When emptied upon this rude seive, the berries, fell through the slits. and the grass, etc.. was collected on the slats. Large quantities of barries were cleaned in a few hours by means of this rude screen. Nothing in the way of saw on grist-mills, tanneries, manufactories, schools, villages, or churches. was established until after 1830, Prior to that time, flour and meal were obtained about twenty miles north of the Huron river, except, perhaps, small quantities, which were obtained at the horse-mills-two or three-in Auburn Township. Household supplies were obtained at stores in Huron and Richland Counties or after 1823, at Bucyrus. Some where about the year 1836, Nicodemus Chilcote built a log grist-mill on Broken Knife Creek. in the northwestern part. Quite a substantial dam was made by piling logs and brush into the bed of the stream in the fall of the year, when but little water was flowing. Upon the brush and logs, large quantities of earth as stony as could be found were heaped, and the whole dam was strongly braced by logs being driven in a standing position in the ground and resting against the lower frame-work of the structure. Large quantities of water were collected and used economically as fast as grain was brought to be ground. HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 629 The usual " nigger-head " stones were used, and it is said that quite a superior article of flour was furnished. How long the mill remained in operation is uncertain. It probably ran six or seven years. Mr. Chilcote also operated a saw-mill at the same time. The two mills were on opposite sides of the race and both were built of logs, although the gristmill was quite a large building. Both stopped running about the same time. Jefferson Wallace began making cabinet-ware in the southern, part as early as 1842. Many of the citizens procured useful articles of household furniture from him. The furniture was usually made of the best walnut timber and was substantially, rather than artistically, made. But little in the way of mechanical work was done outside of New Washington. The earliest settlers went to meeting, and sent their children to school. in Auburn Township. It is difficult to realize the trials under which the early settlers labored. When a husband and wife having a large family of almost helpless children, leave the enjoyments and protection of settled localities and branch out into the forests for a home, where no white foot has yet pressed, and. from the unending swamps and heavy woods, endeavor to make a living, an heroic courage is shown which is rarely seen in the present age of “sickly sentimentality." Such a course requires a superior courage a courage that is repaid in nothing but self-sacrifice and self-denial. And yet settlers were happy. They became inured to poverty and kindred hardships, and the mobile characteristic of human nature to derive pleasure from any and all surroundings asserted itself. Abundant venison was obtained at first, but after a time, this became scarce and often the cabins contained no food for days together. Flour and meal were obtained by pilgrimages to mill on horseback, and when thus obtained. were necessarily in such limited quantities that three or four bakings for a large family used the whole of it, and the journey had to be repeated, or the family must go without bread. The central figure in the township, since 1833, has been the village of New Washington, which had its creation at the time of the German emigration into the township, and since then has been the principal emporium for the citizens. As previously stated, George Myers, in about 1826, purchased the land upon which the village now stands. His cabin stood near the present site of the grist-mill, and was a small, unpretentious building, constructed of round logs. He was industrious, and instead of trying to earn a living by roving the woods in quest of game, or by spending his time in endeavoring to outwit his neighbors in the cranberry business. He began to clear the timber from his land, and to cut channels and trenches to convey the stagnant water into the neighboring streams. He was a short, chubby man, with heavy whiskers which stood straight out from his face, giving him the appearance, as some said. of a "chipmunk." This fancied resemblance procured for him the appellation of “Chipmunk" Myer, a name by which he was familiarly and universally known. He was very energetic, and. in time, broke himself down with hard work. By 1833, he had about thirty acres cleared. fenced and under cultivation, part of which is now the business center of New Washington. On the 3d of September, 1833, he secured the services of T. C. Sweney, the surveyor of Crawford County, and laid out thirty-one lots from a portion of his cleared land. He named the village New Washington, possibly appending the adjective to prevent the world from confounding his protege with a town of the same name on the Potomac. The sale of lots immediately began, but the growth of the town at first was slow. It was sufficiently removed from any extensive business center to insure quite a lively trade, and the result is that the town has been blessed from the first 630 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. with merchants who were well patronized. Thus, business men found it to their advantage to keep on hand large stocks of first-class goods. Jacob Hoover was likely the next one to erect a dwelling in the town. His cabin was located near the northern limits, and, like that of Myers, was built of round logs. Hoover's habits differed materially from those of Myers. He was a great hunter, and, like his brother Nimrod, looked down upon work as degrading in its tendency. He probably came to the township a short time before 1830. In 1835 or 1836, a Mr. Hussey erected a double log cabin, and brought the first stock of goods to the town. His first stock, valued at about $800, was purchased in Sandusky City. He kept a general assortment of goods, including whisky, one of the supposed "necessities of life." In 1842, he traveled north, and, while sailing in a vessel on Lake Erie, a heavy gale arose. After several hours of struggling with the mad waters, the vessel was wrecked, and Mr. Hussey was drowned. His body was never recovered. and yet his entombed in the silent waters of the lake. His widow continued the mercantile business after his death, and. a number of years afterward, became the wife of John A. Sheets. These old people are yet living in the town. After his marriage, Mr. Sheets increased the stock of goods left by Mr. Hussey until it was worth several thousand dollars. He filled his store with excellent goods and soon had an extensive trade. He retired a number of years ago, and left his sons in charge of the business. They now have about $7,000 worth of goods. Volney Powers brought the second stock of merchandise to the town. His trade was not so extensive as that of Sheets, though he did a thriving business. His store was secondary to his ashery, which was one of the most extensive in the county. He paid cash for ashes, or gave goods from his store in exchange for them. He made it worth while for the citizens to save their ashes, which were brought to his ashery in sacks, or loose in wagons. He continued making excellent "pearl ash" for about eight years, turning out an average of nearly fifteen tons per annum. A large farm near the town was owned by him, and men were employed to cut and burn the timber, preserving the ashes for use at the ashery. Store-keepers, in early times, could not depend wholly upon their trade for a living. They were usually compelled to engage in a variety of pursuits, while conducting their stores. They had their tanneries, asheries or farms. running them conjointly with the mercantile business. They ordinarily dealt in furs, often buying large quantities during the winter and shipping them to the East. Many speculated in wood and. as time went on increased their dealings, realizing failures or fortunes. These were the early conditions of affairs in New Washington. The names of many of the earliest settlers in the town have faded from the minds of the present generation. As near as can be ascertained, however, there were in 1836, about seven families living in rude log cabins of divers patterns and sizes. Adam High was one of the early residents. He was an old man when he arrived and had considerable money, which was partly invested in real estate, and partly put out at interest. His cabin was probably built in 1834, and some say it was the second in the town. His son Valentine opened a blacksmith-shop in about 1837, and worked at the trade many years. He did not confine his whole time to this trade, however, but erected suitable buildings, sunk five or six vats, and began dressing skins, an occupation he followed for about eight years. The village had a population in 1840 of nearly fifty, to which scarcely no increase was made for twenty years. Though small, it was lively and prosperous. Robert Robinson was another early resident. He was a cobbler, and probably built his cabin the summer before the village was laid out. He began to manufacture shoes HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY - 631 in 1834, employing three men and keeping several hundred dollars' worth of stock on hand. He was a tanner, preparing his own leather at a small building a few rods from his shoe shop. He sank five or six vats, and turned out more leather than was required in his shop, and sold the surplus in Bucyrus. In about 1845, Matthias Kibler bought Robinson's tannery, together with all the apparatus used in running it. This man remained in the town until his death, a few years ago. He did as much as any other man to build up the village and people it with sober and intelligent citizens. The tannery, under his management. became the most extensive ever in the township. He had begun the business about ten years before, a mile or two south of New Washington, in a small round-log building, beginning with four vats. He steadily increased the scope of his occupation, after locating in the town, until he became widely known as a first-class tanner, and his leather commanded the highest market price in Bucyrus and neighboring towns. He took an active part in hurrying up the early school interests, and it was greatly due to his influence that the citizens arose from their lethargy in educational affairs, and erected commodious and comfortable log schoolhouses in the town, and in neighboring school districts. He served in many of the township offices, always with credit to himself. It was largely owing to his efforts that the township was early divided into school districts - eight in number -and the citizens induced to furnish their children with ample school privileges. At the time of his location in New Washington, he purchased a tract of land adjoining the town. and, in subsequent years, made an addition of lots to the original village. One of the principal streets bears his name. When the addition was made, and how many lots it contained, are not remembered. Mr. Kibler was also the first Mayor. His death, a number of years ago, was greatly lamented by his friends. His son Jefferson has charge of the tannery, which has about twenty vats at present, and is doing an excellent work. In the year 1844, William H. Pratt and family came to New Washington. This man was a skillful carpenter and millwright, and has been a prominent resident of the town ever since. He erected a large work shop and became an extensive building contractor. Evidences of his design and skill are seen throughout Cranberry and adjacent townships. He was not contented with the idea of plodding through life as an ordinary workman; and, imbued with the enviable conceit of believing himself made of "sterner stuff," he brought intelligence and natural genius to the aid of his hands. He has the reputation of having been one of the best building contractors in the county. Fifteen men were employed to work in his shops, and, for about eight years, the business was carried on extensively. At the expiration of that time, he sold out and soon afterward opened a provision store and saloon. He began dealing in furs. buying all he could obtain. In 1859, he invested over $2,500 in skins, which were shipped to Eastern cities, and large profits were realized in their sale. The business proving very profitable, he purchased several well-trained fox and coon dogs, and began an active crusade against all animals whose skins were worth taking. In the winter of 1859, by means of his dogs and traps, he caught twenty-seven mink, twenty-two red foxes, over a hundred coons and several wolves. The mink skins sold for $4 and $5 each ; coon skins for from 75 cents to $1.50; fox skins for from $1 to $2; wolf skins for about $1, exclusive of the bounty, which was several dollars. So extensively was the hunt carried on that, in a few years, skins could no longer be obtained in paying quantities. A few years after opening his provision store, Mr. Pratt sold out that branch of his stock, substituting in its place about $2,000 632 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. worth of drugs. He continued the drug store and saloon for many years, and, in his own language, "made lots of money at it." He owned and ran a steam muley saw-mill for about four years, soon after 1850. The mill was afterward owned by Cuykendal, Delancy, Lance, Pifer, Bacon and at present by George Hildebrand. In 1871, Mr. Pratt erected a large planing-mill, making all the machinery and apparatus himself. After running ten years (until the spring of 1880) it was sold to Anthony Harman, who now owns and manages it. Mr. Pratt is yet living in the town. In 1850, a number of men with considerable capital at their command, concluded to build a foundry in New Washington. This intention met the warm approval of all the townspeople. All were interested in the success of the enterprise, and looked anxiously for its completion. Carpenters were employed, quite a large building was erected and the furnace and all necessary implements were placed therein. Everything looked bright and promising. But alas ! to the disappointment and sorrow of all, the enterprise collapsed: not a stroke of work was done: the furnace and implements were removed; the owners, like the prodigal son, “wasted their substance with riotous living," and the building, once so full of promise, was devoted to other uses. The failure produced no lasting impression on the townspeople, except, perhaps, to steel their hearts against intemperance and debauchery in any form. Various industries have arisen from time to time, and it has occasionally happened that they proved unprofitable, and the proprietors have been compelled to suspend business; yet not one of them has failed so ingloriously as the foundry undertaking. The little city, like all public marts, has met numerous disasters, and has had its “ups and downs." At first, its growth was slow-almost at a stand-still and it was not until after the township was well settled and improved, and the farmers in prosperous circumstances. that the village began to increase in population to any noticeable extent. Soon after 1850, quite a number of new houses were erected: several new industries arose ; tradesmen began to appear, and business interests generally underwent a revival. This was not suddenly, but slowly, during a period of about ten years. It was not long before the census enumerator discovered that the village had over 100 inhabitants, and ten or twelve years afterward 200 were announced. All town characteristics had increased in a corresponding degree, except. perhaps, the liquor traffic. which seemed to have taken the lead of other business in early years, and meant to keep it indefinitely. There has been no time since 1835, that liquor could not be had-for the money. And yet, those who imbibed were usually orderly, taking their potations silently and enjoying (?) them silently. The population, not only of the town but of the township, has been largely German. Thus, this division of the county was blessed with a quiet, steady, intelligent class of citizens. For a number of years, the townspeople have felt the need of a grist-mill nearer than the Huron and Sandusky Rivers: so, in 1854, a man named Johnson was induced to build the present mill, which he did at a cost of about $4,000. The necessary steam apparatus and three sets of stone were placed in the building. Since its erection, the mill has had all the grinding it could do. It furnished excellent flour, especially of late years, and soon commanded a large patronage from the surrounding country. It is running actively at present, and considerable flour is shipped to other localities. The village has a large, commodious town-hall, the upper story being used by the Odd Fellows. It also has a jail that is said to be superior, in point of strength, to the one at Bucyrus. So far as can be remembered, the first doctor was Dr. Stouteneour. He was succeeded by Mainey, Wandt, Hershiser and Benner. One HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 833 lawyer, J. H. C. Elder, has lately male his appearance. All the different city occupations are represented, and the village has a present population of 701, and is yet growing. The village received its greatest impetus, when it became certain that the Mansfield. Coldwater & Lake Michigan Railroad would pass through the township, and that New Washington was sure of a station. Dozens of buildings both public and private, began to go up from all quarters, and some of them costly and even elegant. Business interests of every kind multiplied. The population soon tripled. Increased activity was manifest in all undertakings, Property rose rapidly in value. Since its creation, the town has been increased in area, by the addition of more than 250 lots. Additions have been made by McIntifer: Robinson; Pratt and Guiss; Rossman; Sharf; Guiss, Ailer and Hilburn: Miller and Kibler At the March session of the County Commissioners in 1874, a petition was presented, properly signed, praying for the incorporation of New Washington and, on the 4th day of the same month the following action relative thereto was taken as shown by records “The County Commissioners, after hearing said petition and being satisfied that at least fifty qualified voters actually reside within the limits described in the petition, and that said petition has been signed by a majority of them: that said limits have been accurately described and an accurate map or plat thereof has been made and filed; that the name proposed for said incorporated village is proper, and sufficient to distinguish it from others of a like kind in the State, and that. In moreover, it is deemed right and proper, in the judgment and discretion of this board, that said petition be granted and they hereby make and indorse on said petition, an order to the effect that the incorporated village, so named and described in the petition, be organized." Immediately after tile incorporation of the village, the following officers were elected Matthias Kibler, Mayor; Lewis Donnenwirth, Clerk; John Miller. Treasurer; Lewis Feith, Marshal; J. H. Miller, Jacob Stouteneour, William Aschbaugh, Jacob Sheets, William Dounenwirth and .John Tribolet, Councilmen. The village is numerically the fourth in the county. As far as can be learned, no school was taught in the township until after 1833. Prior to that time. no settler had deemed it advisable to go to the expense of erecting, buildings so little needed and so little thought of. The earliest settlers had no time to devote to matters that could be postponed. They were isolated from any settlement, or rather were on the outskirts of the Auburn settlement and, as a consequence, they were fated to endure loneliness, as well as privation and lack of educational and religious privileges. If their children went to school, it was to the rude buildings in Auburn Township. In the winter of 1833-34, school was taught in a small, forbidding, structure in New Washington. The building had been built for other uses, but had been opened for school purposes. The few parents had seen with concern that their children were growing up around them with no school advantages, and with but little, if any moral training. So they rented the building referred to, and employed some persons whose name is forgotten to teach the first school in town, and, perhaps, in the township. After that term, school was taught there ever winter, until 1839, when a large log schoolhouse was built about a mile southeast of the village. This was attended by the town children until about 1842, when a log schoolhouse was built in the town. This building served the purpose until 1855, when the present schoolhouse was built at a cost of nearly $2,000. The names of the first teachers of these schools have been forgotten. At the time of the rapid growth of the village, when the railroad was 634 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. established, and when the great increase in population filled the small schoolhouse to overflowing with children, a new school building much larger and finer, suited to the populous condition of the town, was planned. but, for some reason, its erection has been postponed until the present. A tax has been levied, and arrangements are being perfected, looking to the early erection of this much needed building. At the time of the erection of the schoolhouse in the village, several others were built in different parts of the township. So far as known, all the earliest ones were constructed of round or hewed logs. One was built near the present Tabor Church in 1840, and another in the northern part about the same time. Two or three years later, one was built near the eastern limits. These early buildings were used usually about twenty-five years, when the present ones were erected. The First Lutheran Church society in Cranberry Township was organized in the spring of 1834, by the Rev. Mr. Stanch, who afterward visited the society and preached to it six times per year. His periodical visits were anxiously looked for by the little society, which counted the days until his appearance. Among the first members were the families of Adam High, John Seifert, George Donnenwirth, Conrad Seiter, Phillip Gangloof and Mrs. Hesse. They met for worship in the cabin of Adam High, who was probably the first Lutheran to locate in the township. At the expiration of two years, Rev. Mr. Maschop succeeded the first minister, and the members of the society deemed themselves fortunate in being able to secure the attendance of their minister once per month. That was much better than to be visited only once in two months. Rev. John Krauss was the third minister, visiting the society from 1839 until 1845. During the summer of 1840, a log church was built in the eastern part of New Washington; but, prior to its erection, church was held in schoolhouses, and in the cabins of the members. After the erection of the church, which, though rude and small, was sufficiently large to contain the little congregation, the society was placed upon firm footing, and it soon began to gain accessions to its membership. During the first few years of Mr. Krauss' ministration, he preached to the society once per month ; but soon after the church was built he began visiting it every alternate Sunday This state of things was very satisfactory to the membership. Rev. Mr. Graetz took charge of the organization from 1845 until 1850, preaching every Sunday and occasionally on week days. This aroused such an interest in the society, which had become large and enthusiastic, that, in 1853, the members resolved to erect a new and larger church, which was accordingly done at a cost of $2,700, including the bell and organ. Prior to 1852, the society was known as a union of the two denominations, German Lutherans and German Reformers; but after that date the Lutheran branch of the organization became so strong that the title, “German Evangelical Lutheran Church," was bestowed upon the society. At the time of the erection of the new church, the membership consisted of about sixty families, mostly of German descent, many of whom had come from Alsace and Wurtemberg. The church was dedicated in October 1854, and. at that time, the councilmen were George Donnenwirth, Valentine High, Jacob Utz, George Leonhardt, John P. Walter, Jacob Weil, Michael, Margaret and .John A. Sheetz. Since 1854, W. Schmogrow, H. F. Belzer, Charles Clessler and E. A. Boehme have been the presiding ministers, the Rev. Mr. Belzer officiating from 1859 until 1875. In October, 1879, the society celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of the dedication of the church, and the following statistics were read on that occasion: Number of baptisms since 1835 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 892 Number confirmed since 1837 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507 Number partaking of the sacrament since 1835,. . . . . 10,202 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 635 Number of couples married since 1855 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Number buried since 1845 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289 Present number of communicants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366 Present congregation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 640 Male membership over 21 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 This is one of the strongest church organizations in the county, and the membership is on the increase. The Catholics did not organize a church in the township for many years. There were many of this denomination, however, among the early settlers, but they belonged to a church located on the Columbus and Sandusky Turnpike, in southern Seneca County. This church was distant but about six miles, and the settlers preferred attending it rather than undergoing the expense of establishing a separate society and building a separate church. The Catholics in Cranberry had increased to such a number in 1844, that it was deemed advisable to sever their connection with the Seneca County church for the purpose of organizing one of their own, which was accordingly done. There were sixteen families that first organized themselves into the society, among which were those of Peter Young. John Alt, Peter Gulong, Paul Miller, Jacob Streiger, John Delaver, John Buger and Timothy McCarthy. A small frame building was erected just east of where Hilburn's Tavern stands, at a cost of about $600. This building was used until 1868, when the present imposing structure was built at a cost of $25,000. exclusive of the gratuitous labor of the members. The church is brick, with a large square spire that rises in the air almost a hundred feet. The interior is very beautiful and costly, the walls being painted in imitation of mottled marble; and arranged in the form of an arcade, with a background of hard cement, relieved by groups of triple columns, crowned with capitals after the Corinthian order of architecture. The marble altar, over which stands the life-sized statue of the Virgin Mary and her child, cost almost $1,500, and fairly represents the costliness and elegance of the interior. The church is yet incomplete. A brick parsonage was erected on an adjacent lot in 1875, at a cost of $4,000. The church has had a membership of one hundred and forty families. At present there are about eighty families belonging. A few years ago a division was made in the congregation, those families living east erecting a large frame church in Auburn Township. Rev. P. F. S. Bruner organized the society in 1844, since which time more than a dozen priests have had charge of the organization at different times. Rev. Michael Baker is the officiating priest at present, receiving his appointment in 1865. The Protestant Methodists organized a society as early as 1850, and, for a number of years, met at schoolhouses to worship. Jacob Johnson was a prominent member. Finally, in 1854, a frame church was built on Section 27 , where before they had assembled in a log cabin. The church was built by subscription, and cost about $1,400. Services are held every three weeks, and the present minister is Rev. Mr. Grimes. In about 1844, the United Brethren began holding class meetings at the residence of George Keller and others. The society was organized and began to grow. Between 1848 and 1852, the members met in a log schoolhouse near where their church stands. During this period, a large increase was made to the membership; so much so, that it was thought best to build a church, which was accordingly done during the year last mentioned, at a cost of about $800, including individual labor gratuitously given. Among the first members were the families of Peter Lash, Nicholas Whittle, Conrad Cragle, Charles Hagerman, George Keller and others. Rev. John Smith was one of the first ministers. The church is located on Section 24, and has a congregation, which, if not large, is doing much good in the township. The present minister, Rev. Mr. Ramsey, holds services every 638 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. alternate Sabbath. A Methodist Episcopal Church has just been built in the northern part, in the Pugh settlement, at a cost of $1,200. The membership is rapidly increasing
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