HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 649 CHAPTER XXV. (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) CHATFIELD TOWNSHIP-INTRODUCTORY-FIRST SETTLEMENT- INCIDENTS OF THE INDIANS-INDUSTRIES- GROWTH OF VILLAGES-SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES. THE charms that cluster like gems around the mysteries of the silent past, do not cease with the beginning of authentic history, but linger with multiplied beauty around the strange myths and fair- tales that come to its through the lapse of unknown centuries. Ethnology, archaeology and philology reveal to the present age, that, thousands of years before the Christian era-unknown centuries before a means of recording human events had been invented-the human race lived a quiet, nomadic, pastoral life in Central Asia. Their homes and haunts became the source of many a legend or poetic tale, which reveals that primitive man was beset with the same temptations that have infested the existence of ever succeeding generation. Every known field has been carefully searched to clear up the darkness, that antedates recorded history; but the sacrifice of time and labor by the historical investigator, has been almost wholly fruitless, and has met with but little reward except disappointment and defeat, and the early mythical traditions are yet believed to be an imperfect account of what actually transpired in pre-historic times. Since the origin of writing and printing the most valuable invention ever given to the human race-remarkable strides have been made in intellectual and moral advancement. notwithstanding the countless events of vital importance that have been left unrecorded. History is but a record of human experience, which fact renders it of the highest importance to the race, because the probable events of the future can only be foreknown by all accurate knowledge of the detailed affairs of humanity in the past. Men or nations are wise only as they can look into the future and anticipate coming events which cast their shadows before, and this can only be done from analogy with what has taken place in the past. "The proper study of mankind is man," and history is such a study. This places the historian in the light of a public benefactor to succeeding generations; but a prophet-one that can anticipate the future - labors on without the respect or honor of his own country and age. It might, at first glance, appear that the historian has an easy time in rummaging through dusty memorials or following some Jack-with-the-lantern tradition that constantly eludes him; but he knows that the weight of the responsibility of recording the truth, giving to each item its appropriate and comparative degree of importance, leaving no path partially neglected or wholly unsearched, resisting the demands of bigots who insist in having their names enrolled high on the page of honor, rests upon his shoulders like the sphere of Atlas. Nothing but patient labor brings the desired information. It thus occurs that, in looking over Chatfield Township, much difficulty is experienced in accumulating its past history. Traditions are vague and unsatisfactory, and all accurate knowledge of all the facts is out of the question. It often occurs that no two men who are questioned give a similar account of the same event, thus adding much to the perplexity of the historian, or passing altogether beyond a successful solution. A cheerful readiness to tell everything known, and to volunteer much information of events of doubtful occurrence, is met with everywhere. Men yet living, who were in the township at the time of its creation, cannot recall such tune nor the incidents connected 650 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. therewith. It is not accurately remembered who were the first township officers, and innumerable events of great interest and importance which occurred in early years have passed beyond the recollection of the oldest settlers. Among the earliest settlers were Silas and Oliver Chatfield, after whom the township was probably named, although this is not definitely known. These brothers, like all the earliest settlers, erected their cabins on the Columbus & Sandusky Turnpike, as early as 1827. They were intelligent men, of English descent, and, during their stay in the township, occupied its different offices. Silas Chatfield was elected one of the Trustees in 1833. and Oliver was elected Treasurer. After a number of years, they sold their farms and moved into some of the counties in the State farther west. It is likely that .Jacob Whetstone, a very successful hunter, who also worked by the day for the settlers, assisting in clearing their farms, was the first to build a cabin in the township. He had a wife and family, who were supported at first almost wholly by the rifle: but, after game became scarce and day laborers were in great demand, he worked a number of years for the neighboring settlers. But this life did not suit his acquired inclination to roam in the forest, which soon caused him to sell his acre of land and journey farther into the wilderness, where an abundance of game was yet to be found. He was one of those wandering hunters who swept over Ohio in advance of the earliest white settlers. He had been raised in the solitude of the woods, and found greater pleasure and profit in hunting and trapping than in those pursuits at which he was a novice. He often said to the settlers that came in after himself that he was the first man to build a cabin in the township and to live therein with his family. He was in the township several years before its creation, and he is remembered to have said on several occasions that the township would have bean named Whetstone in his honor, but for the fact that there was one Whetstone Township in the county already. He lived about a mile and a half northwest of Richville until about 1838, when lie moved West, and what finally became of him is unknown to the citizens of the township. George Stuckman must have located in the township soon after Whetstone. He was also a professional hunter, and was often employed by the early settlers to hunt deer for them. The majority of the earliest settlers were directly from the East, and had been reared in localities where deer and other wild animals were rarely seen. They knew nothing of stalking, a deer, and many of them did not know how to properly keep anal load a gun. They must have deer meat, however, and hence they were accustomed to employ hunters of known skill and experience, often paying them as high as $2 per day for their services, and often receiving, by way of return for such outlays, five or six fat deer, besides a large number of squirrels and other small game. Stuckman was a squatter, and did not own a foot of land, and yet his family lived well, as far as food and clothes were concerned. and were quite intelligent people. He made a great deal of money out of furs, which were usually sold at Sandusky City, where a much hotter market was found than at Bucyrus. He also lived a mile or two northwest of Richville, until the population became too dense to suit him, when he moved farther west. John Henry was an early hunter, who had come to Eastern Ohio about the beginning of the nineteenth century. He lived there for several years, and afterward, at different time, kept moving westward, until he finally located in Crawford County. This must have been as early as 1824, at which time Whetstone and Stuckman must have also appeared. He was a tireless hunter, and gained great notoriety, not only as to his ability to bring in large quantities of fur and game, but also because of his inordinate propensity of appropriating swine and other domestic animals of his HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 651 neighbors. The enormity of the crime, at that period and under the existing circumstances, was not as great as it is at present, because hundreds of hogs wandered in the woods without any ear-mark: or known owner, and were slaughtered by whomever wanted fresh pork. Henry, however, was accustomed to overstep these bounds and to take hogs with or without ear-marks. often pursuing them to the cabins of the owners. He salted down considerable pork, which was kept for sale to the settlers. It very likely often happened as was observed one day by Richard Davidson to his wife. He had purchased a barrel of pork from Henry after whose departure Davidson remarked. "We are buying back our own pork," Henry lived many years in the township, but finally moved farther west. In about 1828 or 1830, there came in Richard Davidson, David Tiptoe, John Robinson, .John Hamilton, David Clute, Ichabod Smith, John Armitage, Luther C. Flint, David Kimbal, George Champion, John Mitchell, Ira Chase, David Shaffstall, Thaddeus Kent, William McPherson and see several others. These men were almost wholly of English descent, most of them coming from some of the eastern counties, where they had first settled after having come from New England. They were mostly farmers, and entered their land along the Sandusky Turnpike. This was a desirable location, as the road gave them an outlet both north and south. The consequence was that the land along the pike was entered first. and afterward, as the road became lined with rude log cabins, built in small clearings in the sleep woods, the land farther back was taken. Ichabod Smith was Justice of the Peace in 1833, and Richard Davidson was Township Clerk. John Mitchell and David Clute were two of the three Trustees. The records prior to this date are missing. The early hunters, who came mostly south from Seneca County, lived in the northwestern part of the township. They chose this location because the land was higher and dryer than much of that in surrounding neighborhoods. The western part of the township is quite rolling. and, since the forests have been largely cleared away, and the eye has a chance to roam about, there is no finer appearing country in the county. Those extensive glacial ridges which extend across Northern Ohio from east to west. are found crossing Chatfield. giving the township long but not precipitous slopes. These give the township splendid drainage, a thing that was greatly appreciated in early years. Sycamore Creek drains almost the whole township, although the northern part is drained by small streams, which flow across Seneca Comity into Sandusky River, and the southern part by the northern branches of the Broken sword Creek. The soil is very similar to that in other parts of the county, being largely alluvial in the eastern part, and composed of more clay in the western. The boundaries of the township were changed in 1845, although there was no increase or decrease of territory. The eastern tier of sections was annexed to Cranberry, while the eastern tier of Lykens became part of Chatfield. This change grave the township its present boundaries and territory. Every foot of land can be cultivated, a statement that cannot be made of but two or three other townships in the county. Many interesting incidents are told concerning the characteristics of the Indians, who camped in the township as late as 1830. They came every autumn and built rude wigwams in the southeastern part, near the cranberry marsh the western edge of which touches Chatfield. They came there at the commencement of the cranberry season, and often remained all winter, the squaws, meanwhile, gathering the berries whenever the weather was favorable while their lords and masters engaged in the manlier pursuit of hunting and trapping. After the berries were picked, they were loaded on ponies and taken to Sandusky City, where they 652 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. were sold, and the proceeds invested in calico, trinkets and "Sandusky water." Many years before the pioneers came to the county, the Indians had begun picking the berries, which were then taken to villages in the northeastern part of the State. They soon found it very profitable, and labored at it as extensively as agreed with the Indians constitutional indolence. When the settlers arrived and began to domineer with the usual arrogance of the white man over the Indian, and to prohibit him from gathering berries in the marsh, contests occasionally arose. usually settled in favor of the white man at the expense of his red brother. The Indians left the marsh with regret. lingering in its vicinity until necessity forced them to leave. They were largely members of the Wyandot tribe, and temporarily located in the township. coming from their reservation. One day several Indian squaws, on their way from the marsh to their reservation, saw some large, fine pumpkins in Richard Davidson's yard and. through the ordinary process of Indian logic, came to the conclusion that they wanted a few. So, stopping at the cabin. they began making the usual unintelligible signs and uttering the ordinary incomprehensible gibberish, characteristic of none but the native North American. They were offered flour, meal, pork and various commodities but each time their heads were shaken impressively to signify (strange as it may seem) that the offering was not wanted. At last, an old squaw seized Mrs. Davidson by the hand and led her out into the yard where the pumpkins were, where, with sundry signs and grimaces, she intimated her desire of loading a half dozen or so on the backs of her ponies. Mrs. Davidson bowed assent, and the pumpkins were taken away. Davidson owned a fierce dog which appeared to detest the Indians, as it would not let them approach the cabin. One day an Indian youth of about seventeen, evidently on a begging visit to the cabin, unaware of the unfriendliness of the dog, came into the yard before that animal was aware of his presence. At the sight of the boy, the dog bounded toward him, but the young Indian nimbly caught a branch and swung himself into a tree, while the animal bayed in great fury at its foot, making it evident that the youth had had a narrow escape. After a few minutes elapsed, the family came to the door, wondering what was meant by the noise and commotion outside. They laughed as the sight of the treed boy met their gaze, but he did not seem to enjoy or appreciate their levity in the least, for he sat eyeing the dog; with no little concern, evidently speculating as to the best means of escaping the sharp teeth of the enraged animal. The dog was quieted and the boy descended from the tree: but the family had all they could do to prevent the animal from throttling the youth, who, as quick as possible, sought the protection of the cabin. It is also related that one day a party of Indians. mounted on their ponies, came upon a logging party of settlers in the northern part. The two parties began amicably exchanging greetings and tobacco, the latter being extensively used by the redmen, and even more so by the settlers. At last, one of the settlers, whose name is forgotten, and who had acquired a great reputation as a wrestler, declared that he could throw down any Indian in the band, which consisted of about ten. After some communication among themselves, one of the Indians a stalwart young fellow with an enormous chest accepted the challenge, and each began preparing for the struggle. A circle of settlers and Indians was formed. inside of which the two wrestlers took their respective positions, and the sport began. The wrestle was the famous shoulder-and-elbow grip, and. for a long time, each contestant tugged and strained to throw his antagonist on the ground by main strength, or by the less tiresome sleights known to the professional wrestler. They were quite equally matched in point of strength, and for a HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 653 long time the issue was uncertain. At last, when the Indian was off his guard. the settler made a feint of tripping him, but changed his design just in the act, and with a sudden, powerful strain in the opposite direction cast him upon his back. He was on his feet in an instant and began loudly exclaiming "No good. heap no good," but he was assured by all that he had been honorably vanquished by his antagonist. As in all new countries, where settlements are made various industries began to arise in different parts of the township. David Shaffstall built a saw-mill on Sycamore Creek, as early as 1834. The building was a frame structure, sided with rough walnut and poplar plank sawed at the mill. It was run by water-power, and was located at a place where there was quite a slope of the land toward the mill on the opposite side from the stream. Often in winter, when the ground was covered with ice, advantage was taken of the slope and the slippery condition of the bank to roll the loss down near the mill. Woe unto the man who got in the way of one of these descending logs. Mr. Shaffstall operated the mill for nearly twenty years, when it was sold to Frederick Hipp. Jr., and his brother-in-law, Simon Neffzer. These men added some improvements, and after running the mill for about ten years, sold it to other parties, when it was soon afterward abandoned. A Mr. Johnson built a steam saw-mill a short distance south of Richville in 1855, in which was an up-and-down saw. This mill did good and extensive work. Sawing was done at the rate of 37 cents by the hundred, or on shares, one-half being taken by the sawyer. After running about fifteen years, it was removed to the vicinity of Bucyrus. The Tiptoes began burning brick as early as 1840. Several kilns were burned and sold to the citizens. Ira Chase also burned brick about the same time, but not quite so extensively. Richard Frisbee and Nathan Anthony began keeping separate taverns on the turnpike, about a mile north of Richville, as early as 1832. It was about this time that a large emigration came directly from Germany to the township, and began entering the land so rapidly that within about half a dozen years all was taken up. Among those who came in at this time were Adam Fouser, Henry Durr, John G. Long, John G. Karg, Sidney Holt, Frederick Hipp, George Brown, Jacob Regala, Peter Weiter, Peter Reidel, E. Biggs, David Shaffstall, Nathan Robbins, George Widdle, Harrison Garton, Jonas Yingling, Lorenzo Bartimess, John Fissell, Samuel Foote, Jacob Gross, Abraham Harmon, Timothy Park, John Scott, Nathan Rich, Jacob High, Benjamin Lindsley, Daniel Brindley, Jacob Bright, Benjamin Hilliar, John Hekenlivly, Hugh Goshorn, Spencer Moffitt, James McKintry, John Burghacher, George Caruthers, Thomas Timony, William Koenig, Benjamin. John and Ephraim Clements, Truman Wilkinson, William King, Benjamin F. Royce, John Scott and his sons Isaac, Solomon, George, William and John H., and many others whose names are forgotten. These settlers located in different parts of the township, and it was not long before scores of small log cabins were erected, and the forest began to disappear before these sturdy pioneers. The two taverns referred to above were located near together on opposite sides of the turnpike. Both buildings were two-story and frame and, it is said they were excellent houses. They had a splendid patronage, notwithstanding the fact that they were located far from any town. There was an enormous travel along the turnpike by settlers in the central part of the State, who came with droves of hogs or cattle, or with wagons loaded with the different kinds of grain, on their way to the large towns in the northern part near Lake Erie. This gave an excellent patronage to the two taverns that often were called upon to furnish accommodations for a score of men, besides their teams and stock. Garton Frislen also opened a tavern in 1833, 654 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. about a mile north of the southern boundary of the township. Another was built in the extreme northern part. This gave the township an abundant supply of taverns. All these taverns kept open bars, and several stories are in circulation as to criminal conduct on the part of those who frequented the one on the northern boundary. It is related that disreputable men were in the habit of assembling at this tavern to gamble and carouse during the night. It is also alleged, though probably without grounds, that it was a rendezvous for a band of counterfeiters, who had several secret haunts in southeastern Seneca County. A detective came into the neighborhood, where he remained for a month or more, evidently endeavoring to discover the whereabouts of the law-breakers: but he was unsuccessful, or perhaps he was successful in discovering that there were no grounds for the reports. However, after a number of years, when an old shed near the tavern was removed, a number of implements. undoubtedly designed for use in the manufacture of counterfeit coin, were found buried under a heap of rubbish. This seems to imply that there is truth in the report. A distillery was connected with the tavern. Two copper stills, whose united capacity was about thirty gallons, were placed in a frame shed-like building, and whisky of an inferior grade was furnished to those addicted to the use of that drink. The ground grain was purchased at Sandusky City or Bucyrus. The distillery and the tavern, with its evil reputation, were conducted for about ten years, when the landlord found it to his advantage to sell out and depart for another locality. Richard Frisbee was quite an intelligent and prominent man. Somewhere about 1833, he circulated a petition, which was signed by all the neighborhood, praying for the establishment of a post office at his tavern. The prayer was granted, and Mr. Frisbee was appointed Postmaster. This was the first post office in the township, and. after remaining at the tavern until a year or two after Richville was laid out, it was removed to the latter place. This removal took place in about the year 1843, and Dr. A. B. Fairhank received the appointment as first Postmaster in the town. In 1837, Jacob Reidel built an ashery near Richville. After running moderately for about ten years, it way discontinued. Those who made potash found it to their advantage to keep a small stock of goods on hand to he exchanged for ashes, as money was quite scarce: and, the system exchange necessarily adopted in the backwoods, obviated, to quite a great extent, the want of that medium of exchange. It thus occurred that a majority of the asheries were run in connection with stores. Great trouble was experienced in early years, from the fact that stock wandered away in the deep woods and was lost beyond hope of recovery or remained away so long that its familiar appearance was no longer distinguishable by the owner. The settlers, therefore, soon learned to carefully mark their swine and cattle, as the following taken from records in the possession of Mr. Hipp shows: "Thomas Johnson's ear-mark for his cattle and hogs. is a square crop off the left ear and a slit in the same." "John Davidson's ear-mark, for cattle and hogs, is a swallow fork in each ear." "Adrian Hoblitzell's ear-mark for cattle and hogs, is a slit in both cars." The following is a transcript of a portion of the records of the Township Clerk, written in 1833; "Silas Chatfield and John Mitchell and Lloyd Ady and .Jacob L. Gurwell and .Jacob Bunce, and all apeared before me. James Adams, and was duly qualifide within the allimitad time." The following is also quoted from the same record: The Trustees of Chatfield Township met on the 11th of November 1833, and laid off the township into three school districts, commenc- HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 655 ing at the northeast corner of the township and taking a strip two miles wide across the township west, called District Number 1: Number 2 takes the two center tiers; and Number 3 the two southern tiers." In 1837, the township was laid off into six Road Districts, three on the eastern side of the turnpike, and three on the western side. Changes have since been made in both school and road districts. There are at present living in the township about two hundred families, 190 of which are of German descent, and the other ten English. Many of the Germans, though raised in the township, can speak and understand but little or no English. About two Hundred votes are polled when all the voters turn out 180 ballots are cast for the Democratic candidates, and the other twenty for the Republican candidates. It is the banner Democratic township in the county. About ten years ago, there were but eight Republican voters. The citizens are thrifty and industrious, and the present valuation of personal property is about $109,400. The Scotts were prominent settlers in the northern part. The son John H. had been one of the contractor, on the turnpike and besides receiving considerable money for his services, also received a deed for quite an extensive tract of land adjoining; the road given him by the turnpike company a, part payment for his labors. The Scotts lived in the northern part for many years were industrious citizens, and were instrumental in adding greatly to the substantial growth of the township in business industries and general intelligence. After many years, they sold out and moved West. It was in about the year 1838 that Martin & Hilliar erected suitable buildings in the northern part, and began carding wool. The building was frame, and was two stories in height : but the enterprise did not advance to the next higher step in the business-cloth-drssing-but confined itself wholly to wool-carding, which was continued quite extensively for eight or ten years, when the project, for some unknown reason, was abandoned. and farming was adopted, as a more profitable pursuit. About two years after the wool-carding building was erected, John Lucas, a gentleman of English descent, assisted by his daughter, Mrs. Sarah Breston, a widowed lady, began the unusual occupation of rearing silk-worms from eggs obtained in Eastern cities and brought with them into the wilderness with the view of manufacturing silk. Long sheds were erected with suitable shelves on the sides, whereon were deposited the eggs, and the rooms were heated to that degree of temperature necessary for the hatching of the caterpillar and its subsequent life. Here could be seen the wonderful metamorphoses of the different changes from the egg to the repulsive larva or caterpiller, then to the apparently lifeless chrysalis, and finally to the perfect insect or imago. A small worm or caterpillar was hatched from the egg, by the tropical temperature. kept day and night in the room, and then began its life of usefulness under the care and inspection of Mrs. Breston. Seed of the black mulberry (morns nigra) was planted in boxes, to be used when the plants were several inches or more in height, as food for the larva, which fed upon tile leaves. A few mulberry trees were found growing in the woods and the small leafy branches were clipped and taken to the rooms, where they could be kept fresh for several weeks by being planted in moist earth. The most serious difficulty in the successful management of the enterprise was found to be the propagation of mulberry plants, without which the larvae could not live and thrive. Much of the seed when planted did not grow, and the neighbors were asked to assist in the cultivation of the plants, to be paid for their labor and trouble in money or silk thread. This was attempted by many, but there it ended. After the larva became full grown, the, began to spin their cocoons of 658 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. silk, preparatory to passing into the chrysalis state of development. Thousands of larvae were reared, and set to work at that most important and useful industry of manufacturing silk, of which quite a large quantity was spun. A sufficient number of the healthier chrysalides were permitted to reach the imago or perfect state with a view of the propagation of eggs; but the majority were destroyed, as their lives of usefulness terminated with the spinning of the cocoons. These cocoons were taken, and, after being moistened, the silk thread of which they were composed was unwound, and then rewound on small spools. Hundred of spools of excellent silk thread were thus prepared and taken to Bucyrus or Sandusky City, where they found a ready sale. No cloth was manufactured, although neck-ties and ribbons were woven by Mrs. Breston. The enterprise was something very unusual for the backwoods, and soon attracted no little interest and attention from surrounding neighborhoods. Employment was given to some half-dozen girls who were intrusted with the care of the insects-no light responsibility-and instructed to place within their reach an abundant supply of fresh mulberry leaves, as the usefulness of the larva depended upon their healthy growth, which was rapid and desirable in direct proportion to the degree of their power of consuming food. Loads of people came from miles around to see the useful little insect pass through its various transformations, and to see it spinning its cocoons of shining silk. After the enterprise had been conducted for about twelve years, it was abandoned, because the returns realized were not commensurate with the outlay. The buildings were located in the northeastern part of the township, near the western boundary. Mrs. Breston was a lady of unusual culture, and her people were well bred and well educated. They afterward sold out, and left the neighborhood, and the buildings were torn down and the lumber devoted to other uses. Thus ended one of the most useful industries ever begun in the township. Two villages have arisen in the township, although their present appearance and condition are widely different from what they were in early years. At one time. they both were promising towns, where men of push and energy resided. but now they are almost wholly deserted by enterprises of a business character. North Liberty was the first laid out, and it was among the earliest in the county. It was one of the many laid out between 1830 and 1835, at which period a sort of epidemic for townmaking spread over the county. It was surveyed and platted in May 1834, by Thomas C. Sweney, County Surveyor and John Henry, proprietor. It was laid out from land on the north half of the southeast quarter of Section 19, Township 1 south. Range 17 east. Forty-one lots were laid out. partly on the east side of the turnpike and part on the west, and soon the little village began to grow. Several years before, a man named Demetry had built a small frame dwelling, on what afterward became the site of the village. John Henry, the proprietor of the land and town, except one lot owned by Demetry, also built a small frame dwelling before the town was laid out. These were the only buildings in town before it was surveyed and laid out. although immediately after that event. Jacob Bibble and John Winterholder erected two dwellings, into which they moved their families. Soon afterward. two other families came to reside in the town, and, when this is narrated, almost the whole history of the village is known. No store nor tavern ever honored the town with its presence, although much talk was freely indulged in, in early years, at a total loss to those participating. Thirty-five will cover the population of the village in its palmiest days. This was something unusual-a flushed condition, so to speak, which could not last long ; for ordinarily, the village enumerated less than a dozen souls, and some- PAGE 657 - PICTURE OF JOHN SHULL PAGE 658 - BLANK HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 659 times was reduced to less than a half-dozen. However, in about 1839, a man named Kronenbach, erected a small building about a quarter of a mile south of the village on the turnpike, dividing the lower story into two apartments, and placing in the front one about $300 worth of notions. The citizens of the village, when away from home, were accustomed to speak of this store as though it was in town, a privilege which was not denied them by Mr. Kronenbach, who was evidently willing for them to get as much satisfaction out of the statement as could be expected. But the statements could not disguise nor conceal the tact that the village was without a store. It was not deemed profitable by mercantile men to place a stock of goods in the town when a rival establishment was doing a fair business a few rods south. Perhaps Mr. Kronenbach had an object in resisting the invitations of the villagers to move his stock of goods to the town. It is very likely that he adopted the practical philosophy of Mohammed reversed, thinking that the town should come over to him instead of the opposite. Both parties were disappointed. however, as the village remained where it was, and the store continued to do a fair business a few rods south. Mr. Kronenbach purchased his goods at Bucyrus, and his stock was increased until it was valued at about $600, dry goods and groceries being added to the original stock. After continuing the pursuit for about twelve years, Mr. Kronenbach was taken sick and died, whereupon his stock of goods was closed out and the enterprise abandoned. This was the first stock of goods brought to the township. The only noteworthy business enterprise ever in North Liberty, was Jacob Reidel's ashery, heretofore mentioned. The village is universally, though regularly. known as "Hog Town," which title was bestowed upon it from the following curious circumstances: John Henry, the proprietor of the town, was the man previously referred to, who was in the habit of illegally appropriating his neighbor's hogs. He soon obtained an ill-repute, which clung to him wherever he went, like Sindbad's burden. The stigma of disgrace could not be shaken off, though there is no evidence showing that Henry tried very hard to accomplish that result; on the contrary, he apparently was not concerned in the least by what his neighbors might think of him. He seemed to have enough to do in packing his neighbors' pork without their consent, to undertake any such new and unusual occupation. Finally, the neighbors began speaking of him as "Hog" Henry, a name he adopted without a murmur of disapprobation, even being heard to speak of himself as "Hog " Henry. One day, Joseph Hall and several other settlers were hunting in the woods near the cranberry marsh, when they suddenly heard the loud report of a rifle about a quarter of a mile distant. The hunters started toward the spot where the report had sounded, and, when within a few yards of that locality, they glanced through the foliage of the trees, and saw a man bending over the body of a hog that had just been shot. The man had a sharp knife in his hand, and was already busily engaged in flaying the dead animal. The hunters stopped immediately when they recognized the butcher. It was "Hog" Henry, who was undoubtedly up to his unlawful depredation of slaughtering and appropriating his neighbor's swine. One of the hunters was so incensed at the flagrancy and audacity of' the act, that he raised his rifle and shot Henry through the thigh. The wounded man fell prostrate upon the animal he had shot. The hunters ran forward to assist the fallen man, upon whom had fallen a swift and merited retribution. He was taken home, his wound was dressed, and after a few months he was out again, as active as ever in his old occupation. After this, the people began calling the village which Henry had laid out "Hog Town," a name it yet retains in honor (?) of the deeds of 660 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. its illustrious founder. The village is now almost wholly deserted. Its early lack of prosperity was, in a great measure, due to the ill will of the neighbors toward Henry. This man moved West, and has been dead many years. Richville has had a different history. It was laid out and platted in May, 1840, by the Crawford County Surveyor, and by Nathan Rich, the projector and proprietor. Nineteen lots were laid out on the southeast quarter of Section 18. Township 1 south, Range 17 east; and the village immediately began to grow and thrive, notwithstanding its proximity to North Liberty. Mr. Rich had erected a frame dwelling one and a half stories in height about three years before the town was surveyed. This building is yet standing, though deserted and unoccupied. Mr. Rich was an intelligent man of English descent, who had moved to the township about the time his dwelling was erected. Several buildings went up immediately after the laying-out of the town. John Robbins built the second, and John Pugh, the third. Pugh was a shingle-maker, and erected suitable shops wherein to ply his trade. When business at his shop became dull, he traveled around to the houses of the citizens, soliciting engagements for the manufacture of shingles. He made excellent ones from poplar and other wood, charging from 25 to 50 cents per hundred, sawing, splitting and shaving them out from the rough wood. He prepared a limited quantity of siding in the same manner, first splitting the rough clapboards out, and afterward shaving them down to the desired thickness. He continued the business for a number of years and then moved West. Pugh had a boy who was immoderately indolent. He refused to perform manual labor of any kind, although often flogged severely for such refusal. The youth was incorrigible, but soon developed an unusual power of acquiring knowledge. He outstripped his fellow-students at school, learning his lessons without any apparent effort. All that is known of the family after moving West is, that the boy who was so laze in Ohio, arose by steady degrees through various positions of honor until finally he was elected to represent his district in Congress. This incident is not related with a view of encouraging indolence: neither is it insinuated that idle boys make Congressmen. The obvious moral to be drawn is that if the youths physical energy had been proportionate to his powers of mind. He might have become one of the greatest statesmen in the country. Boys should be cautioned, in reading this incident not to make the mistake, that idleness is one of the cardinal virtues. About the time that Pugh built his dwelling, Thaddeus Kent, a settler. had come to Crawford County, locating near Bucyrus, as early as 1822. This man who has been one of Chatfield's most distinguished citizens, is yet living in Richville. He is a cooper, and has followed his trade for many years. Nathan Rich, the founder of the town, kept the first stock of goods in Richville, consisting, of about $75 worth of notions used to exchange for ashes, for Mr. Rich owned one of the most extensive asheries in the county, manufacturing as high as twenty-five tons of excellent pearl-ash per annum. He purchased large quantities of ashes from the neighboring settlers, paying at the rate of from 3 to 5 cents per bushel for the same, or giving notions, at the same rate, in exchange. Hundreds of tons of pearl-ash were transported to Bucyrus or Sandusky City, and sold, and handsome profits were realized. The same year that Richville was founded, Mr. Rich erected a large two-storied frame building, in which was placed one set of "nigger-head " stones. The grinding of any other grain but corn was not attempted, and even the latter was not ground to any great extent. In one apartment of the mill was placed a large "up-and-down" saw, HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY - 661 and here an excellent and first-class business was done. The services of an experienced sawyer were obtained, and large quantities of sawed lumber were furnished the neighboring citizens. The real growth of the town began with the erection of the mills and the commencement of the manufacture of pearl-ash. Dwellings began to go up in the village, tradesmen began to appear. and the outlook seemed promising. Life and activity were seen in all undertakings. John Robbins kept the first real store in town. He began in 1840, with a general assortment valued at about $800 and continued the business for six years, when he sold out and went to Wyandot County. He was succeeded in 1846, by a man having the same name John Robbins. This merchant kept the largest stock but one ever in the town. He sold a general assortment of goods, realizing fair profits therefrom, and at the expiration of ten years sold out and removed to some other locality. John Quaintance opened a saloon in town soon after it was laid out. It is said that his stock of liquor, on hand at any one time, could be contained in a single jug, Several inveterate topers. living in the neighboring, were in the habit of frequenting this saloon, where their earthly tribulation; were drowned in the flowing bowl. Some of these tribulations were excellent swimmers, judging from the quantity of liquor that was drank. Mr. Quaintance kept a small stock of groceries, among which was coffee. He had in his employ a youth of about sixteen years of age who, it is said. knew enough to take 3 cents for a drink of whisky, and there his stock in knowledge failed. One day Mr. Quaintance, who was engaged in buying paper-rags of the citizens, left the boy in charge of the saloon, while he went to Bucyrus for another jug of whisky. A neighbor came in with a sack of rags; the worth of which he told the boy he would take in coffee. The youth, with that ready confidence which is often found abundantly where knowledge is lacking, weighed the rags, and announced that there were some fifteen pounds. He then weighed the same number of pounds of coffee, tied the same up, and gave the package thus prepared in exchange for the rags. All this was done with that ready assurance which distingusishes the man of experience-one who has tied up thousands of pounds under the same familiar circumstances. When Mr. Quaintance came home and learned of the transaction, his faith in the experience and mental skill of his confidential clerk was hopelessly shaken, he even attempted to point out to the unsuspecting youth a serious error in the exchange: and such conduct on the part of the a employer was not tolerated by the indignant clerk. who announced his intention of leaving the saloon, if such presumption was again attempted. He did not leave, and the presumption is that he overlooked the reprehensible conduct of his employer in doubting the wisdom of the clerk and the financial benefits of the exchange. Mr. Quaintance conducted his saloon for a number of years, and then closed out his stock and retired from the business. Mr. Kaler opened a saloon soon afterward, but did not continue long at the occupation. Liquor has been sold in the village during the larger part of its history. Lorenzo Bartimess, a man of great push and enterprise, erected suitable buildings in 1839, and began the distillation of whisky and brandy on quite an extensive scale. He placed in the building two copper stills: one, the larger, with twice the capacity of the other, containing about eight barrels, and the other four. This became the most profitable distillery ever in the township, turning out a fair sample of whisky and brandy at the rate of from ten to thirty gallons per day. Mr. Bartimess understood the business thoroughly, being a practical distiller of wide experience and he commanded an extensive patronage from the surrounding country, and also sold considerable in neighboring villages 662 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. The enterprise was continued, with the exception of several stoppages, until a few years ago, when it was discontinued by the direction and through the intervention of United States officials. The distillery buildings were located just east of the village, where the water of Sycamore Creek would be easily obtained for cleansing purposes. Scores or men living in this and adjacent townships, were accustomed to visit the distillery, where liquor free from strychnine and other alkaloid poisons could be obtained for less money than the impure articles then circulating in commerce. Jugs were taken and filled and when the supply had failed, another visit was made for more. The greater portion of the liquor manufactured was consumed at home. In the year 1864, Hipp & Robinson erected the present store building in the town at a cost of $600, and placed therein $6,000 worth of goods. They made a fair profit the first year on the investment; but, when the fictitious prices, created during the war, began to decline, often going down 20 per cent within as many days, large losses were incurred. and at the end of five years the partners sold their stock to Markley & Durr for $3,000, and retired, having sunk several thousand dollars in the enterprise. The latter partnership continued in business for several years: but the undertaking was not profitable, and was discontinued within four or five years. Other parties have engaged in the mercantile pursuit at different times. Frederick and William Aschbaugh, for a number of years, kept about $2,000 worth of a general assortment of goods for sale. Jacob Buckman also engaged in the same pursuit with $3,000 worth of goods. In a small building a short distance south of the village, George Maltz, beginning in 1854, carried a stock of goods valued at $2,500 for about ten years. He was wise enough to close out or sell out just before the prices began to decline, having received the full benefit of the rise of goods in value. Michael Hall followed him for about four years, but heavy losses decided his closing out his stock. This has been the extent of mercantile pursuits in Richville. Several of the stores commanded a wide patronage. furnishing large profits to the owners. Shortly after the town was laid out, the post office was changed from Frisbee's Tavern to Richville. As was previously stated, Dr. A. B. Fairbanks, the fiat physician of any note in the town, received the appointment as Postmaster. This office has been in the village ever since, and has always been kept in some of the stores. Dr. Fairbanks had a partner in his profession-a young mail named Detwiler-and this partnership was not dissolved for about fifteen years, enjoying in the meantime an extensive practice. They have been followed by Drs. Pitzell, Urias Tupps and Zeigler, the present resident physician. The village has seen its best days, and nothing is likely to arise to modify, increase or change its present condition of inertness. Frederick Hipp, or "Squire" Hipp, as he is more familiarly known, has done a great deal in the past to add to the material prosperity and growth of the town. He has been elected term after term to the office of Justice of the Peace, and in the private walks of life has commanded universal respect and influence. One of the most melancholy events falling upon the historian to record occurred in September. 1879, making a deep impression upon the minds of the citizens of the township. David Kalb had, living at his house, a niece, Miss Mary Long, about seventeen years of age, quite pretty and attractive. She had several admirers, among whom was a young man named George Swab, who worked for her uncle upon the farm, and who professed for her the most ardent love and devotion. It is not positively known whether the young lady reciprocated his affection, although the evidence seems to imply that their love was mutual. But the HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 663 relatives of the young lady, who were quite wealthy, objected to the match, and discouraged the devotion of the lovers in every possible ways. The uncle dismissed the young man from his service; but love was not to be thwarted, and the lovers continued to meet at the residences of the neighbors. The youngman spent one Sunday evening in her company at Henry Klink's, and what transpired at this interview will never be known. The following Monday evening, he went to the residence of the uncle when all the family, except the young lady and hired man were absent. and, having gained admittance to her room. deliberately shot her through the heart with a revolver, killing her instantly. He then coolly went to the barn, and, having detached the reins from the harness, took them and hung himself on a cherry tree in the yard. The hired man was so frightened that he made no efforts to ascertain the cause of the report. Reports of the murder and suicide were soon in swift circulation, and hundreds of the; neighbors arrived on the scene of the tragedy to learn more fully of the affair and to view for the last time the pale faces of the of the dead lovers. Some think that the young man was rejected by her he loved on the previous Sunday night, and that, all hope having died out of his heart, he determined to take his own life and that of his loved one. Others think it was a preconcerted plan of the lovers, who had resolved to die together rather than live separately. The truth will probably never he known, until the light of god's mercy shall smite upon the world with a kiss of heavenly forgiveness. The first school in the township was taught deing the summer of 1834, by Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson, in her own dwelling, in the village of North Liberty. She taught a term of three Months, and had enrolled some twelve or fifteen scholars, who paid $1 each for the term. A mystery, which the gossips of the village vainly endeavored to unravel, was connected with this lady's life. She stated that she was the wife of Hon. .John Thompson, a Representative in the Ohio Legislature, from Hamilton County, but nothing of her former life, or how she came to be in the village was revealed, any attempt at discovery being kindly and politely avoided. She was lady-like in all her manners, and was well educated, giving excellent satisfaction to the patrons of the school. She taught several terms, and finally left the neighborhood. In 1836, a frame school-building was erected on the turnpike near Richville. This building is yet standing, although, since the erection of the new brick schoolhouse, it has stool unoccupied. John Fissell, was one of the first teachers in the old house. He taught many terms outside of the village after the school buildings had been erected in surrounding districts. Within two or three years after the Richville schoolhouse had been erected. two more were built, one about a little northwest of the village, and the other about a mile and a half south on the turnpike. The one in the northern part was located in the "wind-fall." on Section 7. When the settlers first came to the township, a strip of timber about half a mile wide, extending across the northwest corner, was quite small, none of it being more than a foot in diameter, and the ground was thickly strewed with decaying timber lying in all conceivable positions, showing that a tornado had swept down the trees some twenty-five or thirty years before The schoolhouse. was built in this fallen timber The names of the first teachers are forgotten but, after a number of years. Mrs. Sarah Breston taught several terms. It was not to long before the township was divided into school districts, and soon afterward each had a frame schoolhouse. Chatfield had perhaps fewer log schoolhouses than any other township in the county, obviously from the fact that they were built comparatively late, and at a time when sawed lumber could be easily obtained, thus avoiding the necessity of using logs. The 664 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. township schools are taught largely in the German language, several of them ruling out the English language entirely. The schools of the township are more thorough than might be expected. John H. Davidson has taken an active interest in educational affairs, and has done much to better school advantages. He has taught frequently, and was the first teacher in the new brick schoolhouse. Richville has educated and furnished to this and adjacent townships some twenty teachers some of whom have acquired a wide reputation as skillful and efficient instructors. As early as 1832, the Methodists began holding meetings in those homely and inconvenient. though pleasant places-the cabins of the settler. Ministers of all the commonest religious denominations, came from Bucyrus and surrounding, townships to organize societies for the benefit of the settlers morals. The German Lutherans and German Reformers organized societies immediately after the arrival of the German emigration from the old country. The meetings were held in cabins until 1837, when the two last mentioned societies obtained a large log cabin intended for a dwelling and having sided it with black walnut lumber, dedicated it to the service of God. It was used for many years, but was finally abandoned by the religious denominations and is at present devoted to German school purposes. In 1844, a Baptist Church was built on the turnpike in the southern part. This building is yet standing, and near it is a quiet little cemetery where beautiful marble shafts mark the last resting place of Chatfield's earliest and most beloved citizens. Across the road. on the opposite corner is a fine new Schoolhouse-one of the best in Chatfield. The two German Church societies referred to above erected at an early day a building in which to worship, locating it in the northwestern corner in the windfall. The building was a large, almost square structure with one door and four windows, and was constructed largely from black walnut lumber obtained at one of the saw-mills in Seneca County. This became one of the best churches in the township. An early revival increased the membership to such an extent that the building was scarcely capable of containing the congregation that gathered there on almost every Sabbath. A Sunday school was organized and the children were instructed regarding Biblical truths, as seen from the stand point of German Reformers and Lutherans. These two denominations continued to worship together until a few years ago, When it was decided to divide the congregation, one faction to keep the old Church, and the other to erect a new one in the northern part of the turnpike. This division was made for two reasons: one being that the house was too small and homely for the congregation, and the other that the two denominations thought it better for each to own a church of its own. The division was therefore made, the Lutherans retaining the old building and the Reformers erecting a new one of more imposing appearance a short distance east on the turnpike. The Dunkards erected a church just across the line in Seneca County, near the northwestern corner, which obtained many members from Chatfield Township. It was built about 1846, and after remaining there for many years, was moved across the line in Chatfield. A number of years ago the old building was succeeded by a new one erected near tile residence of John Burgbacher. The Methodists had a large fine church in Richville, which has a larger membership than any other in the township. Chatfield boasts of having five churches, two of them being brick. The Columbus and Sandusky Turnpike has ever been the great aortic artery of the township. It has been of the greatest value especially in early years, affording an easy outlet either north or south, and for many years it was the only road in Chatfield. It divides the township into two HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 665 unequal segments, passing north and south a short distance west of the center, the course of the road lying a few degrees east of north. It is extensively traveled by the citizens of the county, and by those in the center of the State on their way north by wagon.