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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 665 CHAPTER XXVI. TEXAS TOWNSHIP-EARLY CONDITION-FIRST SETTLERS-PROGRESS AND IMPROVEMENT-BENTON-CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS. FOR many years, both before and after Crawford County was created, much of the land adjoining the Wyandot Reservation was wild and uninhabited, and was unfrequented, except by professional hunters, who were accustomed to wander there in pursuit of the more dangerous varieties of wild animals. Frontier life is peculiar, and, to men of splendid physique, whose health never suffers from hardships or privations, nor from the almost countless ills and annoyances besetting the path of the unconcerned frontierman, it possesses a singular fascination, impossible to be resisted by the sturdy natures that delight in the inclemencies incident to so obscure and wild an existence. The hardy natures of some men delight in ceaseless activity, and only find a happy and suitable field in which to labor, in the combined triumphs and trials. self-denials and self-imposed perils, that the wilderness presents, as an obstruction to the encroachments of civilization. Men do not voluntarily exile themselves from social contact with their fellows, unless in some new field of activity, greater enjoyments are found and realized. Man is a social being. happy in social intercourse with others, but, despondent and filled with sorrow, when act or accident consigns him to loneliness and solitude. Alexander Selkirk, cast by the mad waters of the ocean upon the bleak and uninhabited shores of the remote island of Juan Fernandez, is supposed to have cried out, in sorrow: "Oh! Solitude, where are thy charms, That sages have seen in thy face? Better dwell in the midst of alarms, Than reign in this horrible place. "I am out of humanity's reach; I shall finish my journey alone; Never hear the sweet music of speech; I start at the sound of my own." Yet, notwithstanding the social chain that binds mankind together, the restless natures of some men impel an advance to the frontier, where social contact with wild animals and with the strange and innumerable forms of nature usurps, in an incomprehensible manner, the delights of communion with civilized man. It is here that his rugged nature finds companionship and agreeable society. It is here that solitude is unknown to the strange genius of the pioneer, who communes with Nature and her countless laws, and enjoys protracted interviews with inanimate creation. Byron, whose Orphic utterances charm the heart and understanding, and whose almost divine genius correctly interprets the language of solitude, sings "There is a pleasure in the pathless woods, There is a rapture on the lonely shore, There is society where none intrudes, By the deep sea, and music in its roar: I love not man the less, but Nature more, From these our interviews, in which I steal From all I may be, or have been before, To mingle with the Universe, and feel What I can ne'er express, yet cannot all conceal." 666 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. The pioneer, gifted with a like insight into nature's mysteries, also "steals " out into the wilderness to "mingle with the universe," and to seek those pleasures which are in unison with his peculiar characteristics. Texas Township was early the home of those wandering hunters who kept moving westward as the title of settlement advanced. and whose practical training in woodcraft and in the chase could furnish pleasure only in the depths of the dark, wild forest. They remained longer in the vicinity of the Wyandot Reservation, which was not subject to settlement by the whites until 1845, for the reason that then could invade the forbidden ground without danger of detection or prosecution, and find game, that had wholly disappeared from newly settled localities. Small cabins were erected, in which were domiciled their wives, who, to all appearances, were capable of living without any visible means of support, and who were frequently left alone in the cabin for weeks together, while the husband and father was off on a long hunting excursion. The whole family were inured to privation, and, if the cabin did not contain the needful supply of food, it was no unusual occurrence for the mother to go out into the surrounding woods and bring down a deer or a squirrel or some other animal that would appease the vigorous appetites of the famishing children. This was true not only of the families of the professional hunters who came to the most remote frontier, but also of families living in localities where considerable advancement had been made in settlement and civilization. A skillful hunter often made by the sale of flesh and furs upward of a thousand dollars during the hunting and trapping season, a large share of which, instead of being used in purchasing land or in providing much-needed comforts for the family, was squandered at neighboring grog-shops and distilleries. Many of these hunters were rough characters, who possessed no apparent knowledge of the rights of property, and who were in the habit of appropriating swine and other domestic animals that came in their way, regardless of the wishes of protesting owners, and careless of any resulting consequences for so doing. A family of this kind lived in Texas Township very early, and after their depredations had gone on until "forbearance had ceased to be a virtue," the neighbors assembled and informed them that it was time for them to migrate farther out into the wilderness. The husband and father protested, saying that his children were almost naked, and that all his time would be needed to clothe them before cold weather set in; whereupon the neighbors returned to their homes, and soon afterward again presented themselves with suitable wearing apparel for the children, who were soon comfortably clothed. But the father, no doubt overwhelmed by so charitable an act, declared his unwillingness to leave a locality where neighbors were so kind to the poor and unfortunate, and announced his intention of remaining where he was. But he was given to understand by unmistakable signs and language that it was best for him to depart, and he departed. As a rule, the hunters were notoriously lazy, and it was almost always the case that their families eked out a miserable existence, undergoing privation and starvation which, if dominant today, would soon depopulate the township. Another early family in the township lived in a cabin having no door nor floor, in one end of which was a pen for a family of swine, while the other was devoted to the use of a family of eleven persons. The most degrading squalor and discomfort were everywhere apparent. It is said that the children's bodies were so thickly covered with scurf and dirt as to render them as swarthy and dark as those of the negro, and that the mother. when asked why the children were not washed, complacently replied, "The water is so skase hereabouts." HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 667 These were exceptional cases, however, as many of tile earliest families-those of the more enterprising frontiermen-were intelligent, and were surrounded with many pleasures and comforts unknown today in long settled localities. Texas is the smallest township but one in the county. It is located in the northwestern corner, and comprises twelve square miles of excellent farming land. It originally belonged to Sycamore Township, of which it formed a part, until Wyandot County was created in 1845, when the township, as it now stands, came into existence, and received its name from the following curious circumstance: In 1844, Polk and Dallas had been nominated at the Baltimore Convention of the Democratic party, for President and Vice President of the 1nited States, and, about the same time. David Tod was running for Governor of Ohio. The most important question before the country during the Presidential and Gubernatorial canvass at this time, was that of the admission of Texas into the Union. There was also another question before the people of Crawford County during this period. which was the change inade in its boundaries anal territory and the creation of four new townships. It, occurred to the county-authorities to name these townships after the questions then agitating the minds of the citizens, and the significant title-Polk, Dallas, Todd and Texas-were bestowed upon them. Texas was six miles long and two miles wide. Buckeye Creek, a small tributary of Sandusky River, flows westward and across the northern tier of sections and its small affluents drain the second tier of sections from the north. Sycamore Creek, one of the most important streams in the county flows westwardly across the second tier of sections from the south, and it and its branches drain the southern two-thirds of the township. One of its branches, called Big Run, flows across the lower tier of sections. These streams furnish ample drainage to the township. The land in the northern and in the southern parts is quite rolling, especially so along Sycamore Creek, where the hills rise in some places 100 feet above the bed of the stream. The central portion is quite level, yet it is sufficiently well drained to make it the most fertile territory in the township. The first settler, so far as known, was George Bender, who entered a tract of land in the southern part in 1824, and erected a round-log cabin thereon. A few years afterward, probably about 1827, he built a rude dam on Sycamore Creek southwest of the present village of Benton, and employed a man named McGrew to construct a saw-mill from poplar boards, sawed while the machinery was operated in the open air. John Hazlett, who became a resident of the township in 1829, discovered that Bender's mill had been erected on the land of the former; whereupon notice was given to Bender that all claims to the mill property must be relinquished. One year after such notice, Hazlett toohs charge of the mill, which was continued in operation until1834, when a sudden freshet wished away the dam, thus rendering the mill inoperative. So repairs were attempted, and the Bender Mill soon became a thing of the past. A short time after Bender had been deprived of his property, he built another mill farther down the creek on his own land, which after being operated a few years was discontinued Bender also followed the occupation of farming, his team consisting of a large bay horse and an ox. In driving this strange team, the like of which was often seen in early years, he bestrode the horse, as by so doing he was in a much more satisfactory position to administer a flogging to the ox which lead the now well-known habit of holding back. He had one of the old-fashioned wide-track wagons, and was often seen in Bucyrus with his oddly consorted team. He became well known to the subsequent settlers, who engaged his assistance in looking up their farms. An addition 668 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. was made to Bender's cabin, a long shed built of rough boards, which was used as a combined swine, cow and horse stable. His cabin had two doors, hung on wooden hinges, one on each side of the building, and the large fire-place filled one entire end. The horse was often used in drawing huge logs into the cabin, which were afterward rolled into the fire-place. The following year after Bender entered his land, there came in Anthony Detray, Robert Roberts, Charles Morrow, Adam Miller and Robert Mays, who located in the southern part, and Dodridge Paul, Eli Adams, Joseph Nedray. David Palmer, Alva Trask and Laban Perdew. who selected farms in the northern part. There also carne in, prior to 1830; William Gregg, James Griffith, Lewis Lemert, Washington Duncan, John Hazlett, Arthur Andrews, Charles Dickens, John Henry, A. L. Westover. John and Finley McGrew, Martin Holman, William Pennington and others, who established themselves in different parts of the township. Those settlers who located in the northern half, with scarcely an exception, came from Seneca County, where large emigrations of New Englanders have settled, many of them before the war of 1812. After most of the land in Seneca County had been entered and improved, the settlers, who continued to come in large numbers, were compelled to journey on farther west or south, where farms as fertile and beautiful as any in Ohio could be purchased for $1.25 per acre. It thus came to pass that, between 1820 and 1830, pioneers by the thousands located in surrounding regions, and the wave of colonization rolled down from the north into Crawford County to meet the one of even greater strength that swept westward from Mansfield and vicinity. The two waves of settlement met in Crawford County, and it thus occurred, that the first settlers in the northern part of Texas Township came from Seneca County, where they had arrived in search of homes, while the southern part of said township was settled and improved by those who came from Mansfield through Bucyrus. The land in the central part was not entered at first, for the reason that it was flat and wet, and the settlers preferred the well-drained hills along the streams. Many, when they arrived in the township, had nothing with which to begin their forest life except good health and boundless resolution. A man or woman with feeble health had no business in the backwoods, where robust health was all invaluable auxiliary to success. Many, however, with feeble constitutions came out, hoping to prolong their existence, but most of these were soon consigned to the nearest churchyard. Cases are often found where, when the question is asked some gray-haired old man or woman. "How did you manage to live during the early years ?" the only answer, like the one received from Martin Holman, is all exhibition of wrinkled and calloused hands. And that answer is sufficient and true; for many an old man and woman now living in the township and in other portions of Ohio, who are surrounded with comforts purchased by a bountiful expenditure of wealth and with loving children, grandchildren and friends, came into the wilderness more than half a century ago with nothing to meet the adversities of pioneer life except strong. honest hearts and hands. When Adam Miller reached Texas Township, his money and credit amounted to the sum total of 12 1/2 cents. He owned an ox and a rifle, and his wife had a few cooking utensils, and with these they began to clear and improve their farm and supply themselves often with barely sufficient food to sustain life. The Wyandot Reservation afforded abundant opportunity for observing the "noble red man," who was in the habit of visiting the cabins of the settlers for divers purposes, the chief being that of begging. They solicited alms from the settlers, who often, if they gave anything in charity, were obliged to give the last they had. HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 669 Several one day presented themselves at the cabin of Holman, and, pointing to their abdomens with downcast look, pitifully said, "Me sick, me sick," intimating that they were almost famished with hunger. They were fed, but their appetites were so vigorous and their capacity for food so prodigious, that the stores of the pantry, though large at first, were soon reduced to a minimum But a radical cure was effected by this treatment, and the Indians left the cabin, with happy hearts. One day, when John Hazlett and Nicholas Ulary were hunting in the woods, they overtook a wounded deer, which they shot, and just as they had dressed it, several Indians presented themselves and claimed the animal. The white hunters at first refused to give it up; but. when tire Indians pointed to the wound on its shoulder and then to themselves, shaking their heads in the meantime, and making threatening demonstrations to the elect that trouble would ensue if the animal was retained it was relinquished without a murmur. John Hazlett was one of the most successful resident hunter: ever in the township. The largest part of his time was spent in hunting in the deep woods, and he remembers of participating in many an exciting adventure. The Hazlett brothers thought it strange unless they succeeded in killing a hundred deer during the winter mouths, for a number of years after coming to the township. John one day wounded a deer, which fell, apparently dead, upon the ground. He kneeled over its body, intending to cut its throat, but, with a sudden movement, it leaped to its feet, at the same instant kicking him sprawling on the ground. It came at him with head down, but he seized a large club and began beating it across the neck and head with all his strength. By dodging around trees, he succeeded in avoiding the antlers of the angry animal until at length. by a lucky blow, he dislocated its neek. whereupon it fell to the ground and was quickly dispatched. At another time, when out late one bitterly cold night in winter, when the ground was thickly covered with snow, a large animal leaped out of the bushes near him, and bounded off through the woods, as thou though possessed by the spirit that once took refuge in a herd of swine. It gave a piercing scream at every bound. and. when off at a considerable distance. Hazlett plucked up enough courage to answer it. Whereupon the animal ceased its cries and came rapidly back toward the hunter. Hazlett could hear it treading on the snow near him, and occasionally a sniffling or wheezing sound was heard. He was too much of a hunter not to know what the sound meant. The animal was a panther, and at the thought his blood ran in icy currents through his veins, and, as related by himself, his hair stood erect off his head, so that the weight of his cap could no longer be felt. He involuntarily placed his hand on his head to see if it bore its accustomed wearing apparel, which was found to be in its proper place, which fact in a measure reassured the hunter. He was terribly frightened and, scarcely knowing what he did, he called out at the top of his voice for it to come on, as he was ready for it. But the animal seemingly declined his invitation as it turned, and was soon out of sound and sight. Very early the following morning, Samuel Gregg, who had just butchered, was roused from his bed by the same sniffling sound that had frightened Hazlett. He took his gun and went out, when a large animal ran out of a small shed in which the meat was hung, and bounded off through the woods. It was undoubtedly the same animal that had disturbed the nocturnal ramblings of Hazlett. Other interesting and exciting incidents are rehated by several of the earliest settlers yet living in the township. One is related of Robert Clark, who had just come from the East, and who was a novice in all the ways of pioneer life. His cabin was built and entered, though it had no door except a blanket suspended from above. It is said that one night, soon after their
670 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. arrival, the family became terribly scared by strange cries around the cabin. Surmising that some dangerous animals were meditating an attack upon them, Mr. Clark hurried his wife and children into the loft, while he, with ax in hand, stood guard all night at the door, ready to brain any animal that attempted to enter. It was afterward learned that the family were frightened by the screeching of the owls. At another time, Washington Duncan, who lived in a cabin much like the one owned by Clark, was aroused from his sleep one night by an unusual noise in the room. A few dying ember in the fire-place cast a faint glare over the sleeping inmates, and revealed to the apprehensive Duncan what appeared to be a large bear, standing in the shade on the opposite side of the room. He whispered to at companion lying near him, "Lie still, John, till I get the gun." He reached for the rifle which stood in one corner of the room, and was on the point of firing at the supposed animal, when it suddenly arose to an erect position and called out in alarm. " Heah, Massa Wash, what yo' doin' ?" The supposed bear proved to be nothing but a negro, who was thought to be sleeping in the loft above, but who, getting cold. had come down and stretched himself out on a bench, covering himself with a heavy coat, the sleeves of which, handing down. caused the fancied resemblance to a bear. The negro was greatly scared and rolled his eyes in fright, when he was informed of his narrow escape from being shot. Isaac Miller built a saw-mill in 1836 on Sycamore Creek, about half a mile southwest of Benton. It continued in operation about eight years, but was finally washed away by a freshet, and was not afterward rebuilt. James Longwell also built one on the same creek in 1837, which was perhaps the most valuable ever in the township. It was a rude shed concern with an old-fashioned "flutter," wheel, but it had the capacity of turning out a large amount of first-class work. The stream where the dam was built gave excellent water-power, and. though the mill could run but four mouths of the year, it sawed day and night while the water lasted. Logs of all kinds and sizes were sawed, either on shares, one-half being taken by the sawyer, or at the rate of about 40 cents per 100 feet. After this mill had been in operation a number of years, the proprietor entered into partnership with Uriah Wooster, for the purpose of erecting and operating a grist-mill. The building erected was three stories high, and. together with. the milling machinery placed therein. cost about $1,400. This mill is yet in operation, and since its erection has been of the greatest value to the township and the surrounding country. It has changed ownership many times, and has been improved and enlarged: but, under the control of almost every miller, it has furnished an excellent grade of flour and meal. Mr. Wooster was one Sunday operating the mill after it had been erected a number of years. One set of buhrs gave him considerable trouble, as the upper stone, by the force of friction would spring up several inches from the lower, only to settle back; again for a repetition of the annoyance. This continued for some time until at last, under a heavier pressure of steam, the upper stone was given such a wrench by the sudden an unusual friction, that it burst into a half-dozen pieces, one of which struck Wooster on the tread with such force as to crush his skull, causing instant death. The Longwell saw-mill was operated about twenty-five years, and was finally permitted to run down. The grist-mill is in a prosperous condition, and for a number of years has been owned and conducted by Michael Snyder, an efficient miller. In about 1848, Martin Holman sunk four vats and began dressing skins. The enterprise failed to yield the desired profits, the leather being; barely sufficient to supple the demand at Benton, and at the expiration of five years, the tanyard was transformed into a barnyard HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 671 and Holman turned his attention to farming. The children of early settlers were often lost. in the woods, and frequently several days elapsed before they were recovered. Holman's children were often lost and the whole neighborhood turned out with bells, guns and horns. to hunt the wanderers. After remaining in the woods all day, they were discovered by a neighbor, who conducted them home. The lost ones were not always children. Often men and women who had resided in the woods for years became bewildered when out alone, and after passing several days and nights in the forest, perhaps within half a mile of home, suddenly presented themselves at their own cabin or that of some near neighbor, inquiring who lived there and asking where Mr. So-and-so lived; mentioning their own name:. A person bewildered in the woods strangely loses every iota of sagacity and judgment, and squarely refuses to recognize landmarks which he has peen a hundred times, often passing within a few yards of his own door without noticing a single familiar sign. This is hard to account for from any other fact than the psychological one that the different faculties of observation, used in unusual degrees of intensity. See Wellknown object., through new characteristics anal refuse to recognize those that are familiar. It is related that George Bender, who had lived in the woods for years, became bewildered within half a mile from home, and after wandering mostIy in a circle for two nights and a day, finally stumbled. as it were. upon the cabin of a neighbor, whereupon his senses returned. On the 24th of Aumist, 1841, John Hazlett and George Bender, on land owned by themselves, laid out fifty-one lots from the northern part of the southeast quarter of Section 26, Township 1, Range 15 east. and named the village Benton. What induced the proprietors to bestow upon their town the name it now bears, has not been satisfactorily explained. One fact is known, however, that the village was named in honor of Senator Benton, of Missouri. It is likely that there were but two or three cabins on the present site of the village before it was laid out. Daniel Beal, a blacksmith by trade, erected and occupied a small frame building as early as 1835. He also built a small shanty-shop and began working at his trade at the same time. This man, perhaps, more than any other, created the desire among the citizens for a village and a post office. His shop became a resort, at which the farmers gathered on rainy days to pitch horseshoes and gossip about neighboring affairs The prominence of these circumstances, in the minds of Hazlett and . Bender, led them to lay out the town. The lots were sold rapidly, and, within ten years, the village had more than 100 inhabitants; and soon afterward, the population had attained such magnitude that a petition for incorporation was presented to the County Commissioners by the villagers. The prayer of the petitioners was granted, and Alvin Williams was elected the first Mayor of Benton. As far as known, the second dwelling in the town was built by John Leigh in either 1836 or 1837; but these were probably the only ones until after the town had been laid out. Immediately after that event, two more small dwellings were erected, and in 1842. John Hazlett built a frame structure on the site of the present hotel. Leigh was also a blacksmith, and began working at his trade, though he found but little to do. This constituted the growth of the village until after the creation of the township in 1845. The laws of Ohio were such that Texas, with its twelve sections, could not form a separate township, unless it contained at least, one incorporated village. This led the citizens to build up the town very rapidly after 1845, until its population reached the legal limits necessary to those desiring incorporation. Alvin Williams was the first one to open a store in the village. However, the stock of goods, 672 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. valued at about $500, was owned by the partnership, Williams & Westover, and was placed in a small storeroom built for that purpose. For some unknown reason, they closed out their stock at the end of four years, and retired from the business. Williams owned an ashery at the same time. which was conducted quite extensively while the store was open, and for a number of years afterward. It is likely that the store was opened as a sort of an auxiliary to the more important ashery. Immediately after this store closed, J. W. Saltzerman placed $1,000 worth of goods in a large room in a private dwelling; but, after dealing two or three years with the Texans, he likewise closed out his stock. William Sigler, in 1844, purchased the building erected by Hazlett. and opened it as a tavern, placing in one apartment $3,000 worth of goods : but, after conducting the two enterprises for two years, he removed his goods to Cary, Ohio. and sold the tavern to Daniel Tuttle. This man in connection with his hotel, began selling liquor and groceries, and continued thus for nearly twenty years, when he sold out to other parties. Tuttle enlarged the building, while owned by him, until it reached its present size and shape. The tavern has changed hands several times since, but each landlord has sold liquor. Chapman & Shepard also sold goods in the town for see several years, about the time it was incorporated. their storeroom being the one now occupied by Winters & Longwell. These partners sold their stock to a Mr. Groff, who closed out within a year. Winters & Temple then began with several thousand dollars' worth of goods, and, for a number of years, did an excellent business but the death of Mr. Temple complicated affairs, until Mr. Longwell purchased the share owned by Temple's heirs. This firm. Winters & Longwell, is at present driving quite a brisk trade in the village. Alvin Williams kept the first saloon, and the village has had an abundance of liquor since. Mr. Van Fleet also kept a stock of goods at an early day. Robert Martin, who built one of the first few dwellings in the town was the first resident carpenter, and many of the buildings yet standing in town and surrounding country, were built. by him. Erastus Reynolds also followed the same occupation, David Rank sunk six vats in 1845, and began tanning skins of all kinds in occupation he followed quite extensively for twelve years. He did a Good work, and much of his leather was made into boots and shoes by resident shoemakers, the remainder finding a ready sale at Bucyrus and other towns. Dr. Yates was the first practicing physician in the village. He was succeeded by Dr. Alvord, who resided in Benton twenty years; and practiced extensively throughout the neighboring country. He was followed by Dr. Bland and afterward by Dr;. Kryder and Swahn, who are at present prescribing for the bodily ills of the Texans. The population of the town has not exceeded 300. and is at present about 230. Daniel Tuttle did as much as any other man to build up and improve the village. This strange man, who is yet living in the town, deserves more than a passing notice. As far back as known he has been an openly avowed Infidel; and, as said by himself has fought all Christian denominations with an intolerable hatred. sparing neither money, time nor labor. In 1850, he issued the first number of The Divinity Physician, a paper to be published "semi-occasionally," which had for its motto the following well-known sentence from Thomas Paine: "I will go any length for truth, but not one step for popularity at the expense of truth." The paper was satirical in its tendency, and was designed to burlesque the cardinal doctrines of the Christian denominations. Some years, several numbers appeared; at other times, two or three or more years elapsed with no issue. The sheet is a small folio, and the last number appeared in 1876. But little return has been received in the way of subscription HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 673 for the cost of publication by the publisher, who, on the contrary, has been prosecuted several times in the County Courts for libel at a great cost to himself. He makes no scruple about having his views known by every one on the contrary, he glories in the name of Infidelity, and deems it his duty to do all he can to obstruct the progress of Christianity. He has expended several thousand dollars` in the publication of his paper without any return, except continued insult and contempt. The first schoolhouse in the township was a square, round-log structure, erected as early as 1828, on Dodridge Paul's farm. It was built a number of years before the township was divided into school districts, and very likely before, or about the time. Sycamore Township, of which Texas formed a part was created. The country all along the course of the Sandusky River in Seneca County, and in the vicinity of Melmore, was quite thickly settled at that time and numerous mills, taverns, schools and churches had been established. But the earliest settlers in Northern Texas saw clearly that it was out of the question for their children to traverse the long distance through the woods to attend those schools. Church-going people could travel the distance easily and did largely for many years, even after churches were organized in Texas Township. In order that their children might get at least the rudiments of an education the early settlers assembled and erected the large school-cabin referred to, designing it for all public purposes, the principal being those of school, church and township. It was a quaint structure, with clapboard roof and floor, having a large chimney, built of stone and earth and extending down to within six feet of the floor, and having a large funnel shaped opening to insure sufficient draft to carry off the smoke of fire, built upon a broad stone hearth directly underneath. Around this central fire-place. rude clapboard benches were placed, and in one corner was a small black walnut table, which served as a pulpit when the cabin was used as a church. The chimney was so low that tall men, unless they were cautious, often bumped their heads, and then the usual exclamations under such circumstances were uttered. One day a minister from Bucyrus, who was to preach there, came hastily in and without noticing the chimney, struck his head against it, but no language of less dignity than "my stars " escaped his lips. That was perhaps the most appropriate expression that could be made under the circumstances This building, was deserted after 1833, when a new and better school building was erected a short distance south. The new house was frame, and was used until the township was redistricted in 1845, when the change was made in the territory of the county. A log school-house was also built in the southern part about half a mile west of Benton as early as 1830. This building is remembered to have been there that year, and was very likely built the year before. It was also used as a church even more extensively than the Paul Schoolhouse. It was in this schoolhouse, one Sunday morning before the minister. Rev. Mr. Oliver, or the congregation had arrived, that Daniel Tuttle, or "Bishop" Tuttle, as he was afterward called, wrote with a piece of charcoal upon the wall: "Oliver, Bender and Gillim Have caught the devil, And are going to kill 'im." This was taken as a text by the minister, who, as if to verity the declaration of the rhymer. preached with great potency for nearly two hours This building was used until about 1839, when a frame schoolhouse was built in the western part of what is now Benton. It was likewise used as a meeting-house, and its walls resounded "many a time and oft" with the loud acclamations of warm-hearted and enthusiastic Christian people. In 1858, a new schoolhouse was built in the village, which is yet devoted to educational purposes. At the 674 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. time of the creation of the township, in 1845, it was divided into four school districts, each of the northern two comprising four square miles, and each of the southern two, two square miles. This is the present division, and each district has a comfortable schoolhouse. But little attention was paid to the boundary lines of school districts in early years. Scholars attended the nearest schoolhouse, even though it was in another township. And then, again, the greater number of the earliest schools were taught by subscription, and without any regard to districts, townships or counties. Churches were not built in the township as early as the schoolhouses, from the fact that the settlers experienced no serious difficulty in attending those in Seneca County. Many were members of those churches, and even to this day the Seneca churches have a large membership in Texas Township. The early settlers were few, and, inasmuch as the schoolhouses could be used for religious purposes, it was not deemed necessary or advisable to erect churches until the township had become quite thickly populated. Rev. Robert Lee, father of Judge Lee, of Bucyrus, organized the first Presbyterian Church in Texas Township, in 1838, and Robert Clark, William Marquis and William Jackson were appointed Elders. In 1839, the society secured the services of Rev. William Hutchinson, a minister of the Richland Presbytery, then living in Bucyrus, who was engaged to conduct religious exercises in the northern part on every alternate Sunday. The meetings were held in the old log schoolhouse, and Rev. Hutchinson was very likely the minister whose head came so abruptly in contact with the chimney, as related above. After a number of years, the society built a small church, which was used many years, and which was located just across the line in Wyandot County. Church societies were organized in the southern part as early as 1830, but it was not until about 1851 that a church building was erected. This was built in Benton by the United Brethren Church, at a cost of about $1,500. Ten years ago, the Methodists erected a large church in the village, which cost nearly $3,000. These churches have quite a large membership, much of which comes from Wyandot County. Rev. Mr. McKillipp was instrumental in organizing the last-named church. |