696 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY CHAPTER XXVIII. (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) LYKENS TOWNSHIP-SOIL AND DRAINAGE-ORGANIZATION AND FIRST OFFICERS-INCIDENTS OF EARLY SETTLEMENT-GROWTH AND IMPROVEMENT-VILLAGE OF LYKENS-EDUCATION AND RELIGION. N0 portion of the county of equal extent, except Chatfield. remained as long unsettled as Lykens Township. This was not because the extreme humidity of the soil was a serious objection to the early settlement, or because its land was seemingly beyond all efforts of being reclaimed from dampness and apparent sterility. It was for the reason, that, when the first settlers came to Ohio, instead of going far out into the wilderness, where no neighbors were to be found within twenty miles or more they kept locating just beyond the rapidly advancing line of settlement. Then, as the tide of settlement rolled westward from the eastern boundary of the State and southward from Lake Erie. it occurred that the two divisions of the tide met in likens Township, and the settler from the North discovered that his neighbor was from the East. The western and northwestern portions were settled about five years before the eastern and southern portions. Pioneers from the old settlements on Sandusky River, in Seneca County, came into the northern part as early as 1825, while no improvement was made in the eastern part until about five years later. It was natural and customary for settlers to select land that would repay them for the labor of clearing with an immediate and abundant crop. Afterward, the lower lands, which comprise almost the whole of the eastern and southern portions, was entered and improved. The soil of the township is predominantly alluvial, there being but little surface clay or sand. Several of the first settlers who are yet living tell almost incredible tales as to how the township in early years was almost wholly under water. It does not seem possible that the farms, now so nicely drained and improved, were so miry as to be almost impassable, when the pioneer first arrived. And yet observation teaches that timber, when found in heavy bodies, almost doubles the quantity of rain falling per annum; and even small groves, scattered at intervals over country which previously was prairie, increase in a noticeable degree the amount of rain. In the western part of Nebraska and Kansas, where the soil is almost wholly sand, and where, formerly, no crops not even grass could grow, since the enterprising pioneer has appeared and planted innumerable groves throughout the broad expanse, the fall of rain has increased to such a degree that the sandy plain, once so dry and barren of vegetation, is quite thickly overgrown with Grass and, although corn and wheat are often left without sufficient moisture, from the fact that the time of rain-falls and the amount falling are yet unsettled, varying greatly with different seasons, a sufficient quantity falls during the greater number of seasons to supply the growing grain with abundant moisture. If timber is thus the means of attracting rain clouds, and, by so doing, increasing the rain-fall, when a country is cleared of timber it must necessarily follow that the quantity of rain falling is greatly decreased. Observation teaches that this is true throughout Ohio, where formerly almost every foot of land PICTURE OF RUDOLPH BRAUSE HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 697 was covered with a heavy forest, which has been largely cleared away to make room for the agriculturist. This is one reason why the soil in almost every locality is much drier, at present. than formerly. Another reason is, that since the forests have disappeared, the action of the sun is unchecked, thus effecting a more rapid evaporation of the moisture than when the country was covered with woods. And, correlatively, the sandy plains of the West, exposed to the blazing heat of the summer's sun in former years, could retain moisture but a few days, even if six inches of water fell at one time. It thus appears that the rain cloud can be imperfectly controlled, and the supply of rain in any section of country can be varied through a period of years necessary for the growth of timber, for the benefit of tillers of the soil, and, consequently, for all humanity. Thus the .answer to the prayer of the Kaffir is realized through the observation of intelligent men. The soil of Lykens is not surpassed in richness by that of any other township in the county. It is peculiarly adapted for corn, and large crops of this valuable grain are raised year after year on the same piece of land without any appreciable decrease in the quantity produced. This is true in the eastern and southeastern part, where a deep black soil prevails; while the western part is better adapted to wheat and kindred gains, from the fact that more sand and clay are found, these portions of the soil being highly essential to the proper growth of the smaller grains. Along the course of the winding Sycamore Creek, corniferous limestone is found out-cropping, sufficient in amount to furnish the country for miles around with building stone. It is found in large quantities on Section 16, where the stone is covered with earth varying in thickness from six inches to eight feet. The stone is blue, and contains more impurities than that obtained at the more extensive quarries in Holmes and Todd Townships. It contains the casts of crinoidal stems and numerous cephalopods and trilobites. It is coarse, though exceedingly durable. The quarries have been but little worked, and many of the beds remain unopened. The central and western portions of the township are well drained. Sycamore Creek, a small, shallow stream, flows across the central part, entering the township on Section 11, and flowing across Sections 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 30. It has many small branches, one of the principal rising in the flat land near the southeastern corner and flowing northwest, uniting with the main stream on Section 30. This stream, called Little Sycamore Creek, has but little fall and is sluggish in its movements. The northeastern part is level, and, in former years, was almost bottomless. These streams give the township an imperfect drainage. Lykens was for several years attached to Sycamore Township, of which the present Texas Township was a part until 1845. But, in 1831 (or possibly 1830), a sufficient number of settlers had arrived as to make it advisable to have a separate township organization. Up to this time Lykens was known only by its number and range: but, as soon as the propriety of a separate organization was apparent, the few settlers were called upon to suggest a name for the township to be presented in their petition to the County Commissioners, praying that the township have a separate organization. Jacob Foy wanted the township named " Fayette," but he could not command sufficient influence, much to his disappointment, to accomplish that result. Finally, Jacob Lintner, a prominent German who had just settled with several of his countrymen near Portersville, suggested the name Lykens. The Germans had come from a town of that name in Pennsylvania, and, after some discussion, the name was presented in the petition to the Commissioners, who accordingly bestowed it upon the township. An election of officers was ordered to be held at the residence 698 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. of Jacob Foy during one of the spring months of 1832. There were living in the township at that time barely sufficient men to fill the various offices; but, pursuant to the order of the Commissioners, they assembled at Mr. Foy's cabin and elected the following officers, as remembered by Joseph Hall, Benjamin Huddle, Justice of the Peace; Levi Gifford, Constable ; John Elliott, Clerk; .Jacob Lintner, Treasurer; Joseph Hall, Joseph Muchler and Robert Knott. Trustees; and two others elected as Fence Viewers. This list of the first officers is given from memory by Mr. Hall, and may not be absolutely correct. However, the probability is that the list is correct. Almost every settler in the township was honored with an office. At that time the township, with the exception of a portion of Sections 31, 32 and 33, which belonged to the Wyandot Reservation, comprised its present territory, and. in addition, the western tier of sections in Chatfield Township. In 1835, all that portion of the township belonging to the Wyandot Reservation was annexed to Lykens, as is shown by the following extract taken from the records of the County Commissioners: "All that part of the originally surveyed Township 1. Range 16 east, lying in said (Wvandot) Reservation shall be attached to Lykens, and shall constitute a part of said township." After this action no change was made in the boundary or territory of the township until 1845, when the eastern tier of sections was attached to Chatfield, leaving Lykens thirty sections, the number it yet retains. For several years after the creation of the township, elections continued to be held in the cabin of Jacob Foy; but, when the first schoolhouse was built. they were held there. The first settlers were of English descent, and first came to Seneca County; but upon their arrival they discovered that the more valuable portions of land had been entered, so they journeyed on south into northern Crawford County. It was not until about 1830 that the first settlers located in the southern part. The real emigration into the southern part, however, did not begin until 1832, when large numbers of Germans, directly from the old country, arrived in a body. and entered all the land in the southern part, within three or four years. Many of them had entered the land at the land offices, without first having seen whether it suited them or not. The consequence was that many of their farms were found to be almost wholly under water, and the disappointed Germans were compelled, by the fiat of events, to make the most of what they had. They were not easily discouraged by the floods of water, but went to work to clear and drain their land, and, in time, they were abundantly rewarded. The important question as to who was the first settler is a difficult one to answer with any certainty. It is quite likely that the first settler to build a cabin in the township remained but a few years, going back to Seneca County, whence he came. This knowledge is gained from Arthur Andrews, one of the oldest settlers living in Texas Township, and from his recollection it seem highly probable that Seneca County furnished the first settlers for Lykens Township. The following men were established in the township in rude log cabins as early as 1828: John Elliott, Jacob Foy, Jacob Lintner, Joseph Trask. Gottleib Hoss, Christopher Keggy, Joseph Hall, Jacoh Miller and several others whose names are forgotten. In 1829 and 1830, there also cane in James Ferguson, Benjamin Huddle, Levi Gifford, Samuel Spittler, James Wickam, Robert Mays, Robert Knott, Joseph Muchler and a few others. After 1830, and prior to 1836, there appeared Nelson Holt, Daniel Coon, John Babcock, Ira Cory, Daniel Pratt, Barnaby Harper, Adam Baden, Solomon Seery, David Albaugh, Nathan Coran, William Swalley, Adam and Lucas Shock, Otto Feltner, John Apple, Jacob Oberlander, John Aupt, Reuben Keran, Ira G. Allen, Milton Waller, Eli HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 699 Winter, Sr., William Burgett, Joseph Kennedy, Samuel and Timothy Parks, Joseph Dillinger, John Shoulter, Solomon Babcock, and many others. It was during this period that nearly all the land in the township was taken up, and many interesting incidents are related as to the maneuvers made by the settlers to secure the best land. Circumstances seem to indicate that Christopher Keggy was the first settler in the township. This man came from Fairfield County, first locating in Seneca County; but afterward, in 1825, he came to Lykens Township, and built a small log cabin in the northwestern corner. Indications seem to point to his not owning any land, having been a squatter, and having located there to hunt and trap. He remained in the township until 1830, when he sold what interest he had in the farm to Reuben Keran, and returned to Fairfield County. Keggy was a noted hunter, and had come to Ohio before the war of 1812. His life was a succession of adventures with wild animals and with Indians. What becanie of him is unknown, Jacob Miller came to the township as early as 1827, locating in the northwestern part. This setter was also a hunter of distinguished reputation. .Joseph Trask was the third settler, but, in 1831, he sold his farm to another settler and returned to Seneca County, whence he came. Jacob Foy was the first permanent settler, and was an influential man in early years. He served many terms as Justice of the Peace, and always impartially administered the laws as he understood them. Robert Mays and Levi Gifford served as Justices of the Peace between 1830 and 1840. For several years the settlers had been grievously damaged and annoyed by having their swine stolen by some thief or thieves in the neighborhood, until. finally, they resolved, if possible, to put a stop to it. One day a man named Pratt, who had been fined several times for stealing, was detected in the act of killing a hog belonging to one of his neighbors. Pratt was an illiterate man, in whom the spirit of evil knew no superior nor control. He was a great coward, and it was resolved to make the effort to scare him out of his illegal proceedings. He was arrested by the Constable, and taken with great solemnity before "Squire" Mays, who, after hearing all the evidence and sifting the case to the bottom, informed the culprit, that, inasmuch as he had been punished repeatedly by fines for a similar offense, without any change being obtained in his conduct, it was the duty of the court, in order to preserve the sacred rights of private property, to place the offender beyond the reach of further violating the law, by hanging him to a tree in the yard of the cabin until he was dead. The prisoner was visibly affected and frightened. He trembled in every limb, and turned as pale as death, but the inexorable Justice gravely informed him that he had brought his fate upon his own head, and must prepare for death. A rope was procured and preparations were being made to execute the sentence of the court; and while these were in progress, the prisoner was purposely left alone near an open window, thus favoring an opportunity for escape not to be overlooked, for, with a desperate bound he leaped through the opening and ran off with the speed of the wind. He was instantly pursued by the officers, who had no intention of recapturing him; but to keep up appearances guns were fired, curses were hurled after the condemned man, and the servants of the law went scouring after him in swift pursuit. He ran as though pursued by the furies, effecting an easy escape through the deep woods. This ruse proved far more effective than admonitions or prosecutions, for Pratt left and was never afterward seen in the township. Cases of this character, however, were unusual in early years, and were only instituted when lawful proceedings were inadequate in securing the desired relief. Trouble of a similar nature was experienced by the settlers through the 700 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. thievish propensity of John Henry, whose unlawful acts are specified in the chapter on Chatfield Township in this volume. Many cases are remembered where settlers, in returning from town or mill with their teams late at night, through the winding forest roads, became mired down, making it necessary for them to leave their wagons, and occasionally their teams, until the next morning, and being compelled to reach home on foot as best they could. It became customary to carry lanterns or torches, so that, if the road was obscure, all difficulty in following it might be avoided. The Parks brothers started one evening just at dark to go without light to the cabin of Eli Winters, who resided about a mile and a half distant. Night came suddenly upon them, they lost their reckoning, became bewildered, and, after wandering around in the woods for several hours, during which time they shouted themselves hoarse, navigated numerous swamps and bogs, and encountered sundry logs in a manner not calculated to soothe their tempers, they finally found themselves waist deep in mud and water, from which they were unable to extricate themselves beyond climbing on a large log that lay half out of the water. The swamp was all around them, and. not daring to venture again into unexplored paths of water, they concluded to remain on the log, until morning. It was in the fall of the year, and, after passing a miserable night, during which they suffered intensely from wet clothing and the cold, daylight at last came, and revealed an easy path from the swamp, which was quickly traversed by the shivering brothers. They reached Mr. Winter's cabin thoroughly prostrated, and it was only after several hours, with hot coffee, before a roaring fire, that they were enabled to return home. This is only one of many cases of a similar nature. It was the easiest thing in the world to get lost in the woods, even in the daytime, and, unless a person was thoroughly familiar with the path he was traveling, or had with him a lantern, he was almost sure to get lost in the woods at night. The settlers of the township were often aroused to search for some child that had become lost in the pathless forest. James Ferguson's family lived in the western part, near Sycamore Creek. One evening in summer, Mrs. Ferguson, accompanied by her son, a boy ten years of age, started after the cows. The animals were found about a mile away but they refused to be driven home, preferring to dash through clumps of bushes to avoid the flies, and apparently, to annoy the driver as none but cows know how to do, when their feeding is likely to be cut short. In endeavoring to head them toward home, Mrs. Ferguson became bewildered, and was startled to find that she was lost. The cows seemed determined to go directly away from home, although, really, they were aiming as straight for that spot as cows could through the deep woods; but Mrs. Ferguson did not know this, and. thinking that she could retrace her steps, she left the cows and endeavored to find her way home. But she failed to see a single familiar object. This increased the terror, and, consequently, the bewilderment of the lost woman. She called repeatedly at the top of her voice, but only the terrifying echoes of her own tones answered her. Darkness came on, and the wolves began to howl at intervals through the dark forest. Mrs. Ferguson saw with alarm that she was doomed to remain in the woods all night, unless some providential circumstance brought her home. She knew that rambling through the woods would attract the wolves, and saw that the wisest course was to lie down near some large log that would afford shelter from descending dews, and remain quiet until morning. This was done, and the long, chilly night was passed, with occasional frights to the watchful woman by strange noises around her. At last the morning came, and the tired woman, taking her boy by the hand, started out, hoping to reach home for an early breakfast. But she HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 701 wandered on and on until noon, without having seen a single familiar landmark. She exhausted all her knowledge of woodcraft to establish the cardinal points of direction, but failed. She traveled on until darkness came, and another night of terror and suffering was passed. Nothing had been eaten except a few wild berries, and the mother and her child were almost worn out with anxiety and hunger. Another day came and was passed wandering through the woods until about the middle of the afternoon, when the welcome report of a rifle was heard near at hand. and, in a few minutes, the overjoyed woman saw a neighbor walking rapidly toward her. He was one of a party that had been searching for her for two nights and nearly two days, and had brought with him some bread and butter, which was eagerly devoured by the half-famished woman and child. She was about three miles from home, anal had kept wandering round and round in a circle, passing once or twice within a quarter of a mile of her cabin. She was soon at home and in a few days was fully recovered from her exposure and nervous shock. Search for her had begun the night of her disappearance, and. although guns had been fired. and bells rung, yet not a sound thus made reached the ears of the lost woman. This seems unaccountable. and can only be explained by reason of distance and contrary winds. Mr. Ferguson was one of the most skillful hunters ever in the county. He had been reared in the woods, and was thoroughly familiar with all the tactics known to professional hunters. He had taken a prominent part in the military expeditious in Ohio during the war of 1812, and was employed as a scout and a bearer of dispatches from one commander to another. He is remembered to have told, that, on one occasion, while bearing dispatches from near Columbus to some fort in the northern part of the State, he was seen by a party of hostile Indians, and pursued for two days before he succeeded in eluding them. He is said to have been a remarkable marksman, being able to bring down with his rifle almost any bird. on the wing. He first located in Sandusky Township, but, after a few settlers had arrived, he moved to Lykens, where he remained a few years, and then went farther west. The settlers, for many years, went to Seneca County for their flour and lumber. Extensive mills had been in operation in that county, on Sandusky River, for many years prior to the settlement of Lykens, and the settlers found it much handier to go there than south to the vicinity of Bucyrus. It was not long, however, before industries began to arise in the township, and, ere many years had elapsed, the settlers no louver went north for their lumber, although they continued to go there for their flour. Otto Fieldner, in about 1836, erected a small frame building about a mile south of the village of Lykens, in which was placed one set of "niger-head " stones for the purpose of "cracking" corn. It was not designed for a flour-mill, although a feeble effort was made to grind wheat and rye. It was a great accommodation to the settler, who, in order that the meal might not become stale, were in the habit of getting a sackful ground at a time. The mill continued in operation about eight years, and then was allowed to run down. Milton Wallet was a cooper by trade, an occupation he followed at odd times for a number of years. He had a small shop at his house and made tubs, kegs. etc., finding a ready sale for all he could manufacture, He was a prominent man, and his sons have been among the most enterprising and intelligent citizens in the township. Francis Slee was a carpenter. He built many of the early frame houses, and manufactured chairs, looms, spinning-wheels, etc. Ira Cory was a blacksmith, the first one to work at the trade in the township, and erected a small shop a mile or so south of the village. Joseph Kennedy burned brick about a mile east of the village as early as 1840. No large quantity was 702 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. burned, and a ready sale was found for all he prepared. One of the first houses erected in the village of Lykens was constructed of brick from Mr. Kennedy's kiln. Some say that Nathan Coran was the first blacksmith in the township. It is quite certain that his shop was erected as early as 1834. He worked at the trade for many years. William Jackson tanned skins on a small scale, beginning about 1840. Otto Fieldner, in connection with his " corn-cracker," operated one of the best of the early saw-mill. The mill was located on a small stream: and. although nothing better than a slow motion could be obtained for the saw, owing to the sluggish flow of the water, due to the fact that the stream had but little fall, it was enabled to run about four months during the spring. It continued in operation as long as the "corn-cracker." Mr. Fieldner found it best to attach to the combined mill suitable machinery to be worked by horses, for the purpose of lengthening the time that the mills could run. This tread-power proved so satisfactory that it soon superseded the old water-wheel. It is stated that. in violation of the United States revenue laws, liquor of various kinds, including whisky and brandy, has been distilled in the township, in cellars and other secret places, by different parties, at intervals, since the earliest times. Stories are in circulation, where certain parties are reported to have been seen under suspicious circumstances during nights in past years. The reports have probably been exaggerated. but it is quite certain that the revenue laws have been violated, although the quantity of liquor manufactured has been small, and the quantity sold smaller still. Joseph Stammits built and operated a steam saw-mill in the northwest corner, on Buckeye Creek, as early as 184. He had a good mill, and did a large amount of sawing for the citizens. It is said that the creek furnished only sufficient water to supply the boiler. After running ten or fifteen years, the engine and boiler were removed and the mill abandoned. Eli Winters, Jr., owned and operated this mill for a short time. He was a skillful sawyer, and was connected with several of the early mills. The most valuable and most extensive saw-mill in the township in early years. was built and operated by Jacob Foy, a sawyer of long experience. The mill was a combined saw and grist mill, and was erected at the junction of the Big and Little Sycamore Creeks. The building was a large two-story frame structure, divided into two apartments, one for the grinding machinery, and the other for the sawing. Excellent water-power was secured by means of a race having sufficient fall to furnish ample power for the rapid running of the saw. The mill was built in about 1834, and continued in operation many years. The remains of the old mill may yet be seen at the junction of the two creeks. It is said that excellent flour and meal are furnished by the grist-mill. Inch lumber from any wood was furnished for about 40 cents by the hundred, or a share was taken, varying from one-third to two-thirds. Large quantities were sawed. and many of the older buildings yet standing in the township were constructed of lumber obtained at the Foy saw-mil. The " nigger-head " stones used in the grist-mill were bowlders taken from the farm of Eli Winter, and (it dressed down to the proper size and shape by some neighboring stone-cutter. After Foy had operated the combined mills for fifteen or twenty years. He sold out to Moses Woodsides, who increased the scope of both departments of the mill, by substituting steam as the motor in place of water. After running many years, the mill was finally abandoned. A man named Patrick built and operated a saw-mill on Sycamore Creek as early as 1865. A Mr. Blanchard also operated one for many years. Among the early industries must be noticed the effort made by two or three parties in the township, between, 1840 and 1850, HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 703 to rear silk-worms and to manufacture silk goods. Mrs. Breston, of Chatfield Township, was quite extensively engaged in the enterprise, and, through her influence, many were induced to embark in the same pursuit. A man named Blanchard was induced to begin the business on a small scale. A room in his house was fitted up with suitable shelves and heating apparatus, and eggs of the silk-worm were obtained from Mrs. Breston and placed therein, under proper conditions of heat and moisture, to be hatched. Here could be seen the wonderful metamorphosis from the egg to the mature insect. Mr. Blanchard experienced other difficulties in conducting the business than Mrs. Breston did. from the fact that he was a novice in the rearing and care of silk-worms. being obliged to depend upon Mrs. Breston for necessary instructions. He. as well as the lady, soon found it extremely difficult to obtain the necessary supply of fresh mulberry leaves, which constituted the caterpillar's only food. After having got nicely started, he was compelled to forego th combined pleasures and anxieties connected with the pursuit. The insects died on his hands, and the silk-culture soon became a thing of the past. One or two other parties made efforts in the same direction, but nothing was accomplished, except to discover that the business could not be otherwise than unprofitable. In October, 1870, J. F Feighner secured the services of H. W. McDonald. County Surveyor, and laid out fifteen lots on the northwest quarter of Section l5, Township 1 south, Range 16 east, and named the village thus surveyed. Lykens. These were the first lots laid out in accordance with the law of Ohio, although, many years previously, the village had sprung into existence, industries of various kinds had arisen, merchants had come and gone, and the real growth and business activity had passed before the village was property laid out and organized. Other suggestive names have been bestowed upon the village, much to the disgust of the villagers who recognize no name but Lykens. Citizens in the township, outside of the village, and even people living in distant parts of the county, speak of "Buljo," when referring to the only town in Lykens Township. The origin of this title is somewhat doubtful. It is related that many years ago, when the first saloon was doing a lively business in the town, several of the citizens were wont to assemble there to drink, tell stories and amuse themselves in various ways. Among the number was a man who told a funny story, wherein a negro, in referring to a certain place where liquor was sold and imbibed, said they had "high times in Buljo." The story, whenever told, elicited rounds of applause, and it was not long before the frequenters of the saloon, in speaking of their revels, said "We have high times in Buljo." after that, the village became known as " Buljo," a name that clings to it, despite the efforts male by the villagers to shake the title off. The name Santa Fe was bestowed upon the town, but after a few years this was forgotten. Several of the citizens in early years began calling the village "Buzzards Glory." The origin of this name will be left to the imagination of the impartial reader. The first dwelling in the town was built by a man named Swetland on his own land. in 1834. It was a small frame structure, and was torn down a few years ago. A Mr. Hollister built the second about two years later. When these dwellings were erected. it was not imagined that a village was soon to spring up about them; and perhaps if the thought passed through the minds of these two men, it was unheeded and soon forgotten. By 1840, there were as many as six or eight dwellings in the village, and people began to talk of having lots laid out. It was about this time that Anson Brown built the brick house now owned and occupied by Dr. Ritchie's widow. The bricks were obtained at the Kennedy kiln, a short distance east of the village. A 704 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. man named Gossage built the frame dwelling now owned and occupied by the family of Hiram Dillinger. The villagers soon became clamorous for a post office, and began with one accord to call the town "Lykens," a title suggested by the name of the township. Mr. Swetland opened the first store. He placed in one room of his dwelling about $200 worth of notions, including some half-dozen yards of calico, and a small quantity of groceries. This, however, did not satisfy the wants nor ambition of the villagers as they still found it profitable to go to Bucyrus, when a large bill of goods was wanted. Mr. Swetland began as early as 1835, and continued until 1840, when he closed out his stock, and turned his attention to his farm. In the fall of 1840, Anson Brown built a small storeroom and began the mercantile pursuit, with a general assortment of goods valued at $600. This was the first store of consequence in the town. Brown began doing a lively business from the start, and kept steadily increasing his stock, by investing all the profits in additional goods. He dealt quite largely in produce, buying and shipping butter, eggs, poultry, etc., and made considerable money. In 1847, his store caught fire, one windy night. from a defective flue, and burned to the ground, consuming several thousand dollars' worth of goods ; but this loss did not dishearten Mr. Brown in the least, for he immediately rebuilt, and began with a much larger stock than formerly. He was a shrewd business man, and, in time, increased his stock until it was worth nearly $8,000. He is said to have kept the largest and best stock of goods ever in the town, besides doing a large and active trade in produce of all kinds. He finally sold out to other parties. Byron Brown (not a relative of Anson Brown) opened a store in about 1848. His stock consisted principally of groceries, and was worth about $1,000. He continued the business for about seven years, and then closed out his stock. The Browns were succeeded by George Jackson, who sold a small stock of goods for about five years. Samuel Martin began to sell a general assortment of goods about 1850; but, after following the mercantile pursuit for six or eight years, and discovering that the business was not likely to enrich him very soon, he sold out to other parties. Various other persons have sold goods in the town. It has been in past years quite an extensive trading-point, and even at present commands a fair patronage. Various other industries have arisen in the village. A man named Cummins erected a blacksmithshop as early as 1838, and began to work at that trade. He was followed by a Mr. Madison. Carpenters, butchers, coopers, masons and others have followed their peculiar callings in the village. James Drake built an ashery quite early, probably 1845. The building was Iocated on Sycamore Creek near the southern limits of the town, and large quantities of ashes were manufactured into potash. and shipped to Bucyrus and other neighboring villages. Mr. Drake succeeded in manufacturing as high as fifteen tons of potash per annum, and continued at about the same rate for a number of years, and finally sold the building and all the appurtenances thereto belonging to Anson Brown and moved west to the Centennial State. Brown conducted the ashery even more extensively than Drake, and gave goods from his store in exchange for ashes. The ashery was finally sold with the store. Jacob Hodge built an ashery in the village, on the bank of Sycamore Creek, soon after the erection of the Drake building. He manufactured considerable potash during a period of six years, but finally abandoned the enterprise. Jerry Jolly erected suitable buildings, sunk some half-dozen vats, and began tanning skins as early as 1846. He did good work for ten years, when he sold out to Ephraim Adams, who, after continuing the same occupation for five years, abandoned it, and the buildings were taken down. A man named Brown (not Anson Brown) opened a sa- HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 705 loon in the village in 1845; but, at the end of four years, he transferred his stock of liquors to some other locality. Peter Howenstein built a saw-mill in "Buljo," on Sycamore Creek, in 1847. He did good work, and owned and operated the mill for nearly fifteen years, but finally sold out. Eli Winters owned and operated the mill for a time. Other parties also owned it. The same mill, altered and enlarged, is yet in operation in the town. Dr. James Dodge was the first resident physician, locating in the village in 1848. He obtained a fair practice, but left for other fields of labor five or six years after his arrival. Dr. Harmon resided in town for a few years. He was succeeded by Dr. Ritchie, who came in 1856, but died at the end of four years. The present physician is G. D. Spengler. The post ofce was secured about 1844; but. prior to that time, the mail was brought from Melmore, in Seneca County, and later, from Portersville. The mail was carried by William Hank, once a week for many years. Anson Brown was probably the first Postmaster. In 1872, the Odd Fellows organized a lodge in the village, beginning with fifteen members, a flattering number for so small a place, to be sure. A hall was hired over one of the stores, and the lodge was soon on firm footing. The present membership is thirty-four. It will be seen from the above that the village was not properly laid out until 1870 : but, prior to that time, lots were measured off, and sold to those desiring a residence in town. The village at present has a population not to exceed forty-five. The Columbus and Sandusky Turnpike was traveled quite extensively for many years before the last war by escaping slaves from the Southern States on their way north to the dominion of the British Queen. Almost every citizen living on that well-traveled highway recollects of seeing many a dusky runaway skulking along the road under cover of the night, or being driven rapidly north by some assisting friend. It occasionally happened that pursuing masters also traveled the road; but it is not remembered that any runaway slave was captured by his master while escaping through the county. It was not customary for slaves to stop at houses directly on the road, even though the owner was a known friend. As morning approached, they left the road, and stopped at dwellings several miles from its course. It thus occurred that several citizens in and near the village of Lykens were known to harbor the black man, and to convey him farther on his way to Canada and freedom. On one occasion, one of the citizens was seen with a wagon-load of dusky women and children, heading for the house of some friend in southern Seneca County. And, at another time, a half-dozen or more of half-starved, half-clothed negro men were seen in a barn in Lykens Township. Schools are the offspring of civilization. They are unknown among barbarians, and are found numerous and perfect in the degree of a people's removal from the savage state. None but highly cultured people-those with a ready appreciation for excellences, whether found in human character or in material creation-can see the countless beauties and perfections which adorn like summer flowers every pathway of life. Education amplifies the vision of the intellect, widens the moral and social capabilities and places the enchanted observer upon mountainous heights, from which a glimpse of new delights is seen shining like starry constellations in nocturnal skies. Education multiplies the sources of enjoyment, and adds to the happiness of human life. It is highly necessary for the preservation of the American Government that the people should foster and protect schools as they would pearls and rubies. And this has been done in the past with steadily increasing interest, and a willing expenditure of millions of money. All over the land is found that unpretending temple of learning-the school- 706 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. house-and no child need be raised to mature years without, at least, a fair education. It is likely that the first schoolhouse in Lykens Township was built two miles west of the village, near the farm of Eli Winters, in 1834. The building was constructed of round logs, and was built by everybody before the township had been divided into school districts. Isabel Hall was probably the first teacher in this building. It was during the first term that Perry Black and William Helt, two of her scholars, caught a porcupine in the woods : and. having tied a long string to its leg, they climbed upon the schoolhouse, unseen by the inmates of the room, who were intent upon the lessons of the day, and lowered the animal down the chimney. much to the annoyance of the teacher and the amusement of the other scholars. The school was taught by subscription, and there was a large enough attendance to afford the teacher wages at the rate of about $10 per month. A clapboard, smoothed off and coated with black paint, was used as the blackboard and this was regarded by scholars, teacher and patrons, as a very valuable piece of school apparatus. A man named Andrews was an early teacher, as was also a Miss Lucinda Warren. While Miss Warren was teaching. the scholars were at recreation one day, off in the woods about forty rods, when they were seen by a party of Wyandot Indians on their ponies. In order to scare the children, the Indians started on the gallop toward them, whooping and swinging their tomahawks and rifles in the air. The children ran screaming with fright toward the schoolhouse, and were met by the alarmed teacher, who had come out to ascertain the nature of the unusual commotion outside. At sight of her, the Indians wheeled their ponies, and rode away laughing. In about 1840, a much better schoolhouse was built to take the place of the old one. After this building had been used many years, the present one was built at a cost of $500. The Ransom Schoolhouse was built in 1836. It was also of logs, and was replaced after a few years by a small frame building, which was used until the present house was erected. This building has become know as the "Frog-pond" Schoolhouse. A frame school building was erected about a mile north of Lykens Village in 1840. It was used until the present one was built. No schoolhouse was built in the village until 1851. Many years before, a log school cabin had been built about a quarter of a mile north of town, and this was attended by the village children. A school building was erected on Section 29 as early as 1838. It was built of logs, and was used until 1854. when a small frame house took its place. This building was used until 1880, when a large brick schoolhouse was built at a cost of $1,600. This is the largest and best school building in the township. A school cabin was erected in the southeast corner in 1840. Two others have succeeded it, the last being built a few years ago. Spelling schools were held in early years with the usual laughable incidents connected therewith. David Spittler taught "singing skewl " during the winter months for many years. The old "buckwheat notes' were sung with a gusto and a hilarity not commended by later musical instructors. The earliest settlers weut to church in Seneca County; but. after 1832, when a large German emigration arrived, it was thought best by the various denominations to erect churches nearer home. As early as 1832, the Free-Will Baptists began holding meetings in the cabins of the settlers. Two brothers, Seth and Benjamin Parker, were among the first ministers. Rev. James Ashley was another, as was also Comfort Waller. Among those who organized the society and took an active part in subsequent exercises, were the families of Comfort Waller, David Hill. Lewis Warren and William Swalley. Finally, in 1842, this society built the first church in the township in the western part, on the farm of Comfort HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 707 Waller. The church was a low frame building, with clapboard seats fastened to poles laid lengthwise of the house, and pulpit made of poplar lumber planed to a fair degree of smoothness. A large fire-place in one end added heat, light, cheerfulness and comfort to the room. The members were proud of their church, and could boast, without fear of successful contradiction that it was the best in the township. After many years, the present church was erected to take its place, at a cost of about $1,200. The Baptist society has been one of the strongest and best in the township, and has done much good. The Presbyterians began holding meetings in the house of Solomon Seery, and others, as early as 1834. Here they continued to assemble for many years, being visited regularly by Rev. Tracy, a circuit-rider, who traveled over several counties. The membership of the society slowly increased, and, after about twelve years from the first organization, a church was built on the Seery Corners, and has since been known as the Seery Church. It was a small frame building, with the rudest architectural ornamentation. The seats and pulpit were roughly made of poplar lumber, and were without paint or varnish. This building was used until 1870, what the present church was built. After a few years of ministerial service for the society Rev. Tracy died, and was succeeded by the well-known Rev. Lillibridge, Who preached and labored with the congregation for many years, placing, the church on firm footing as regards both finance and membership The first church built by this Society was the second in the township. The Lutheran Church, located just across the southern line, in Holmes Township, is largely attended by the citizens living in the southern part. This church was organized by the Germans at an early day. The present minister is Rev. Josiah Kanagy, and the church has a membership of about seventy. In 1850, the German Reformers and German Lutherans organized a church society in the northwestern part. Preaching was held in the schoolhouse for one year and then for a short time in a barn belonging to John Klaes' The barn was destroyed by lightning; : whereupon services were held in Mr. Klaes' house until the summer of 1852, when a small brick church was built. The first minister in charge of the society was Rev. John Bantz. He was succeeded by Rev. William Veiler, who remained with the congregation about a year, when Rev. Elias Keller took his place. Afterward, the Rev. John Winter became the minister in charge. In 1859, during the ministry of Rev. Winter. the congregation was divided. The Reformers sold their interest in the old church to the Lutheran; and erected a fine brick church within fifty feet of the old one. The old church was occupied about two years by the Lutherans, when it was abandoned, and soon afterward sold to Jacob Feighner, who used the bricks in the construction of his residence. The congregation of Reformers grew in strength. and has for many years been the strongest church organization in the township. The present minister in charge is the Rev. C. H. Schopfle, a cultured and worthy gentleman. The church is a large, fine structure, the best in the township, and the society is large and wealthy.