310 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. CHAPTER X. (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) DELAWARE TOWNSHIP - THE CITY-EARLY SETTLEMENT-THE FOUNDERS - EARLY DISPPOINT - MENTS OF THE CITY. " It was then a city only in name, The houses and barns had not yet a frame, The streets and the squares no mortal could see, And the woodman's as had scarce hit a tree." IN considering the history of the limited district now covered by the township and city of Delaware, it is difficult to divest it of its share in the Territorial history of the once Northwest. But a few years before the coming of the pioneer, these hills and valleys were rife with the busy hum of human life. " Here lived and loved another race of beings. Here, the wigwam blaze beamed on the tender and helpless, and the council-fire glared on the wise and daring." Here, long before the restless pioneer had crossed the Alleghanies, the Delawares and Mingoes had found a home, and hither brought their trophies of the foray and chase. Here they received the fiery prophet of Pontiac, who inspired their hearts with revenge, as they listened to. the tragic story of the Cherokees. And from here proceeded one of the affluents of that mighty flood of war, that, like a bloody deluge, swept up the valley of the Ohio, bearing back before its resistless current the line of settlements from Detroit to Niagara. Again and again did they array themselves against the steady encroachments of civilization, but in vain. "The anointed children of education have been too powerful for the tribes of the ignorant." Their council-fires paled in the growing dawn of the nineteenth century, and shrinking before a power they could not comprehend, they have passed away. Such, in brief, is the history of the whole race of that peculiar people, about whose memory ther must ever linger a melancholy interest. " The Indian of the falcon glance and lion bearing, the theme of the touching ballad, the Hero of the pathetic tale," is indeed gone, but the story of his primitive virtues cannot be forgotten. The history of the early Dutch and English colonies is a record of the basest treachery, in return for the most open-hearted hospitality. Picture the meeting on Long Island between the chiefs of the river tribes and the Dutch colonists. Hear the record of broken faith, as, with . more grief than indignation, the warriors recount the outrages they have suffered. "When you first came to our shore you wanted food; we gave our beans and corn, and now you murder our people. The men whom your first ships left to trade, we guarded and fed ; we gave them our daughters for wives ; some of those whom you murdered were of your own blood." Can it seem strange that with so portentous a beginning the land should have been drenched in the blood of a hundred massacres'' Trained up in such a school of infamy, is it a matter for surprise that the "Indian question'' is yet an unsolved problem? The pioneers of Delaware County came chase upon the steps of the retreating savages. The country south of the Greenville Treaty line had been ceded to the United States by the council at Fort McIntosh in 1785, but it was done when the. Indian were overwhelmed with a sense of their inability f to successfully cope with the whites, and they subsequently engaged in a struggle to retain they land thus ceded. In the event it proved a forlorn hope. After successively defeating; Gens. Harmar and St. Clair, they were in turn defeated by Gen. Wayne, and, yielding to the inevitable, they confirmed. in a grand council at Greenville in 1794, their former cessions of this territory. It was not, however, until 1802, that the Delawares tore themselves from the land of their forefathers, never to tread it again as "lord and king." The site was one well suited to captivate the savage heart. Stretching down on the west side of the Olentangy River, from the horseshoe bottom on the north, to the cherry bottom on the south, lay a broad expanse of meadow, radiant. with the promise of the coming harvest. Embracing it on three sides and separating it from the dense forest beyond, extended a chain of circling hills on which, like watch-towers on the battlements, were placed the town of the natives. Beginning with a half-turn, some rods from the Olentanry and the mouth of the run which divided the meadow into nearly equal parts, a ridge took its rice, and, running with a gradual ascent toward the northwest, reached its HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 311 highest point near where the court house now stands, then, turning with a broad sweep to the west and south, it joins the outer boundary near the grounds of the Female College. Putting off on the south side of the run almost at the point of contact, it takes its course toward the east, abruptly terminating in the high ground where the University stands, inclosing a cove of some seventy-five acres. At the foot of the northern slope of this ground was a deer-lick, famous among the tribes for the medicinal qualities of its waters and for the game it attracted. The exact location of the Indian towns is largely a matter of speculation, the traditions proving on this point conflicting and unsatisfactory. It is pretty well determined, however, that the Delawares had a village on the north side of the run, where it entered the meadow. Where now Monnett Hall reposes in the cloistered quiet of the wood, stood the rude wigwams of the savage, looking out on a scene of loveliness that untrammeled nature alone can present. Spread out like a picture before them lay the beautiful cove, where "Amid the leaves' green mass a sunny play Of flash and shadow stirs like inward life,' while the murmuring brook, meandering to theriver, sang to them of the goodness of the Great Spirit. Here, too, if tradition may be credited, echoed their warwhoop: here was the scene of the "bloody grapple, the defying death-song ; and, when the tiger strife was over, here curled the smoke of peace." But the leveling hand of art has long since passed over the place, and on the spot once so rich in Indian memories now rises the thrifty city of Delaware. The township was organized as one of the divisions of the newly formed county of Delaware, on June 16, 1808, and included the whole of Township 5 and the northern half of Township 4 of the United States Military Survey ; Section 3 of Brown and Section 2 of Berlin. In 1816 Troy was formed, taking off the northern half of Township 5, and on January 8, 1820 the Berlin section was taken off. In the year 1826, Brown was organized, leaving Delaware in regular shape five miles square-though composed of parts of two Congressional townships. In 1852, a piece of territory a mile square, was taken from the southwest corner of this township and annexed to Concord, in compensation for a certain surrender of territory to Scioto, leaving Delaware in its present shape. As now situated, it is bounded on the north by Troy; on the east by Brown and Berlin ; on the south by Liberty and Concord, and on the west by Concord, Scioto and Radnor. The Olentangy River intersects the northern boundary of Delaware near the north and south section line, and passes through the township in a course a little east of south. Flowing into it from either side, are a number of small tributaries, the more important of which are Delaware, Rocky and Slate Runs, affording ample drainage for the larger part of the township. Along the east bank of the river, are rich, lands known as "second bottoms," made up of a fine gravelly loam, highly prized by farmers, which changes to clay as the high lands further back are reached. After passing the horseshoe bottom, the high land approaches to the bank of the river and takes on the character of bluffs in the city, but recedes again as you go south. Along the western bank, the land extending toward the northwest is high, rolling ground. South of the Delaware Run, there were originally a number of elm swamps of greater or less extent, especially along the Bellepoint road. Here, elm, black-ash and burr-oak timber abound, while along the margin of Delaware Run, and in the northwest, are found maple, ash, oak and walnut. In the further corner of the latter section, there is evidence of the ravages of a tornado which passed over that point in 1806-07, felling the timber over a narrow space for some distance through Troy. The banks of the Olentangy were well wooded with a heavy growth of oak and maple, save where the bottoms had been cleared by the Indians. Here there was an abundance of jack oak and wild cherry. The site of the city of Delaware was covered with a tall growth of prairie grass, with a fringe of plum-trees along the run, with here and there a scrub oak or thorn apple. Although the township is thus admirably adapted to agriculture, it is, by no means, the absorbing pursuit. The raising and importing of fine stock has reached very large proportions, and some of the finest specimens of blooded horses, cattle and sheep to be found in the State are seen here. It may be said that some of the finest animals of the Percheron breed of horses in the United States are owned in Delaware, while animals from a herd of short-horns in the township have been exported and sold in England for some $30,000. This feature merits a more complete description than can be given in this place, and will be found elsewhere. The early vigor of the city of Delaware has precluded the growth of anything like villages in 312 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. other parts of the township, but, notwithstanding such discouragements, two places have been platted and have succeeded in perpetuating their names. Prospect Hill, situated on the high land east of the river and just north of Sugar Creek, was laid out as a town with eighteen lots in 1852, by Dr. Ralph Hills. It is intersected by Prospect and Olentangy streets, and has since become a part of the city of Delaware. Stratford on Olentangy was laid out in 1850, by Hon. Hosea Williams and H. G. Andrews, and consisted of seventeen lots, containing from fifty to seventy-nine perches of land each. These lots are situated on the west bank of the river, front on Sandusky street, and were intended primarily to furnish homes for the hands employed in the mills located at that point. This has been a favorite point for mills since the first. settlement, of the county, the first being built as early as 1808. This structure and property passed into the hands of Col. Meeker, who rebuilt and enlarged the mill, and, in 1829, added facilities for carding and Pulling. Some years later Caleb Howard, an enterprising, speculative sort of a man, conceived the idea of establishing a paper-mill here, and succeeded in interesting Judge Hosea Williams, a safe, cautious business man, in the project. In the spring, of 1838, the old flouring-mill with the mill privileges and property were bought, the old darn replaced by a fine stone structure, and a paper-mill put in operation October 1, 1839. John Hoyt was the first Superintendent, and gave the classical name of Stratford to the place. On October 30, 1840, a fire originating - among, the old rags, by spontaneous combustion, did considerable damage to the interior of the building. In three months it was repaired and improved, and, in the fall of 1844. Howard sold his interest to H. G. Andrews. In 1849, the old flouring-mill was fitted up for the manufacture of wrapping paper, and turned out about a half a ton per day, employing souk ten hands. On February 27, 1857, the entire mills were burned, entailing a loss of $25,000; with an insurance of not over $10,000. In November of 1857, a stone building, two stories high. about 50 x 80 feet, with several addition, was built at a cost of some $30,000. These mills have filled some important contracts with the State. At, the time of the fire, in 1840, the firm had accounts to the amount of $10,000 due it from the State, and, in 1861, they had a large contract with the State, which, owing to the unforeseen and extraordinary rise of the paper market, they were obliged to ask to have rescinded. In 1871. J. H. Mendenhall became a partner; later, Mr. Andrews retired, and the property is now in the bands of V. T. & C. Hills. The main mill manufactures print and book papers, and the one on the site of the old flouring-mill furnishes wrapping paper. The minimum capacity is about one ton of paper each per day. An artesian well which was sunk 210 feet through solid limestone rock furnishes water for purifying purposes. Steam furnishes the power during the low stapes of the water. The tide of emigration, to which this county is indebted for its settlement. flowed up the valley of Alum Creek, following the main Indian trail, along the fertile banks of the Scioto, and by the old Granville road, forming settlements in Radnor, on the forks of the Whetstone, in Berkshire and in Berlin. The first colony did, indeed, follow the Olentangy, but it stopped at Liberty, leaving Delaware an "undiscovered country." Thus, while the forests all about were ringing with the blows of the pioneer's ax, the township of the greatest future political importance stood .desolate amid the ruins of her early habitations. In their excursions through the woods, the first settlers found here, in a tangled mass of tall grass and thickets, wild cherries, plums and grapes, growing in generous profusion. It was the scene of many a frolic and; occasionally, of a more serious experience of those who were attracted from the surrounding settlements for the fruits with which to embellish the frugal meal of the frontier cabin. One day, in the fall of 1806, two girls, about sixteen years of age. named Rilla Welch and lima Carpenter, from the Liberty settlement came to what way then called the Delaware Plains, for plums. Busy gathering fruit, they took no note of time, until nearly sundown. Startled at the lateness of the hour, they hurriedly took a course which they thought led toward home. Night came on before they reached a familiar spot, and following, the course of the Delaware Run. they found themselves at last at the cabin of Mr. Penry, in Radnor. Here they were obliged to stay through the night. In the morning, as they were escorted home, they met the people of the Liberty settlement out in full force. with every conceivable instrument of noise, in search of the girls, whom they supposed had remained in the woods all night. The first purchase of laud in this township was made by Abraham Baldwin, and included the third section of Brown and the northeast section of Delaware, containing eight thousand acres. HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 313 The patents were dated December 24, 1800, and were signed by John Adams, President of the United States of America. Mr. Baldwin was a native of New Haven, Conn., and sprang from a family noted for its high intellectual attainments, numbering among its members, legislators, Governors, and a Judge of the United States Supreme Court. He graduated from Yale College in 1772, and from 1775 to 1779, he was a tutor in that institution. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary army, and, after the war, having studied law, he settled in Savannah, Ga. Soon after his arrival, he was chosen a member of the Legislature. He originated the plan of the University of Georgia, drew up the charter, persuading the Assembly to adopt it, and was for some time its President. He was a member of the Continental Congress from 1785 to 1788, and a member of the convention which framed the Constitution of the United States. From 1789 to 1799, be was a Representative in Congress, and from 1799 to 1807, he was a member of the United States Senate, part of the time President pro tent. of the Senate. He was a man of large wealth, and owned considerable tracts of land in Iowa, Pennsylvania and Ohio. In the latter State he had 16,000 acres situated on the Whetstone and Licking Creek, in Licking County, March 1, 1801, he sold 500 acre, of the original purchase to William Wells, one half to be located on the northeast corner of Delaware Township, and the other on the northeast corner of Section 3 in Brown. He was never married, and, at his death, March 4, 1807, Mr. Baldwin devised the remainder of this property to his three half-brothers and two half-sisters. These heirs lived widely apart in various States of the Union, in the then Mississippi Territory, in Connecticut and in Pennsylvania, and the property soon passed by power of attorney or purchase into the control of one of the heir-Henry Baldwin, a lawyer in Pittsburgh. This was probably a part of a project to unite with Col. Byxbe in laying out a town to their mutual advantage. It is difficult, at this late day, to ascertain the particulars of a transaction now o so much interest to the citizens of Delaware. It appears from various records, however, that Col. Byxbe, during one of his trips to the East, met Henry Baldwin at Pittsburgh, and broached to him the project which resulted in founding the city. Having secured control of the property, Mr. Baldwin repaired to Berkshire, and, under some arrangement with Byxbe, platted a town of Delaware, they uniting on March 7, 1808, in granting a power of attorney to Moses Byxbe, Jr., to record the same. This was the plat which located the town east of the Olentangy, but which has never been recorded in this county. For some reason which does not appear on the records, this place, was abandoned, and another, under different auspices, was made May 9, 1808 (if the date it bears be correct), locating the town on the west side of the river. What the new arrangement was, the following instrument, drawn up and acknowledged at Pittsburgh, will explain, HENRY BALDWIN AND Wife DEED TO MOSES BYXBE. This indenture, made the fourteenth day of May, in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eight, between Henry Baldwin, of the borough of Pittsburgh, in the State of Pennsylvania, Esquire, and Sally, his wife, of the one part, and Moses Byxbe, of the county of Delaware, in the State of Ohio, of the other part. Witnesseth, That, whereas, on the twenty-fourth day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred, John Adams, Esquire, then President of the United States of America, by his patent bearing date the same day and year, granted unto Abraham Baldwin. of the county of Columbia and State of Georgia, a certain tract of land estimated to contain four thousand acres, being the third quarter of the fifth township in the eighteenth range of the tract appropriated for satisfying warrants for military services, and, on the twenty-sixth day of the same month and year, the said John Adams, by another patent, bearing date the day last mentioned, did grant, unto the same Abraham Baldwin one other tract of land, estimated to contain four thousand acres, being the fourth quarter of the fifth township in the nineteenth range of the tract appropriated as aforesaid. And whereas, the said Abraham Baldwin, being so seized in fee of the aforesaid tracts of land, by his last will and testament male the first day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seven, devised among other thing, as follows; to wit: I give and devise to my half-brothers, William Baldwin, Michael Baldwin and Henry Baldwin. and to my half-sisters, Clarissa Kennedy and Sarah French, in fee simple, all the lands, I own in the State of Ohio, to be divided between them share and share alike, and, after making and publishing the aforesaid last will and testament, the sail Abraham Baldwin not revoking the same, departed this life leaving the aforesaid William Baldwin, Michael Baldwin, Henry Baldwin, Clarissa Kennedy and Sarah French vested in fee of the above described tracts of land, as by a reference to the above-recited patents and t to the will of the said Abraham Baldwin, recorded in the office for recording of wills for the county of Washington, in the District of Columbia, may more fully and at large appear. And whereas, the title to the said described two sections of land hath since, by sundry mesne conveyances and assurances in the law, become vested in the said Henry Baldwin in fee, except two 314 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. hundred and fifty acres, which has been granted off he northeast end of each section, as the place for locating the same; now this indenture witnesseth, had the said Henry Baldwin and Sally, his wife, for and in consideration of the sum of five thousand six hundred and twenty-five dollars, lawful money of the United States, to them in hand paid by the aforesaid Moses Byxbe, at and before the ensealing and delivery of these presents, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged by the said Henry Baldwin, and the said Moses Byxbe thereof acquitted and forever discharged, have granted, bargained and sold, aligned, conveyed and confirmed, and by these presents do grant, bargain and sell, alien and convey and confirm, of the said Moses Byxbe, and to his heirs and assigns forever, one undivided moiety or half part of the above-described two sections of land, after the two hundred and fifty acres above mentioned shall leave been taken off the northeast end of each section for the purpose aforesaid, together with all and singular the improvements, ways, water, water-courses and appurtenances whatsoever, to the same belonging or in any wise appertaining, and the reversion or reversions, remainder and remainders, rents, issues and profits thereof, and all the estate, right, title, interest, property, claim, and demand of him, the said Henry Baldwin, and Sally, his wife, of, in and to the same, to have and to hold the said undivided half part of the above-described two sections, with all and singular, the premises hereby granted or mentioned or intended so to be, to the said Moses Byxbe and his heirs, and to only proper use, benefit and behoof of him, the said dose: Byxbe, his heirs and assigns forever. And the said Henry Baldwin, for himself, his heirs, executors and administrators, doth covenant, promise and agree to and with the said Moses Byxbe, his heirs and assigns, by these presents, that the premises before mentioned now are and forever after shall remain free of and from all former and other gifts, grants, bargains, sales dowers, judgments, executions, titles, troubles, charge and incumbrances whatsoever, done or suffered to be done by him, the said Henry Baldwin. And the said Henry Baldwin, for himself, his heirs. executors and administrators, doth covenant and engage, all and singular, the premises hereby bargained and sold with the appurtenances unto him, the said doses Byxbe, his heirs and assigns, against him, the said Henry Baldwin and his heirs, and all and every other person or person: whatsoever, lawfully claiming or to claim, will warrant and forever defend by these presents. In witness whereof, the said parties have hereto se their hands and affixed their seals, the day and yea first above mentioned. HENRY BALDWIN. [L. S.] SALLY BALDWIN. [L. S.] Sealed and delivered in presence of ALEK. JOHNSON, JR. Moses Byxbe was a native of Lenox, Berkshire Co., Mass. He was a man of large wealth for that time, which he had accumulated in the double capacity of hotel and storekeeper, and was marked by an energetic, enterprising spirit in business matters. Though not always commanding the love of his fellows, he impressed them with the shrewdness of his foresight, and, by a plausible exterior, secured a social influence which a closer study of his character fails to warrant. In the latter part of 1804, he came to Berkshire, where he owned a lame tract of land, as well as in the townships of Berlin, Genoa, Kingston, and Brown. He embarked his whole energies in the new enterprise which had absorbed his capital, making frequent visits to his native State to interest his friends in the West. In this, he was eminently successful, and he soon had the double satisfaction of disposing of the larger part of his real estate in Ohio and at the same time planting a community which had great weight in the political circles of the new State. It was his early aim and ambition to make Berkshire Corners not only the county seat, but the capital of the State, for which there were, at that time, very flattering hopes of success. But his good fortune in disposing of his Berkshire property was the very rock on which the high anticipations of the "Corners" were wrecked, and we find this restless speculator at Pittsburgh, engaged in an enterprise boding no Good to the future metropolitan growth of that place. With the purchase of the tract of land in Delaware and Brown Townships, Mr. Byxbe's plans seem to have undergone a complete change. It is probable that this was an unwritten consideration in the purchase, not less important than the pecuniary one expressed in the deed. On the same day, a power of attorney was executed, giving him complete control of the property in question, and leaving him untrammeled in the prosecution of his new scheme. It was not to be expected that such a radical change on the part of Col. Byxbe would be allowed to pass without a vigorous protest. Many of the residents of Berkshire had been attracted there by the probability that the county seat would be located at the "Corners," many others came upon the express promise of Byxbe to that effect, and an earnest and bitter struggle was begun to secure it. Fortunately for Mr. Byxbe's success; he had a considerable following, made up of those who were under obligations to him in various ways, and whose fortunes lay in the same scale with his. The sulphur spring, which had begun to attract attention, gave a prestige to the location as the probable site of a famous watering-place, thus adding strength to his cause. Although requiring all his resource to carry his project to a successful issue, the result PAGE 315 - PICTURE OF T. W. POWELL PAGE 316 - BLANK HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 317 can hardly be said to have been in doubt. The Special Commissioners fixed the county seat at Delaware, in March, 1808, putting an end to a controversy, the effects of which were marked in county matters for forty years afterward. The first settlement made within the present boundaries of Delaware was by John Beard, in the southern part of the township. On the 2d day of December, 1807, he bought of Benjamin Ives Gilman, of Marietta, Ohio, 624 acres of land, in a square piece, situated on the west bank of the Olentangy River, its southern line forming a part of the boundary line of the township. He built a cabin on the bank of the river, near where the dam is placed, and brought his family there as soon as it was erected. As soon as preparations could be made in the spring, he set about erecting a log grist-mill, assisted by Ira Carpenter, of Liberty (who claimed to have cut the first tree within the limits of Delaware), and made the first dam across the river at that point. He operated the mill and made some progress in clearing a place for the planting of corn, though it is doubtful if he ever got so far as to realize a harvest He does not seem to have been fitted to confront the stern realities of frontier life, and, while ostensibly owning a large amount of land, his family were without some of the commonest necessities of the frontier cabin. In February. 1811. Col. Forest Meeker came here looking for a home, and, on the 21st of that month, bought Beard's property. Col. Meeker was born in Rutland, Vt., and emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1797. Seven years later he came to Chillicothe, but after a year or two left for Kentucky, settling near Paris, Bourbon County. He stayed here about eighteen months, but his wife could not endure the institution of slavery, and persuaded him to return to Ohio, and it was at this time that he purchased of Beard. After engaging some one to build him a hewed-log house, and to "chop over" the five acres Beard had felled, he returned to Kentucky to wind up his business and brim back his familv. On the 21st of May following, Col. Meeker returned, bringing his family and household goods in two wagons, and driving two cows. He found the walls of his cabin up and the roof on, but there were neither doors nor windows. They went to the cabin of Mr. Beard, farther up the river, where they were expected, and prepared to stay until their cabin could be made habitable. They had stayed the night previous with Mr. Cellars, in Liberty, and from one cause or another did not reach Beard's until well along in the afternoon. Mrs. Beard had but one cooking utensil, an old fashioned - Dutch oven," that had lost its cover by some accident. This was before the fire baking bread, a cabbage leaf supplying the place of cover. When the bread was taken out the potatoes were put into it and boiled, the meat fried and the tea made, and it is said by those who partook of the meal that there was nothing needed to add a relish to the fare. On the following morning, Mr. Meeker found his horses had taken advantage of their liberty to return to their old home in Virginia. He followed after them with all haste, but did not succeed in overtaking them until begot to his old farm, where he found only three of the four horses. The site chosen for the house was on the west side of the Stratford road, just in front of the stone house situated a little distance below where the store now is. He was an energetic man, and soon had his cabin ready for his family. By the latter part of June, he had four or five acres of corn planted, which, in spite of his fears, an unusually long season enabled to ripen before frost. Game of all sorts stocked the woods, and a plentiful supply of meat could always be secured within gunshot of the house. Fawns were frequently found in the woods, and brought to the cabin. At one time, Col. Meeker had some nine young deer that he kept to kill as they had need of them. Later, in 1811, quite a colony came from Virginia, and another from Pennsylvania, settling all about Col. Meeker's section. Among those from Virginia, were the families of Robert Jamison, John Shaw and Matthew Anderson, and of the company from Pennsylvania were Frederick Weiser, Robert McCoy, Joseph Cunningham, John Wilson and Andrew Harter. In the following year, Samuel Hughs came from Virginia; in 1813, Elias Scribner, and Reuben Ruby from Kentucky in 1814. The early experience of this settlement, while not that of a community provided with all the comforts of modern times, was far different from that of the earlier ones in the county. Saw and grist mills were within easy reach on all sides, roads were practicable for wagons, while store and post office, with a regular mail, put them in possession of such luxuries as they could afford. The finest farming lands were found along the margin of the river, and this fact influenced the location of the early farming community. Robert Jamison settled on the east side of the river, and his farm is now the property of James M. Jamison. Near his farm-house stands the original log cabin built in 1811; 318 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. now used as a shop. The settlement in the north part of the town was a year or two later. Somewhere about 1812, John and Henry Worline bought land on the east side of the river, and stayed for three or four years, when they sold out and moved further north in the county. Here, also, in 1814, came Albreight Worline with his family of four boys and two girls, and built a cabin on the spot now occupied by the residence of William Siegfried. The boys were each old enough to "make a band" in clearing the farm, and the woods soon gave way before their sturdy blows. As the prospects for a home grew brighter, the thoughts of the older boy, Samuel, turned to his native State, where he had left a sweetheart, but, what was more discouraging, her father refused to smile upon his suit. He made up his mind that two were enough for such a bargain, and one night, packing in saddle-bags such things as his sweetheart desired to take, they mounted horses he had provided, and started for their new home. Their flight was discovered, and, to express the scene in the figure of a more celebrated elopement "There was racing and chasing on Canobie Lee, But the lost bride of Netherby ne'er did they see." Coming soon after the Worlines, on the same side of the river, and a little north of them, was William Sweetser. He bought out John and Henry Worline's property and built an addition to a single-roomed cabin he found standing on the place. Mr. Sweetser came from Dummerston, Vt.. in the fall of 1815, after a forty days' journey through the wilderness. He had a family of five boys and three girls, the youngest child only six months old, when he came into Delaware. The journey was full of such mishaps as breaking the wagons or harness, causing at times a tedious delay of days to effect repairs. The family came in two wagons, Mrs. Sweetser driving a single horse all the way from the East, caring for her young babe beside most of the time. When they arrived in town, they went to the house of Thomas Butler, which stood about where Mitchel & Vogt's store now stands, where they remained during the winter. The next spring they moved on to their farm, where but little clearing had been done. In 1823, he laid the foundations, and partially completed a brick house on the river road. There is nothing now left of the original buildings to mark the spot save an old stone spring house. With the Sweetser, family, came the family of Hosea Miller, and two young men, Solomon and Wilder Joy. In 1817, Rutherford Hayes came from Vermont and bought land in this neighborhood, but took up his residence in town, where he lived until his death. During the years succeeding the war of 1812, settlements began to increase on the farming lands west of the river and along Delaware Run, among the earliest being the settlements of David Hefner, Abraham Williams and Edward Potter. These names do not include all who are entitled to be remembered as among the early settlers of Delaware. After so many years. it would be surprising if none of the names of those who entered into the labors of the new community should not have been lost. We have, after considerable patient research, secured a list of pioneers, with their native States, and the year in which they came to Delaware. In this list, we hope to have approximated the facts in the majority of cases, leaving any reader better informed to correct it at his leisure. The first thirty-two names are taken from the Delaware poll-book of the first election, held October 11, 1808, and are put in the order of their voting : Thomas Vanhorn, 1808 ; Asabel Hart, 1808 ; John Aye. Pennsylvania, 1808 ; Jacob Filgey, 1808 ; George Soop, 1808 ; Moses Byxbe, Massachusetts, 1808 ; Peter Ealy, 1808; Silas Dunham, Rhode Island, 1808 ; Appleton Byxbe, Massachusetts, 1808 ; Timothy Squire, 1808, Solomon Smith, Massachusetts, 1808 ; Ira Carpenter, Pennsylvania, 1808 ; Solomon Finch, 1808 ; Roderick Crosbey, 1808 ; Moses Byxbe, Jr., Massachusetts, 1808 ; William Little, Connecticut, 1808 ; Noah Sturdevant, 1808; Jacob Drake, Pennsylvania, 1808 ; Nathaniel Little, Connecticut, 1808 ; Thomas Butler, Massachusetts, 1808 ; Salmon Agard, Pennsylvania, 1808 ; Jeremiah Osborn, 1808 ; Azariah Root, Massachusetts, 1808 ; Nathaniel Disbury, 1808 ; Alford Carpenter, 1808 ; Clark Beebe, 1808 ; Charles Robbins, 1808 ; Alexander Enos, 1808 ; Noah Spaulding, Vermont, 1808 ; Daniel Munsey. 1808 ; Josiah Grant, 1808 ; Reuben Lamb, New York, 1808; Joseph Barber and John Beard, 1807 ; Paul D. Butler, Massachusetts, 1808; Aaron Walch, New York, 1808; Jacob Kensell, Pennsylvania, 1808 ; Frank Smith, Massachusetts, 1808; David Smith, Massachusetts, 1808 ; Nathan Messenger. Massachusetts, 1808 ; Adonijah Messenger, Massachusetts, 1808 ; Erastus Bowe, Vermont, 1809 ; Jacob Koester, 1809 ; Deacon Anderson, Pennsylvania, 1809 ; George Storm, Maryland, 1809 ; Henry Smith, New York, 1809; James DeWitt, 1810 ; Otho Hinton, Virginia, 1810 ; Micah HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 319 Spaulding, 1810 ; J. S. Hughs, Pennsylvania, 1810 ; James W. Crawford, Pennsylvania, 1810.; Elem Vining, Sr., Connecticut, 1811 ; Forest Meeker, Vermont, 1811 ; Grove Meeker, Vermont, 1811 ; Nathan Anderson, Virginia, 1811 ; Elias Murray, New York, 1811 ; Frederick Weiser, Pennsylvania, 1811 ; Robert Jamison, Virginia, 1811 ; Robert McCoy, Pennsylvania, 1811 ; John Wilson, Pennsylvania, 1811 ; John Shaw, Virginia, 1811 ; .Joseph Cunningham, Pennsylvania, 1811 ; Andrew Harter, Pennsylvania, 1811 ; Samuel Hughs, Virginia, 1812 ; Abraham Williams, Connecticut, 1812; John Welshance, Pennsylvania, 1812; John Worline, Pennsylvania, 1812; Henry Worline, Pennsylvania, 1812; John Dobson, Vermont, 1813 ; James Swinerton, 1813 ; Elias Scribner, 1813 ; Albreight Worline, Pennsylvania, 1814 ; Samuel Worline, Pennsylvania, 1814 ; Reuben Ruby, Kentucky, 1814 ; L. H. Cowles, Connecticut, 1814; William Sweetser, Vermont, 1815; Wilder .Joy, Vermont, 1815 ; Solomon Joy, Vermont, 1815 ; Miner Miller, Vermont, 1815; Hosea Miller, Vermont, 1815 ; Calvin Covell Vermont, 1810; Pardon Sprague, Rhode Island, 1816; William Manser, Vermont, 1816; Henry Rigour, Pennsylvania, 1816; Frederick Welch. New York, 1816; William Walker, Maryland, 1816 ; Anthony Walker, Maryland, 1816; Reuben `reward, 1816; Ira Wilcox, Connecticut, ; Titus King, 1816; Hoses Williams. Connecticut, 1817; Sidney Moore, Vermont, 1817 ; Bela Moore, Vermont, 1817; Hezekiah Kilbourn, Connecticut, 1818; Asahel Welch, New York, 1818 ; Caleb Howard, Maine, 1818; Frederick Avery, Connecticut, 1818; Ebenezer Durfee, Rhode Island, 1818 ; Charles Boynton, New York, 1818 ; Luke Boynton, New York, 1818 ; Winslow Bierce, New York, 1818; Justus Chamberlain. Connecticut, 1818 ; Jonathan Kelly. Connecticut, 1818 ; James Osborne Sr, Pennsylvania, 1818: Milo D. Pettibone: Connecticut, 1818 ; Judah Chase, Vermont, 1818 ; .Joseph L. Webb, New York, 1819 ; Gotlieb Albreight, Bavaria. 1819 ; Edward Potter, Connecticut, 1819 ; Horatio P. Havens, Vermont, 1819 ; Thomas Reynolds, Maryland, 1820; Martin Shoub, 1820; Samuel Calvert, Virginia, 1820 ; John Boss, Vermont, ; Lockland McLean, 1820 ; Evan Davis, Wales," 1820; William McClure, Pennsylvania, 1820 ; Benjamin E. Ball, Connecticut, 1820 ; James C. Crawford, Kentucky, _____; Horton Howard, Pennsylvania, 1820; Richard Evans. Wales, 1820 ; Thomas Wasson, Pennsylvania, 1820; Platt Brush, New York, 1820 ; Ezra Griswold, Connecticut, 1821; George Rosett, New York, 1821 ; Thomas Jones, Wales, 1821 ; Ralph Hills, 1822; J. H. Hills, Massachusetts, 1822 ; Bildad Welch, New York, 1823 ; Amos Fuller, Pennsylvania, 1823 ; Joseph Oviatt, 1823. The settlement of the city of Delaware was sui generis. Nature had conspired with the aborigines to prepare a site, while the community, linked together by family and business relations, was like a colony fitted and furnished for a career already marked out. The founder and patron of the new town was wealthy, skillful, and wielded a power that "knew no criterion but success." The social machinery which he had elaborated to serve his purposes at Berkshire, he transferred intact to Delaware, where it performed its proper functions to the same end. His hand was upon all the sources of power. He had unlimited control of the whole property of which he was part owner, his dependents or relatives filled the larger share of the offices in county and town, and for years his will became law. It was under such auspices that the town of Delaware began its career. When the act of the Legislature was passed in February, 1808, erecting the county of Delaware, the town of that name was not in existence on paper or in fact. Between that time and the 7 th of March. however, it was platted and surveyed, but under what arrangement between Messrs. Baldwin and Byxbe, it is now impossible to determine. This plat was recorded on the 11th of March, 1808, and placed the site of the city on the east bank of the Olentangy, including about the same territory covered at. present by the city east of the river, though laid out according to the plan which was afterward transferred to the west bank. Here the county seat was fixed by the special commissioners. It is probable that in their hurry to secure a town de Jure, the proprietors took little time to canvass the claims of the different locations as a site for the future city. The main object was to secure the county seat in a position that would benefit the two adjacent sections of land lying on both banks of the river. It was thought desirable in that early day to place a town near some stream of water, and to accomplish this object and at the same time be as near as possible to the center o1 the tract of land, the eastern bank was chosen as the site of the town. No lots were sold here however, and, influenced by the superior advantage: to be found across the river, the proprietors trans ferred the site to that place, the plat, modified and 320 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. adapted to the location, being made May 9, 1808. This plat included that part of the present city embraced by Henry, North, Liberty and South streets. The latter street formerly extended west across Liberty and through the outlots. The following explanation, taken from the plat as recorded, will give the plan of the proprietors : " This town is laid off into 186 lots, containing, by estimation, 77 1/2 square poles each, be the same more or less, 6 1/4 rods by 12 1/4 rods, excepting Lots No. 53, 54, 55, 56, 89, 90, 91 and 92, which by the variation of Williams street from west 17° to the north, from Washington street to Liberty street. The streets which run from north to south are Henry, Union, Sandusky, Franklin, Washington and Liberty srreets, and those running from east to west are North, Winter, Williams, Abraham, Tammany and South streets, which cross the other streets at right angles. All the streets are four poles wide, except Williams, Abraham and Sandusky streets, which are six poles in width. The lots or squares including Delaware Run, or which are not numbered, extending from east to west through the town are reserved for future disposal, or for the benefit of the town as the proprietors may think proper hereafter." The founders evinced their patriotism in the names of most of the streets, the rest taking their names from persons intimately connected with the history of the town. Abraham street was named for the original owner of the property ; Henry, for one of the proprietors ; Williams, for a brother of Henry Baldwin, who had an interest in the property, and Winter grew out of a corruption of Witter, the maiden name of Mrs. Moses Bvxbe. These names remain now,save those of Abraham and Tammany, in the place of which are Hill street and Third street. Delaware Run then flowed in its natural course, and Williams street deflected to the north after crossing Washington street to avoid it. The square, bounded by North, Sandusky, Franklin and Winter streets, was given by the proprietors for a burying ground, and for religious purposes ; the square bounded by Abraham (Hill), Franklin and Sandusky streets and the run, was set aside for the public buildings (Spring street was not laid out at that time) ; and a square situated between Franklin and Sandusky streets, through the middle of which South street extended, was reserved for the parade ground. To Delaware, as thus laid out, the proprietors invited emigration. It was hardly to be expected that one who paid so much attention to details would overlook a matter so vital to the success of his new venture as that of its settlement, and herein the historian finds the greatest obstacle in the way of unraveling its history. Mr. Byxbe had attracted a number of families to Berkshire Corners by the promise of lands or preferment, and to further the interests of his new project he made the fulfillment of such prom. ises conditional upon their joining the new settlement. Thus the early settlement of the town was made something like the dissolution of the. famous " One-Horse Shay," "All at once and nothing first,- Just as bubbles do when they burst." A generally accepted tradition is authority for the statement that the first settlement made and the first cabin reared on the site of the city of Delaware, was by Joseph Barber, in the fall of 1807. His cabin was a pole-log house, fifteen feet square, situated just southeast of the sulphur spring on the university grounds, and fronted on the trail which led up from Worthington along the river. He was, evidently, a squatter in very poor circumstances, and, on August 20, 1808, for the nominal consideration of $l, was given a deed of the lot which took in his premises. At the same time he bought Lot No. 4, situated on the corner of North and Franklin streets, for $15.36, payable in annual installments of $3.84, the first to be paid on the 15th of the following March. He left the town and went to Berkshire in a few months, selling his property to Dr. Noah Spaulding. As soon as the county seat was fixed at Delaware, Col. Byxbe made preparations to take up his residence there. He sold his house and farm in Berkshire to David and Joseph Prince, and put up a frame building on Lot No. 70, on the north side of William street, between Henry and Union streets. Henry street was not then opened across Williams, and he reserved the whole square on which his house stood, extending from Union street to the river, for his own used. In later years, an orchard occupied the space east of his house, while back and west of it his cows found a scanty subsistence. Early in May of 1808, his household goods having been brought over to Delaware by Joseph Prince, Mr. Byxbe came with his family and became a citizen of the county seat. At the same time came Solomon Smith, Azariah Root, Nathan Messenger, Reuben Lamb, and Jacob Drake, who had come the year previous from Pennsylvania. These families all came from Berkshire, and were closely attached to the Byxbe interests. The providing of homes for their families engrossed the attention of the male HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 321 portion of the settlement; while the women were engaged in the scarcely less arduous cares which fell to the helpmeet. Mechanics were few, and facilities for building-meager, and the houses of Col. Byxbe, and Joseph Barber for weeks afforded I the only home for the little community. It was not long, however, before the hewed-log house of Azariah Root was erected nn the corner of Abraham and Henry streets, and joined in the general hospitality. Then came in rapid succession a frame house on the southeast corner of Sandusky and Williams streets, built by Col. Byxbe for his son-in-law, Nathan Messenger ; the log house of Reuben Lamb on the northeast corner of Williams and Union streets, on Col. Byxbe's square ; and the foundation of the brick house of Jacob Drake on the southwest corner of Franklin and Williams streets. This house was finished in the fall, and is especially interesting from the fact that, owing to the scarcity of masons, Mrs. Drake laid all the inner wall herself. The house of Dr. Lamb was a temporary one, and was replaced the following year by a brick, situated on the southwest corner of Union and Williams streets. During the summer and.fall of this year a number of others, attracted from the different settlements about, came and built their homes in various parts of the village. Among these were Silas Dunham. from the Dunham settlement in Berlin; Noah Spaulding, from Berkshire ; Joab Norton, from Orange; Aaron Welch and Ira Carpenter, from Liberty. From Worthington came Nathaniel and William Little, Paul D. Butler and his brother Thomas. Another arrival was that of Jacob Kensell, but where he came from is not known. He was a shoemaker and soon had a place for evening loafers and for mending shoes in Barber's old tavern. The little village was a scene of bustling activity. The whole domestic and social machinery of the community was to be fashioned and put in motion, and there was plenty of work for every hand to do. Col. Byxbe was everywhere the animating spirit, and his restless activity found ample scope for its exercise. In the newly formed court. he sat as Associate Judge; he ruled the Board of Township Trustees; he originated and viewed the new roads which united the town with the older settlements; he was his own sole agent in the disposal of the vast tracts of land he held, and every movement for the prosperity of the town obeyed his guiding hand. Others were less active only as they were less able, or occupied positions less commanding. Solomon Smith, whom later years knew only to honor, came fresh from his duties as teacher in Chillicothe. Elected as Sheriff of the new county, whose business assumed no great proportions, he found ample service for his abilities, as an aid to Col. Byxbe. Azariah Root was chosen County Surveyor, and the demand for avenues of communication with the outside world kept him busy with chain and field note. Jacob Drake, the first County Treasurer, added to that the double calling of Baptist minister and Surveyor, while Dr. Lamb added to a professional practice which compelled him to ride over two counties, the duties of County Recorder. In spite of all the earnest reality of that time, there is a gleam of humor in the picture, a: we think of those spectacled men of years, carrying the treasury about in their breeches pocket, or taking the county books of record to their homes; and by the "broad hearthstone" making entries pregnant with the fate of men and moneys, as the careful housewife counts up her sales of butter and eggs. In the mean time, amidst all these engrossing cares, the cornplanting had not been forgotten, and, on one of the bottoms which had been used by the Indians, a large field had been devoted to "That precious seed into the furrow cast Earliest in springtime, crowns the harvest last." With the fall came the first harvest home in the new settlement, and the occasion was celebrated by a grand husking bee. The corn piled in a long row was divided into equal portions and a prize of whisky offered. It is said Jacob Kensell won the prize. On the 11th of October, the first State election in which Delaware took part, was held, and thirty-two votes polled. Azariah Root was elected Justice of the Peace. The Judges of election were Jacob Drake, Azariah Root and Noah Sturdevant, with Jeremiah Osborn and Salmon Agard as Clerks. The succeeding years were years of rapid growth and development. The success which had hitherto attended the efforts of Col. Byxbe, gave him a prestige that worked greatly to the advantage of the new town. It was felt that under the powerful patronage of such a man its future success was assured, and the town at once gained a flattering notoriety. So marked was this fact that Moses Wright, the founder of Columbus, recognizing it as a business reality, purchased in September of 1808, several village lots. He was destined afterward to have the shrewdness of his purchase confirmed at the expense of a close contest for the 322 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. success of his own project. This vantage ground was appreciated by the people, and was maintained by a generous and far-sighted policy. Persons of talent and enterprise were sought for and cordially welcomed, and a community was built up that was the peer in character and intelligence of those of Chillicothe or Zanesville. The year of 1812 brought a serious check to the rapid growth of Delaware. Hitherto the State capital had been, up to 1810, situated at Chillicothe, and from that time until 1812 at Zanesville ; and among other towns, Delaware aspired to become the site of its permanent location, with reasonable hopes of success. The competition was spirited, and the contest finally narrowed down to a struggle between Columbus and Delaware. It was contended by the citizens of the latter place that it was more centrally located, and that it had a vigorous existence, while its opponents offered only a spot covered with its native forest on the "high bank of the Scioto River, opposite Franklinton." There were four speculators interested in the location near Franklinton, and it. would naturally be supposed that they could bring a greater weight of influence to bear upon the Legislature than could Mr. Byxbe alone. But this advantage was by no means so apparent. For some time the contest hung in even scales, and the members had all made a choice save Gen. Foos, of Worthington. On his vote the decision hung, and Delaware expected much of him, but his pecuniary interests were centered at Franklinton, and, on the 14th of February, the Legislature passed an act accepting the proposals of the Columbus parties. This result was a severe blow to Delaware. Up to the point of the decision, the brilliant prospects of the town had attracted the attention of the ambitious and enterprising, and the village seemed to have seized that flood-tide of affairs which was leading on to fame and fortune. The immediate effect of this turn to the tide was to stop immigration, and the consequent business activity, and Delaware was struck with a paralysis of its enterprise, from the effects of which it took two full decades to recover. The lands of the "new purchase," coming into market a few years after the war; diverted the flow of immigration which set in strongly from the East at that period, and, what was more fatal to the development of the town, held back by anticipation, and finally diverted into foreign channels, the investments of the larger portion of the town's capitalists. In laying out the town, the proprietors intended that Abraham street should be the main business thoroughfare, while Williams street should furnish sites for the residences of Delaware's aristocratic citizens. But the people did not seem to fall in with this plan, and showed a decided preference for the northern part of the town. George Storm coming as early as 1809, bought Outlot No. 45, and made it his place of residence. Business houses from the first took possession of Sandusky street, between Williams and North streets, while below the run, there were not. even residences. save on Abraham street, where it crossed the university campus. The taxes on the unprofitable lots south of the run became a heavy burden that added force to the popular choice, and, yielding to the decision thus expressed, all these lots (numbering above 9'2) were vacated, and the square originally set aside for church purposes was divided into eight lots, making just one hundred in the reconstructed town. The declaration of war which followed in the wake of the act establishing the capital, with the business activity which it occasioned, did much to relieve Delaware's depression. The town was situated on the most practicable route between the State capital-then temporarily placed at Chillicothe-and the scene of military operations about Detroit and Sandusky, and it became, during the war, a place of considerable military importance. The people of the village and township took a deep interest in the questions which brought on the war, and in the stern arbitrament of arms, to which they were referred for decision. Among the earliest. troops to be called out was a company of light horse belonging to the State militia, or the muster-rolls of which were found the familiar names of Elias Murray as Captain, James «' Crawford as First Lieutenant, David Prince a: Second Lieutenant, and Joseph Prince, Robert Jamison, Sylvester Root, Morris Cowgill, Ales ander and William Smith, Ralph S. Longwell John Slack, J. Harter, Forest Meeker, John Wil son, Thomas Dunham and James Carpenter, a; privates. This company was employed as a raid in" force, and was called out at different times for a period of service not exceeding at any time over forty days. Each man furnished his own hors and equipments, and over his shoulder was slung the inevitable canteen of whisky. ,A little inci dent occurred in camp before the company left town, which threatened to bring the war right to the doors of the community. Crawford, to play practical joke on Jamison, drained the latter' HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 323 canteen of whisky and filled it with something less desirable. This was touching Jamison in a tender spot, and he challenged the unknown perpetrator to a personal contest at arms, but, as no one responded to such an invitation, the matter was allowed to drop. The company was ordered to Detroit, and made a raid into Canada. Tearing down some fine farm buildings west of the river, they made rafts of the lumber thus obtained, and crossed to the Canada shore. There they destroyed property of all kinds, burning mills, hay and grain, and re-crossing without loss. Robert Jamison lost his horse by running him upon a snag, which entered the breast of the animal, rendering it necessary to shoot him. This loss occurred soon after re-crossing into Michigan, a misfortune which he was forced to bear out of his own resources. A company of infantry, raised by Capt. Foos in the northern part of the county, drew a number of men from Delaware Township and village, and, among others, Erastus Bowe, who settled in Brown in 1809. This company went to Fremont, then known as Lower Sandusky, and helped to build Fort Crogan, Mr. Bowe breaking the around for that purpose. After Hull's surrender, this company returned to Delaware and was disbanded. This surrender, which brought so many evils to this county in its train, did not, affect Delaware seriously as the more sparsely settled communities. A one story brick store building stood on the northeast corner of Williams and Sanduskv streets, and, about this, a high palisade of strong puncheons had been constructed for cases of emergency, but with hardly a thought that such a necessity was likely to arise. It was at this time that Drake took the field with his company, and became the innocent author of the disastrous stampede which long ago found a place in history. The first intimation of the wide-spread demoralization was brought to Delaware one morning about sunrise, as its citizens were preparing or eating breakfast. The scene cannot be pictured in the vivid light in which it appears in the minds of those who remember it. The news had first reached the Radnor settlement, and from there a mob of frenzied fugitives had set forth, gaining in numbers as it came, and, without a note of warning, burst upon the half-aroused village with the sudden fury of a tornado. The sudden tumult of wagons and the clamor of the fleeing men, women and children, brought out the startled citizens with anxious inquiries, but the panic stricken people had not a minute to lose. They could only cry out as they rushed along, "The Indians are upon us! the Indians are upon us!" and exhort their friends to join the flight. The settlements in the north part of the township joined the rout, and it would not have been surprising if the whole village population had gone also. But comparatively few of the villagers, however, joined the flight. There was a sudden rallying to the fortifications, and the men organized for the defense of the place. Scouts were sent out, who soon ascertained that the alarm was false, but not in time to save the people who had passed south through the village. Messengers were sent everywhere to explain the cause and stop the fleeing multitude. The stampede reached the Meeker settlement, where Stratford now is, as that family were at breakfast. Mr. Meeker had been out with the army from the commencement of hostilities, had reached the rank of Colonel, and had been placed in charge of the transportation of the Northwestern army, continuing in that position under Harrison. After Hulls surrender, he came home, sick with a malarial fever. He found his family alarmed at the prospect of an Indian invasion, but, from his knowledge of the country and the strength of the frontier military force, assured them that there was no such danger to be apprehended. He realized that, in the natural course of the fever, he would become delirious, and he warned the family that whatever the reports they should hear, they should on no account move him, as it would only result in his death. The panic found Col. Meeker in a partially deranged state of mind, still he knew enough about matters to realize the situation of affairs, and kept reiterating his former statements. Twice was the confidence of the family in his judgment overruled by their fears, and twice did they carry him to the wagon prepared for flight, but as often returned him to his bed. Their mental torture can hardly be appreciated at this day. As they saw persons hurrying by whose judgment had hitherto commanded their respect, the impulse to join the stream of fugitives was almost irresistible, and was only checked by a thought of the inevitable result to the father and husband. A messenger was at last dispatched to Delaware, where the welcome news was received that there was no cause for alarm. The full extent of the disastrous stampede can never be known. A large part of the fugitives did not cease their flight until they reached Chillicothe, and many never returned to their farms. The disposition of Harrison's troops soon put to 324 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. rest any apprehensions of an Indian invasion, if any such were afterward entertained, and placed Delaware in an important relation to the new campaign then being inaugurated. The forces under Gen. Winchester and others were centered along the line of Urbana, St. Mary's and Fort Defiance, while the troops, artillery and supplies from Pennsylvania came by way of Canton, Wooster and Mansfield, to Fort Meigs, the place of rendezvous, while the Virginia and Kentucky re-enforcements came by way of Chillicothe, along the various roads leading through Delaware County. On the 19th of November, 1812, the headquarters were at Franklinton, but they were soon moved nearer the army in the field, and when the campaign, which had been carried on into the winter, ended, in February, 1813, we find Gen. Harrison at Fort Meigs. From that place, on the 11th of that month, he writes to inform the War Department of his disposition of the troops for winter quarters ; and in regard to the season he writes as follows: "The present is precisely the season, in common years, when the most intense frosts prevail in this country, giving the most perfect security and facility in passing the lakes, rivers and swamps with which it abounds. For the last twelve or fifteen days, however, it has been so warm that the roads have become entirely broken up, and, for a considerable distance in our rear, absolutely impassable for wagons or sleds, and can with great difficulty be traversed with single horses."The greater part of his troops, save a few detachments for garrison duty, he concentrated at Fort Meigs, and retired with his headquarters to Delaware, where he occupied rooms in the house of Col. By Byxbe, then known as a hotel. Early in March, Gov. Isaac Shelby, of Kentucky, came in command of his State's contingent, and with his staff, one of which, an aide-decamp, was John J. Crittendon, took up his quarters at Barber's old tavern. His troops were encamped on the west bank of the river, just south of the old cemetery, on ground which is now partly covered by the railroad. A little later, the Virginia troops arrived, and went into camp just north of the village. During the stay of the troops, the town was full of activity. The store and stills were well patronized, and settlers found a ready market for everything they had to sell. Col. Meeker kept his mills running night and day, grinding wheat for the army, while Erastus Bowe and Solomon Smith, acting for Col. Byxbe, scoured the country in quest of corn, hogs and cattle. Mr. Byxbe was a large contractor for the army, supplying the troops in town all the beef they used, using the unoccupied part of the square on which his house stood as a corral. The manner of buying hogs was unique. The principals in the transaction selected an average hog, which was killed, dressed and weighed, and the herd bought on that basis. Not only was the surplus stock absorbed by the army, but the surplus men also. A recruiting station was opened at Delaware, and many, through sentiments of patriotism, or moved by the glittering attraction of the enlistment money, joined the march to "glory or the grave." Several instances of immigrants enlisting on the first day of their arrival in the town occurred. while many were made drunk and entrapped after the old British custom, by the advance payment of a shilling. When the troops about Delaware moved north, there was a great dearth of transportation. Gen. Harrison had sold all of his teams and pack animals, to save wintering them and there was great difficulty in supplying their place. Those of the settlers, therefore, who had teams, were "pressed into the service." It is related of Elam Vining, Sr., that, being thus impressed into the service of the Kentucky troops, he went with them one day's march. The neat morning, he had driven but a short distance when his wheels ran off and his wagon began to fall to pieces. There was no apparent help for it, and the Kentuckians, cursing him for his lack of patriotism and his Yankee shrewdness, unloaded and left him. He was not long in finding the missing, parts of his wagon and making his way back to the town. But all were not so loath to follow the fortunes of Harrison's army in the final campaign and many from Delaware, as officers or private went with it to Canada. Erastus Bowe, though not fully recovered from the effects of disease contracted early in the service, became connected with the Commissary Department, and continued to the end of the war. Col. Meeker rejoined the army as soon as recovered from his illness, and occupied an important position on Gen. Harrison's staff. He was in close attendance upon the General, occupying the adjoining markee, when Harrison was shot at in his tent by a would-be Indian assassin, and witnessed, with the rest of the army. Perry's battle off Put-in-Bay Island, boarding the victorious fleet with Harrison when the conflict was over. But the burden of the war was not borne alone by those who fought its battles. There was a part played in the cabin that was not less truly heroic. Up to this time the States had sent HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 325 their raw products to England to be manufactured, and not even a candle-wick was made at home. The first result of the war was to cut off the supply of manufactured cottons, forcing the women to t resort to all sorts of makeshifts to supply their lack. The flag and wool of their own growing, in the deft hands of the women, supplied the family with clothing. Thread and candle wicking were made from the same material, and many an incident is related of the misadventures occasioned by the faulty wicking. While thus busied with the public questions of the hour, the little town did not for=et the more domestic, but not less essential, duties of the farm and fireside. Among the first petitions presented to the newly formed Commissioners' Court, was one asking for the laying-out of a road along the west bank of the Olentangy, from the treaty line to the south line of the county. In the fill of the following year, a road was laid out from the west end of Williams street through New Baltimore and to the treaty line. Other roads were laid out oft the east bank of the river, uniting with the road on the other side of the river at the various fords. The first road laid out has always been the main throughfare for through travel. though its exact location has been somewhat changed during later years. As first constructed. it followed the river as closely as the character of the soul and the angles of the river would permit. Passing through Delaware, it followed the course of Henry street, which was then the main thoroughfare ire and the site of the original trail. In this street three qtr tour rods southeast of the spring Stood, Barber's cabin, and he doubtless found a warrant in his own indolent stature for turning inn-keeper, without much thought its to the local advantages for such alt enterprise. Whether he hung out a sign or snack it known by chat charging for his hospitalities. is not certain; nor does it matter greatly. The people indorsed the enterprise and buoyed it oft to such success that it because autocrat. not only of the breakfast table, but of all social questions affecting the community. It was but natural that this should be the great news emporium of the town. Here the male gossips exchanged their wares and vied with-each other in eliciting the first and fulles divest of news from the traveler guest of the house. About the door the young men "swapped horses." and many a neck-and-neck race down the "cherry-bottom road *' resulted from a conceited banter and a wager of "the drinks" on the speed of some favorite animal This brought traffic to the bar of the house, and the host was generally found an interested witness of the race. This was the raffling ground of the community; here the crack shots' contested superiority in marksmanship, and an oak just south of the cabin stood for years the scarred monument of their skill. This old tavern performed its more dignified functions just as well. Here the announcements of husking and logging bees found their widest circulation. and when the public met to arrange a grand hunt or to deal out retribution to a violator of the unwritten law of the community, they deliberated here. It was in this cabin that the first court dispensed, justice : here the first county and town elections were held. and here in time of war floated the flag of the Kentucky troops. There was also what may be called its domestic .side, when winter's long evenings brought out the latent charm of the broad fireplace, and "Winds and loiters, idly free, The current of unguided talk." Here quietly dropped in the older members of the community, and. basking in the genial aglow of the fire with a glass of toddy and a well-filled pipe in either hand, the merry son, or thrilling, frontier tale went round. Another charm about the pioneer tavern. which acted powerfully upon old and young alike, was the cook. She was known as "Capt. Sallie," and many at housewife was treated to a lecture on the art of cooking, with Sallie for a text. She was chambermaid as well. and on occasion attended the bar or assisted the weary traveler to dismount, bringing in his saddlebags. and frequently when "Bill," the stable hand, was off spending his time with idle fellows. "toted " the horse to the barn. Such qualifications would naturally raise their possessor high in the estimation of the community but she added to these a gift before which all the others paled into insignificance in the administration of her friends. She was a master shot with the rifle. and it was this gift that secured to her the title of " Captain." The spring had been famous as a deer lick, and notwithstanding the nearness of the settlers, these creatures occasionally ventured in at nightfall to steal a draught of the invigorating waters. It was on such an occasion that Capt. Sallie left the tavern in search of the cows. With her ear intent on the bell which they wore, she slowly picked her way along toward the west, when, looking back over the hill whence she had come. she discovered a doe with her fawn drinking at the sprint. The cows were forgotten 326 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. on the instant, and, with the instinct of a huntress, she made her way rapidly and silently to the cabin. Taking down the rifle, she gained a favorable position- and, first ;hooting the fawn, she secured them both. The shots brought out the people of the tavern, and the trophies were carried in. " This successful shooting within the limits of the new town," says an old chronicler' in speaking of this incident, " was a great event, and honor fell thick and fast on the shoulders of Sallie. She wits dubbed Capt. Sallie at once. She was, of course. greeted by everybody. and the feat soon made her famous."Not long after this, Sallie and Billy, who, it was generally understood, were soon to be "hitched." were out on a nutting expedition. They had not cleared the ground now included in the university campus. when. as Billy was making his way into a thicket. all animal from a low-branching Oak sprang upon him, and, fastening it, teeth and claws into his flesh, bore him to the ground. As way be imagined, Sallie was not slow ill coming to the rescue, grasping the rifle which stood against a tree as she ran. But though an adept in the tale of a -un, and repeatedly told by Billy to shoot. she still hesitated, paralyzed by the fear of injuring her friend. Finally- Billy got the savage brute in a favorable position, and a sure shot from Sallies rifle stretched the animal dead on the ground: A glance revealed the fact that the attack had been made by a huge wild cat, that had probably been treed by the dog, and was startled into the attack by the sudden appearance of Billy. In the mean time, the revulsion of feeling wag too much for Sallies nerves. and she lay upon the ground white and faint as any other woman. The story of this adventure gained for Capt. Sallie increased renown. while the scene of action was clubbed "Wildcat Hollow," it name it bore for many years. But the pioneer tavern, with its homely cheer and mild wassail, its culinary triumph, and tender romance, has son, since passed away and the sward, radiant with the beauty of nature unadorned, dimples in the sunshine as innocent of the tragedy of human life enacted above it as though it had never borne up the busy haunts of men. This tavern changed hands frequently at first, from Barber to Spaulding and then to Robinson. under whose administration it passed its palmiest days. For several years it stood without a competitor, but the growing importance of the town began to demand something more pretentious. or, as has been suggested, the people who lived principally north of the run, became tired of walking the log that bridged the stream, especially on their return, when they often had to straddle it, or wade the run holding on to the log," and demanded better facilities. Be it as it may, the new brick house which Col. Byxbe put. up just east of his first dwelling was known for a time as a hotel, and a small brick structure built near it was the post office. Here the traveler guest was received with such blandishments as few could use to greater advantage than Mr. By Byxbe. It. became of great advantage to the resident proprietor to meet and impress every available new-comer with a hopeful view of Delaware's future. In modern phrase this would be called judicious advertising, and it wits probably with this object in view. rather than moved by any pecuniary motive, that rte opened his house for the entertainment of the public. The tavern business early assumed a position of considerable importance. It was a profitable business that time, and one in which the most distinquished citizens did not hesitate to engage. The frontier position of the place, and the peculiar constitution of the court, combined to bring a good many persons into town for temporary purposes. The consequence of this fact was a number of public houses, which would now be considered out of all proportion. A long wooden building was built at an early date, where the Bank of Deposit now stands, where Solomon Smith first entertained the public, but Mrs. Byxbe, desirous of entertaining those who came to attend court, persuaded Col. Byxbe to buy him out, and for some time, continued the business. He was succeeded in the same business, after an interval of some months, by Ezra Griswold, in 1821. In the meanwhile, Aaron Welch built a tavern oppolite the Episcopal church, on Winter street, where he entertained the public several years, and, in 1816, built a large brick structure on Sandusky street. Mr. Welch died before it was completed, but it served its purpose for years, and, shorn of part of its dimensions, it is now owned and occupied by Mrs. Kilbourn. Cotemporary with the later years of Mr. Welch, its tavern-keeper, was Elem Vining, Sr., who occupied for several years the Messenger House, on the southeast corner of Williams and Sandusky streets. Another hotel stood on the northeast corner of Winter and Sandusky streets. An early proprietor was Maj. Strong, and another was a Mr. Hinton-a distant relative of Otho Hinton, of later fame-who was succeeded by a Mr. Dunbar. It was during the time of the latter gentleman, in 1817 , that President Monroe, HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 327 making a trip through the West, came with a large suite on horseback from Sandusky. The President stopped with Dunbar over Sunday, and went to the old court house to hear Rev. Joseph Hughs preach. Mr. Hughs was greatly embarrassed by his distinguished auditors, and found, as he afterward declared, great difficulty in opening the services. He lost his embarrassment, however, in preaching, and the President, learning, of his feeling sent a very complimentary message to him in regard to his discourse. The visit of a President was quite as important an event then as now, and the hotel was crowded with sight-seers. One, an old German, had but a very imperfect idea of what a President was. He had seen animal shows at the taverns, and, thinking it was something of that sort, asked Mr. Dunbar to show him the President. Willing to humor the old man, he was introduced, but, when he got out, he took Dunbar aside and asked if that was all the folks were making such a fuss about. On being answered in the affirmative, he expressed his disgust and dissatisfaction, and left town instanter. The rest of the town were evidently of another mind, and, desirous of showing their hospitality, made up a purse and paid the expenses of the President and his suite while in the town. The death of Mr. Dunbar's wife soon after forced him to retire from the business, and, in 1818, Gen. Sidney .Moore and Pardon Sprague bought him out. Mr. Moore was married on Sunday, February 1, 1818, and the following day, the new couple took possession of their new business. In 1822, Mr. Griswold moved from the building he first occupied as a hotel and printing office, into a brick building erected by Jacob Drake, on the southwest corner of North and Sandusky streets, where he continued the double business for many years. But the business of tavern-keeping, though taking on a vigorous growth very early, did not absorb all the business energy of the community. Taverns were the natural outgrowth of the stimulated immigration, and were more prominently apparent, but other enterprises early took root and achieved a healthy growth, if less rapid. Col. Byxbe was alive to the necessities of the place, and early set about erecting a sawmill and a grist-mill within the precincts of the town. A wooden dam was placed across the river, where the present one is, and a race constructed from that point followed the river to North street, where it rejoined the stream. The latter was the work of Erastus Bowe, and remains a creditable monument to his faithful workmanship. The saw-mill was placed at the dam, and was one of those pioneer affairs that did the work assigned them with some neatness and less dispatch. Te grist-mill was situated on the race just south of the present grist-mill, near North street. In the cellar of this building was a still where customers regaled themselves with sun sundry strong potations while waiting to be served by the other department merit of the establishment. Another still, which figures largely in the annals of the early times, was built some years later by Dr. Lamb, just south of his house on the run. Rutherford Hayes was a partner with Dr. Lamb for some years, but he was noted for his temperate use of the whisky he made. Across the run from this distillery was a brick building built into the side of the hill, on which the University now stands. This building was two stories high, only one of which showed above the hill on the southern face. This Joab Norton bought or built in the fall of 1808, or in the following spring, and was the first tannery in the town of Delaware. The lower story of the house was used for the works, the vats occupying the ground just north of the building; a free-flowing spring a little east of the building and well up on the hillside, furnished water to the household and to the tannery. The ague prevented Norton's staying longer than a year here, and he sold to Koester. He was a carpenter, but bought the tannery as a speculation. In 1813, Norton came and worked for Koester in the tannery, for a few months, when he died. The old building soon fell into disuse, and for years stood in a rickety, tumble-down condition, with its leaky roof of loose, warped-up shingles, its windows stuffed with old hats and rags, the doors, with broken hinges and latches, slamming with every gust of wind, and bearing all the other marks of an abandoned, tottering old tenement. This old building stood for thirty or forty years unused, and needed but little more than these signs of decay to get it a reputation for being haunted. A story is told to the effect that in the winter of 1812-13 two soldiers got into a drunken quarrel at Lamb's distillery, but afterward, in their cups, clasped hands over the chasm in their friendship. On their return home to camp, however, they fell out again and came to blows, and one, falling against a honey locust standing in the vicinity of the tannery, after a few convulsions, died. His now thoroughly sobered companion found that in his fall a long sharp spine had passed into his ear, piercing the brain. He found himself in an 328 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. alarming position, and, seizing the body of his late companion, he deposited it in one of the unused vats, covering it well with the lime he found at hand. On his return to camp the companion knew nothing of the other, thought he had left him at the distillery, was himself too drunk to know much about it, but remembered that in his drink the other had hinted at desertion. The soldier was never found, and it was only in after years that his spirit returned to give color to the statement of the timid, that the old building was haunted. George Storm, who came in 1809, worked in the old Norton tannery for a while,, but soon after started up works of his own, on the flat just northeast of his house. Here he continued in the trade for years, supplying the country for miles around with the products of his business. Up to 1812, general trade had assumed no importance, and there had been but one store, which did but little business. This was located on the northeast corner of Williams and Sandusky streets, and had been established by Col. Byxbe for his son Moses. His son proved a great failure as a business man, an evil that was partly remedied by the accession of Elias Murray as partner. He remained as partner but a short time, and, after the war, Moses Byxbe, Jr., went into some speculation which bankrupted him. He bought pork, made sausages and shipped it East, but it all spoiled before it got to Sandusky, and was pitched into the lake. A few such speculations brought him into the clutches of his creditors, who took the privilege of the law, and boarded him at the county jail, until, tired of such attentions, he took the benfit of the limit act, confining himself to the limits of the town. One of the earliest and most successful merchants of that time was William Little. He came originally to Worthington from Connecticut with the Scioto colony. In 1808, the founding of Delaware attracted his attention, and he was early on the ground. He was a saddler by trade, and may have done something at his trade here, but Thomas Butler, an early resident of Delaware, was a strong competitor in the same line, and it is likely that the mercantile profession held out better opportunities for business. He soon went into the trade, buying out a small stock of goods which had been sent up from Worthington as a branch business. He afterward moved his goods into a small brick store on the southwest corner of Winter and Sandusky streets, where the building, enlarged and improved, still stands. In 1819, Joseph L. Webb came to Delaware. Col. Byxbe, in one of his trips to the East, by a hap of travel found himself the guest of Mr. Webb's father in the city of New York. Mr. Webb was a wealthy gentleman, with every comfort surrounding his family, but the Colonel knew no criterion save success. and he left such impressions of the West that the son became infatuated with the idea of coming to Delaware. He came by way of Sandusky, and Col. Byxbe sent his carriage to meet him, charging, it is said, the round price of $70 for the accommodation. The year after his arrival, he set up business in the building formerly occupied by Byxbe & Murray, and continued in trade for several years. He was too easy with his collections to succeed, and closed up his business finally with a loss of $10,000. He returned to the East thoroughly cured of his infatuation. About this time, Horton Howard, a Quaker gentleman, opened a store in a yellow wooden building, standing on the east side of Sandusky street, where Loofbourrow's crockery store now stands. Howard afterward left town and started a newspaper, which he conducted for some years with considerable success. In 1823, Hezekiah Kilbourn opened a store on the northwest corner of Sandusky and Winter streets, but sold out in the following year to Caleb Howard and Anthony Walker, who went into business in his building. They soon dissolved partnership, however, Hosea Williams setting up in business and Walker going over to him. The Kilbourn building being again left vacant, Dr. Lamb became possessed with the general mania for business, and started up au establishment in which the principal attraction was a display of drugs. In 1831, Alexander Kilbourn built a building on the site of the Wolfley Block, and put in a stock of general gods, afterward adding hardware. The building is still in use, having found a resting-place on Sandusky street, near Mrs. Sweetser's property, and is now occupied as a shoe-shop. The mercantile business in the early day was a matter of .no slight undertaking. Philadelphia was the nearest point where the Western merchant could buy his goods from original sources, and from there they had to be shipped in huge wagons over a tedious and uncertain journey. Mr. Little was in the habit of going to Philadelphia once a year, spending some six weeks or two months on the trip, and wagoning his goods home, frequently at a cost of $18.75 per hundred. These invoices included, at a later day, a full line of dry goods, HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 329 embracing velvets, satins, silks, cassimeres and the commoner goods. Then there were hats, shoes, crockery, hardware, medicines and groceries. For years after the war, money was very scarce, and all business became a system of barter, and goods were exchanged almost exclusively for produce. The trade with Indians was very large, the natives coming in for fifty miles around, sometimes fifty at a time. They brought cranberries, maple sugar and syrup, pelts and furs, and bought only the finest goods. The women would take only the finest broadcloths for blankets and petticoats, while the men chose the brightest prints for shirts. The ordinary prints which now sell for 8 cents per yard, sold then for $1, while the higher priced sold for $1.50 per yard. Every store had upon its counter a flask of whisky with a glass, and it was expected that every person who came into the store would avail himself or herself of the hospitality thus set fortb. Sugar made by the Indians or settlers found its way in large quantities to the stores, where it was traded off to the Kentuckians, who came with large wagon loads of tobacco every spring to exchange commodities. This article was in large demand among the Indians, who made a mixture of tobacco and sumac leaves, calling it "kinnikinick." The saddler's was an attractive place for the Indians, where they would stand for hours eyeing the bright trinkets when they could not buy them. But they usually made provision for a visit to the shop before they left camp, and seldom returned without their saddles and ponies brightened up by some new bit of saddle finery. In 1818, a new enterprise was started by E. Barrett & Co. This was a woolen-mill built on the mill-race just north of where the old grist-mill stood. It was generally understood that the "Co." was the real mover in the enterprise, and that it was L. H. Cowles, the son-in-law of Col. Byxbe, and a prominent lawyer in Delaware. A large, two-storied brick building was erected in the close vicinity of the mill to board the hands, and now stands in its original shape and in fair order. Cowles afterward retired, and the firm changed to Barrett & King, Titus King becoming a partner. In 1827 they sold out to Benjamin F. Allen, who, two years later, introduced a carpet loom. He wove one piece of carpet that attracted considerable attention, but failed for some cause or other, and he sold, in the latter part of 1829, to John Moses and Seth H. Allen. These parties tried the business that had proved a failure to every one else with indifferent success. It finally fell into disuse, and, with an additional story, it is now doing duty as a grist-mill. The scarcity of money immediately after the war was severely felt by the new town, and various expedients were undertaken to relieve the stringency. The city issued several thousand dollars worth of scrip in 1815-17, with good results to the local trade. A bank of issue was formed soon after this, with Moses Byxbe as President, and Leonard H. Cowles as Cashier. Stock was taken by William Little, William Sweetser and others, and several thousands of dollars issued. But, owing to the instability of the banks and the fraudulent concerns that had been practicing upon the people under the respectability of a charter, the Legislature became cautious, and refused to charter the Delaware Bank, and its circulation had, therefore, to be redeemed and destroyed. Just before this unsuccessful attempt to establish a bank, the Scioto Importing Company had been formed and established in Welch's hotel Mrs. Kilbourn's residence now-proposing to do a banking business. It was known to be a fraudulent concern, and existed but a few months, when one day, in the absence of the proprietors, the press and furniture of their room was brought into the street and burned. Their bills were poorly engraved by a well-known outlawed counterfeiter in Canada, whose ignorance or carelessness had betrayed him into spelling Scioto without the " c." The early society of Delaware was largely the product of Col. Byxbe's molding hand. With a business sagacity that overlooked no particular which was likely to contribute to the success of his schemes, he sought in the members of his community such kindred spirits as would contribute to the growth of the town; and, in the end, to his own personal interest. His alliances were based upon the one consideration of gain, and the settlers, keenly alive to this feature of the bargain, were possessed more with the project of accumulating wealth than with laying the foundations of society in the schoolhouse and church. It is, therefore, not surprising to find Delaware in possession of neither of these adjuncts of civilization until after the surrounding settlements had long enjoyed such privileges. There was, indeed, a strong religious sentiment prevailing in the community, and Col. Byxbe led in this as in other matters ; but the impression left upon the mind of one who hears all the reminiscences of that day, is not that of respect for the deep piety of their lives. Much may be said in extenuation of their personal character, 330 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. but there was a lack in their public spiritual enterprise, that made the community satisfied with such accommodations as private houses, or, later, the court house afforded. Succeeding years brought an infusion of new and vigorous blood, and the pendulum of change has swayed toward the other limit. In matters of a social nature, the early community was characterized by that democratic freedom which prevails in frontier society everywhere. Invitations to huskings, quiltings and parties, included the whole community, until it grew beyond the limits of a hospitality of even such generous proportions, and then verbal invitations were sent around. This usually, consisted of the simple announcement of the time and place that the event was to take place, and included all of an available age. The introduction of the more formal written invitation at a later date was accepted by the mass of the community as an insult to their prerogatives, and resented in high dudgeon. This latter innovation, it is said, was introduced by Platt Brush, who came in 1820, as the first Registrar of the Land Office in Delaware. He was a man of intensely aristocratic notions, and held himself aloof from the people as from an infection. He refused to go to church, or allow his wife to do so, because, as he said, he did not like the odor of soft soap. A story is told, that one of the ladies of the city, desiring to make a party, sent him an invitation. Befbre accepting, he requested the names of all the other guests, and, finding them unexceptionable, he accepted. The next day, desiring to receive her friends of all classes, she sent out her invitations with a wider scope, but was mortified to find them all rejected. Ladies of the aristocratic circle met sometimes in the afternoon, when the lady receiving would bring in a green Zanesville glass containing a little whisky, with a few lumps of maple sugar, and a pewter spoon. It was expected that each guest would take a sip of the beverage, and pass it to her companion, until it made the rounds of the circle. Whisky played an important part in all the forms of social life in the new community. In the parlor, on the counter of the store, on training day, at huskings and loggings, at the meetings of the lodges, everywhere the lurking evil was found. Drunkenness was common, and a jury of that time refused to call a man an habitual drunkard unless drunk more than one-half of his time. The Indians had a civilized taste for the beverage, and would resort to any device to secure what it was illegal to give or sell to them. A story is related in the " County Atlas " of an Indian coming late one evening with a keg to the house of Col. Byxbe, and demanding of his wife (the only occupant) to have it filled. "He laid down the elements of the license law by a promise not to drink on the premises, and promised never to tell where he obtained it. Mrs. Byxbe entered the room used as a bar, struck a light, and found herself surrounded, by about twenty foresters. She led the way bravely into the cellar, followed by the whole band in silence. The party solemnly promised to leave when their object was gained ; the intrepid woman filled the keg, and they departed in quiet, holding their revel beyond the ear of the "white man." It is related of another, that he came to a cabin in quest of whisky, but was refused and turned out. Enraged at the refusal, he caught his tomahawk and threw it with violence against the door. The settler, a vigorous man of prompt action, opened the door suddenly, and at the same time struck out with his fist, felling the lord of the forest. Taking his knife and hatchet, the white retired within his cabin, and the Indian, regaining his feet, betook himself to his companions not far off, and, giving a yell, they left the neighborhood. There was but little sleep in the cabin that night, as they expected the Indians would resent the treatment. They were happily surprised, and in the morning the Indian came back penitent, but erect and dignified, saying: " Me wrong last night; you good man; me too cockkoosy; want my knife and tomahawk." They were at once given him, and he left without uttering a word. The Indians early learned the value and convenience of a market, and, in all their dealings with the whites of Delaware, showed a friendly and tractable spirit. They brought cranberries, maple sugar (sometimes mixed with meal), and molasses in coon-skins, to sell to the whites. It did not take them long to perceive that coon-skins were not the best things to make their molasses attractive. They learned to borrow a pail at the first house they met, reserving the coon-skin until they were out of sight. Cranberries were a great article of commerce with the Indians, and a drove of fifty ponies, laden with this fruit, has been seen to pass through Delaware at one time, going to Columbus and other points south. The town, even at this time, with all its ;growth and assumptions of city airs, was hardly yet out of the woods. Letters written by young Quitman, then a law student with Platt Brush, but better HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 331 known to fame as Glen. Quitman, of the Mexican war, to his brother in Philadelphia, give some lifelike pictures of the place at this time. He writes that " this village is on the very edge of white population. in the district purchased from the Indians a few years since. It has now about fifty well-built houses. In the vicinity is a mineral springy, (called a ' lick'), where nut many years ago thousands of buffaloes resorted. The woods now abound with deer, wolves, and turkeys, the streams with geese and ducks. They think me a clever fellow and a good Republican, because I turn out to musters and wear a straw hat cocked up behind! I write a little, too, for the Delaware Gazette." And here at the end of this period of Delaware's history; let its take leave of the city's founder. It is a melancholy retrospect, for he who once sat commanding at the source of power, died guarded like a child. For twenty years Col. Byxbe was the central figure in the county, and that, too, without the aid of a respect begotten by mental or moral worth. He possessed immense wealth. measured by the standards of that time ; an executive ability that knew no equal among his fellows, and everything promised him an important part in the fortunes of the new State. But while his business sagacity secured for hint a certain admiration, and his power commanded desirable alliances, the people felt that in the fiber of his nature he was coarse, selfish. and grasping, and their silent distrust did inure to undermine his lower than their open assent to his genius could do to build it up. And thus, after living eighteen years in the community he founded, and for which he did much to be remembered, he occupies a grave in the old cemetery, almost forgotten. The family was unfortunate in many respects. The older son, Moses Byxbe, Jr., was a great spendthrift, and dissipated a. large part of his fathers fortune in reckless expenditure. He married Elizabeth Eggleston, a lady of fine address and attainments, of Lenox, Mass. ; went to Washington, D. C., on his wedding trip, and there bought a fine carriage, colored servants, and the appurtenance of a fine turn-out, spending a number of thousand of dollars. His business ventures were made with an equal recklessness as to the outcome, bankrupting himself, and making heavy drafts upon his father to extricate him. The younger son, Appleton, was an imbecile, though adjudged competent by the court, after his father's death, to transact his own business. The daughters married Hon. Elias Murray, Rev. Joseph Hughs, and Hon. L. H. Cowles, all prominent and cultivated men of their time. In the later years of his life, Col. Byxbe felt the town fast growing out of his grasp. His son's recklessness rapidly involving him in financial difficulties, and, crushed by disappointment, reason tottered from its throne. He was deranged for some two years; when one Friday morning he was discovered in the river repeating , "A wounded conscience who can bear?" From this exposure he contracted an illness which terminated in his death, September 9, 1826, in the seventieth year of his age, leaving a wife and four children to survive him. (THE RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE)