HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY - 475 He was one of the pioneer teachers of the township, and met his death suddenly a few years ago. He had that day gone into Delta to arrange for the drawing of a pension, as a Civil War veteran. He drove home in his car, and as he stepped out of it in his barnyard, he fell dead. Jacob, son of Martin, Jr., died last year, on part of the original Raker farm. He was a veteran of the Civil War also. Two of the boys of Jacob, Sr., son of Martin, Sr., were of Civil War record, as also were two of the sons of Martin, Jr. One died in service, the other was John F. Mention must also be made of .Uncle John Waggoner, who also was one of the good old pioneers of Swan Creek. The family still live in the vicinity in which their ancestor settled, and have taken stalwart part in the development of that part of the township. They have held to the soil, and been content to just go on working, and building. So, has the present wealth of the county been slowly but surely builded. Simon, who is still alive, was a veteran of the Civil War, and has been one of the substantial citizens of the township. He was a member of the Board of Education for very many years, and still is justice of the peace. He also has been one of the strong basic pillars of the Shiloh Church since its establishment. TOWNSHIP RECORDS Unfortunately, the trustee records for the earliest years are not available. All those of Swan Creek Township when it was part of Lucas County have either been destroyed, or mislaid ; and the records have been preserved for only a few years of the early administration of 'Swan Creek of Fulton County. It is known that William Meeker was town clerk in 1839, and probably he held that office from the date of organization, in 1836. Nathaniel Leggett was town clerk in 1840. From that time to 1852, there is not information presently available. At the annual election, which was held at the schoolhouse in District No. 10, on April 5, 1852, those elected to township office were: John W. Harter, Myron Williams, James T. Stall, trustees; S. H. Cately, assessor; Charles Cullen, treasurer; Samuel Johnson, clerk; John Browning and Charles Mead, constables; Alpheus Coss, Wells Watkins, Joshua Fassett, Jacob Roos (maybe Koos), Isaac Fewless, Harvey Mead, William Meeker, H. E. Waldron, and N. R. Wyman, supervisors. The township taxation in 1852 was one mill, and the treasurer's statement for that year showed expenditures, for township purposes, of $68.68; also a Poor Fund of $60.57, with no expenditures. Another account, entitled "School Fund for the year 1852," showed appropriation of $219.83 6 mills for six school districts, that sum presumably being appropriation from county funds for school purposes. Township order No. 1, dated April 16, 1852, was drawn in favor of Myron Williams. The amount was one dollar, "it being for services as trustee." Twp. Order No. 10 was for seventy-five cents, in favor of Joshua Fassett, "for services as supervisor," evidently the yearly stipend. On March 6, 1854, the trustees ordered that the accounts of C. C. Allman ($1.88) and A. M. Carpenter ($6.00) for shroud and coffin 476 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY for Robert Trailor, be allowed and paid, the entry stating that "said Trailor is a person that came from the Juction (unction) into this town on a visit, and was taken sick, and died sudden." An interesting entry in the trustees, minute book is that of April 3, 1854, recording an "Indenture of Apprenticeship, whereby Hiw (Hugh), Reighard, son of Jonathan Reighard, then recently deceased, was bound to Cyrus N. Earl, from November 18, 1854 until that date in 1867, when the boy would become of age, "to learn farming" at the end of which thirteen years of faithful service, Cyrus N. Earl bound himself to furnish "Hiw" with "a Bible and Hymn Book, and two common suits of clothes." Jonathan Reighard had had a hard struggle and had succumbed while still in the early pioneer effort, leaving his widow with her young children practically destitute. Other branches of the Reighard family were likewise poor, finding it hard to make headway, in their swampy surroundings. As a matter of fact, Hugh Reighard did not complete his apprenticeship. He was either released, or he went without permission when the outbreak of Civil War stirred his heart. He had a good record as a soldier of the Union ; and the early poverty of the family was not such that any of the present generation might be ashamed. All the pioneers were poor; comparatively so, that is in currency. They were rich only in loved ones, in neighborly interest, and in determination to withstand privations in a desolate region until they had conquered the wilderness and the swamp. Another entry in the trustees record states that, in June of 1858, "Mr. Libeys three children were sold to Mrs. Abigail Teachman, to board and cloth for one year, from the 16th day of June, 1858, for one hundred dollars." On one of the last pages of the last of the early trustees' minute books still available is "A list of the Subscriptions to the Bounty Fund of Swan Creek Township Fund, 1864-65. John McLaughlin, Jonathan Houge, and Jacob Koos each contributed $200; M. P. Barber gave $100; Lorenzo Lewis, John Horton, Chas. Hoyt, A. J. Allman, and S. H. Cately, $50 each. Subscriptions in the amount of $25 came from John De La Mare, John Westbrook, George Westbrook, Thomas Waffle, Geo. H. Richardson, William Sheffield, Richard Terwilliger, Wm. L. Stall, E. Geer, Wm. Mack, Jr., David Woodring, H. E. Waldron, James Brice, Charles Blake, M. S. Pray, N. B. Harrison, David Geer, L. A. Bassett, and David Williams; while smaller amounts, $20, $16, $10, and in some cases less, were contributed by A. Cass (or Coss), Eccles Nay, R. Whitmore, John Hall, A. Warren, S. Immel, John. Reid, Thomas Elton, C. Fox, Wm. Phare, Wm. Farren, Hiram Ran- som C. M. Keith, S. S. Barr, H. H. Reighard, James Watkins, Geo. Raker, A. Raker, B. Bixler, J. Hunt, O. II. P. Brailey, E. Moyer, David Swartz, Peter Jay, Ora Blake, G. W. Montgomery, Cain Woodring, and Wm. Templeton. Covering the period, 1852-67, which are the only years for which township records of Swan Creek have been preserved, apart, from the recent years, from 1913, the township officials were : TRUSTEES : J. W. Harter, in 1852; Myron Williams, 1852 and 1853; James T. Stall, 1852-53; Alex. Spaulding, 1853-57; Joel S. Richardson, 1854-57; Joshua Fassett, 1854, 1857; Nathan W. Pray, 1857; P. R. Lewis, 1855-56, and 1864; Oliver Brailey, 1858; L. A. HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY - 477 Bassett, 1858-59; Wm. Meeker, 1858 ; Wells Watkins, 1859, 1863, 1865 and 1866; M. B. Viers, 1859-60; S. L. Spencer, 1860-61; D. H. Bassett, 1860-61; Wm. Fullerton, 1861; Jacob Koos, 1862 ; Truman L. Curtis, 1862 and 1863; John De La Mare, 1862.463 and 1865-66; 0. W. Parrish, 1864 ; George Richardson, 1864 ; Wm. Lewis, 1865-66 ; and in 1867 the trustees were James Cornell, Amos S. Cooper, and Wm. J. Lutz. TREASURERS : Chas. Cullen, 1852 ; Andrew J. Allman, 1863-65 ; Jonathan Houge (or Hoag), 1865-67. CLERKS : Samuel Johnson, 1852 ; L. Harter, 1853 ; S. H. Cately, 1853-55, and 1861-62, also 1866; 1856-60, J. Brewster; 1863, C. Fox; 1864, C. M. Keith; and 1867, J. W. Horton. That is all the information that can be recorded from official records of township administration, apart from the seven years, from 1913, the records for which are now in the possession of the present township clerk, C. M. Stine, of Brailey. The present trustees of Swan Creek Township are Wilt Lemmon, George Haynes, and Dell Gill. L. C. Winzeler is treasurer. Two of the first justices of the peace, elected after the establishment of Fulton county were Clayton Chamberlin, and William Meeker. CIVIL WAR RECORD The Civil War record of Swan Creek Township is a very creditable chapter in its history. Verity states that Swan Creek contributed one-third of its men to the Union Army, and added: "Enlistment to most of them, especially those who had families, was peculiarly trying; for in the years of the Rebellion but few parts of Ohio could be found inhabited by poorer people. The Swan Creek volunteer went from a poor and often uninviting home, except for the loved ones left there, and from neighbors as poor as himself, and scarcely able except by sore privation to themselves, to provide aid of any kind to those whom they would most gladly have helped and whom they often did assist, but out of no store of abundance." The percentage of Swan Creek soldiers who became veterans was unusually high; and, alas, many did not live to see the war through to the final emancipation of the slave. As the result of their rigorous and sanguinary experiences, many of the boys who went away from Swan Creek homes strong and active returned to spend the remainder of their lives in a more or less physically maimed condition. THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF SWANTON The village of Swanton, which is partly in Fulton and partly in Swan Creek Township, is one of the promising incorporated places of Fulton county. It has some healthily growing manufacturing industries, and it would not be surprising if it developed much more rapidly than other villages of Fulton county. It is asserted that Swanton gained more in population during the decadal period, 1890-1900 than the whole of the other villages of the county, and in the last period, 1910-20, its increase was greater than any other place, excepting Wauseon, the county seat. To review the history of Swanton is somewhat perplexing, for the reason that the location of the town has been changed more than once, 478 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY Theodore W. Knight, who writes the following historical sketch, of "Swanton, Ohio, in its Earlier Years," states in this connection that "Swanton was like the paddy flea; when you had your finger on it, it was not there, but moved." His article reads: "Swanton of today is not the Swanton of the year of 1845, when it was almost a dense forest, with only here and there a lone white settler in his log cabin. "This Swanton was like the paddy flea ; when you had your finger on it, it was not there, but moved. "At the time referred to, Swanton was located in Wayne Township, Lucas county, about three-quarters of a mile from the Fulton county line, with only a very few inhabitants. A log hotel, owned by a Mr. Kirkland, stood there. It was afterwards sold to B. T.. Geer. Mr. David Mills built a double log building, and used it as a hotel. He was one of the earliest settlers, and held several offices in the township. "The inhabitants would go to Maumee, the nearest trading point, on horseback, with a sack or two of corn thrown across the saddle, to make the food supply. "Swanton village was completed and so designated when it was given a postoffice; and as far as I can ascertain, Mr. Kirkland was the first postmaster. "In about 1850, the building of the Plank Road was begun. It started from Maumee, and ran through Lucas county, into Fulton county, about eleven miles, stopping in the woods, about half-way between what is known as the towns of Delta and Wauseon. "About that time a village began to grow, about a quarter-mile across the Fulton county line. It was called Centerville, and went by that name until it had outgrown the Swanton in Lucas county, and wanted a postoffice. Then, the name was changed, from Centerville to Swanton and, to distinguish the two Swantons, the one in Lucas HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY - 479 county was called East Swanton, and that in Fulton county, West Swanton. Under the new change, James S. Showers, who was justice of the peace, had added to his name the dignity of postmaster. The mails at that time were carried by stage. "This new Swanton (formerly Centerville) was situated on a four corners; on the northwest corner was a large frame hotel. I think Horatio Witt was connected with it, or built it. It contained a large dance hall, the largest in the county at that time ; on the southeast corner was a blacksmith's shop, that of Alexander Spaulding; on the northeast corner, in later years A. J. Allman built a large dwelling; and at this time people continued to do the trading at Maumee, thirteen miles away, and at Toledo, then only a small town. "In addition to the hotel at West Swanton, there were two hotels in East Swanton, in 1853, one owned by B. T. Geer, and the other by Wm. D. Herrick. "A tollgate was situated about one and a half miles east of East Swanton, near the forks in the road from Maumee and Toledo. Abe Kaby, as we all called him, took the fees. "During the period of 185255, the three hotels, within one and a half miles, did a thriving business, and sometimes would be unable to care for all the customers, without sending some to the neighbors. You could look east, or west, along the road, and see long strings of covered wagons, either going or coming, either emigrants going westward, or farmers from Williams county, hauling their grain, or sweet potatoes to Toledo. They would make the trip, or aimed to do so, in three days, and Swanton would be one of the nightly stops. "Referring again to East Swanton early history. Among its early settlers were Erastus Brown, Dr. W. A. Scott. In, or about, 1865, W. D. Herrick gave up hotelkeeping, and built a store, stocking it with groceries and dry goods; and B. T. Geer left his hotel business to take up the practice of law. John Wales also had a blacksmith’s shop there early. "Today there is nothing left of the old town. Where its first log hotel stood, there is now a fine two-story brick school building, which is quite a conspicuous ornament, to mark the spot where once stood the first Swanton. "Returning again to the history of West Swanton. It was thought, in 1853, that West Swanton might make a town of some business importance, as a railroad was laid out, graded, ties were strewn along the track, bridges were partly built, abutments across the Maumee River, between Perrysburg and Maumee; and it was expected that the railroad would be running, as far as Swanton, within six months; but at the same time the Lake Shore Railway was being built, and its construction was nearly as far advanced. In the early part of 1854, the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway Company bought the controlling stock in the other road, stopped the work on the other road, upon which nothing was ever afterwards done. But the Lake Shore road was pushed through to completion." The abandoned railroad project, of which 'Mr. Knight writes, was probably that which was started in 1846-47, seeking to carry through the construction of a railway from Cleveland, or Norwalk, running westward through Fulton county, and crossing the Maumee River at 480 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY the foot of the Rapids, and eventually establishing a connection with Chicago. It was known locally as the Junction Railroad, and some of its stock was purchased by Fulton county people. Further reference to this railway project will be found in Chapter IV, of this work. Continuing Mr. Knight's sketch, he writes: "In those early days, the country was settled, mostly, by a class of people who had little means, and very little after they had paid from three to five dollars an acre for a small piece of land. But game of all kinds was plentiful; there were plenty of fishes in the streams; and whisky was almost as plentiful as water. "The Opening of the Temperance Hotel. Although no town would be without one hotel, there came a time when a town of the size of Swanton would not support more than one. In 1853, Wesley Knight bought the hotel at West Swanton. He bought it near the holidays, and word had gone out that he was to run a temperance hotel from the first of the year. Therefore, the laboring class then working on the railroad thought that they had better make the most of their last chance. So they celebrated Christmas Day riotously in the hotel. The Knight, family arrived on Christmas Night, and found conditions in the hotel deplorable. The landlord and his wife both lay in a drunken stupor on the bed; the bar-room floor was covered with whisky, to a depth of one and a half inches, the barrel-bungs or taps having in some way come loose; and the stove was broken into many, pieces. The Knight family made their beds on the floor of the sitting room, which was the only place that was anywhere near being decent; and their supper was made from the remains of their lunch. Next morning, Wesley Knight opened for business, and had with them that morning for breakfast, A. J. Allman, who for many years thereafter continued to board with them. "Wesley Knight's temperance hotel gained a wide reputation; his open door was for very many years the stopping place for the weary traveler. He conducted the business for forty years. "About 1856, J. B. Carr opened a dry goods store, but the town was not large enough for two stores, and Mr. Carr moved away. In 1863, Mr. A. J. Allman continuing in the dry goods business, was appointed postmaster, which office he held for a number of years. I can remember when the mails arrived, during the years of the Civil war. He would hold a: handful of letters, and read aloud the names of those for whom there were letters; and many in those days were anxious waiters, hoping for news from their soldier boys. "Many interesting incidents come back to the recollection, when recalling the names of some of the early citizens of this place. There were John Dixon, Horace Young, Wm. Stair, Harvey McCoy, David Mills, Richard Marsh, Ezra Willcox, and George Curtis. The last-named was not only one of the first settlers, but the most prosperous, having entered a half-section of land. He was the only moneyed man of the place; he would lend money to anyone who would be willing to pay his rate of interest. I own the safe he once had—the first safe that was ever brought to this place. He lost a good deal of money in the failure of Krouse's Bank, at Toledo. How much he lost, he did not even tell his family, and nobody ever knew. "The First Mail Carrier. For some years after the Lake Shore HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY - 481 Railroad was put into operation, the mail was brought from the station to Swanton by Alpheus Seaton, who would stand on a frame built for the purpose, would hold the mail in both hands, and the route agent would catch the mail. on his arm. No Twentieth Century trains in those days. You could ride on any train that came along. Dr. L. A. Bassett was postmaster at that time. "The Village Church. The village church, the only church, was the Methodist Episcopal It was built in about 1863, and situated just west of the village. "Swanton School. The school building was located just 'west of the church, a one-story frame structure. Miss Betsey Ann Geer was the teacher for a number of terms. "In the year 1857, or near that time, James Cornell moved into the place from the state of Texas. He was a good church-worker and was the first to establish a Sunday school in the village. Mr. Wells Watkins was also a live-wire in Sunday school and church work. He was quite a hunter, a good marksman, and used to the forest, being an early settler. He was president of the pioneer's picnic, and was very, popular. “Grandpa John Templeton. I must not forget Grandpa John Templeton, as we always called him. He raised a large family of boys and girls who were stout and hardy, but never could equal him. John Templeton at one time weighed about four hundred pounds, and was president of the Fat Men's Convention for several years. "Industrial History. In the history of the business of West Swanton, A. J. Allman was the principal business man in merchan- dise and was connected with Cullen and Clark, in the business of making Potash. The ashery was cared ,for by Israel Gamble, and netted them a good income. "John Dixon and McGarvey were dealers in lumber. Later, Mc-Garvey dealt in wool, owning a carding machine. "There was no other industry, excepting the brick and tile factory of Thomas Farthing, and one run by Newton Curtis. Much of the brick they made is still in Swanton buildings. "In the year 1870, or thereabouts, Mr. Allman moved his store to Delta, and lived there for several years, later going into business in Toledo. There being no store left in Swanton, Knight and Grandy opened a grocery store, and finally branched out into dry goods. After a term of successful business, Mr. Ed. Brailey bought Mr. Knight's interest, the latter becoming a school teacher, and continuing as such for seventeen years. "Swanton's Last Move. The time came when Swanton must move. This time, if Paddy got his finger on it, it was there. From now on, all that is written of Swanton is of that place in its present location. There is nothing now left of West Swanton but a few residences, and a small grocery and oil station. "Origin of Swanton. This new Swanton is sometimes termed: ‘The Center of the Universe,' having grown from a railway station, or woodhouse. The woodhouse was about one hundred feet long, with a water tank in the centre, and a room about twelve feet square under it for the Ladies' and Gents' Waiting Room, with a board bench. ready for cushion seats. When passengers were too thick, there was plenty of room out-of-doors. 482 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY "After several years, the railway company built a one-room Depot, and moved the old woodshed across the track for a freight house. However, the depot became too small before many years had passed, and the depot building now used was erected. Mr. J. H. Miller was the first agent. Following him came Mr. Beard ; then Mr. Brady. Some years later, Jacob Gehring became agent. He was killed at his post. Mr. John Eva, the present agent, succeeded him. "Growth Checked. This Swanton remained a dead town for several years. Mr. J. H. Miller owned all the land on one side of the railroad, and George Curtis on the other. They would not sell a lot, and the place grew only so fast as they saw fit to put up a building. Mr. Miller built a residence with a store-room in front, but times demanded more than that. At that time Mr. Miller would buy wood ties and stave bolts, at his own price, the seller taking goods from the store in exchange. Miller would sell the wood ties to the railway company, and would ship the bolts, thus making a round profit. "Petersburgh. Peter Miller, a well-to-do farmer, and as fine a man as I ever met, was then living about half a mile from the depot. He saw the need of the town, and laid out several acres, selling the lots at a reasonable price. Soon, he had brought into being quite a fast-'growing little town, in which was a large store. They called the place Petersburgh. "Swanton Spurts. The threat that the landowners of Swanton saw in the development of Petersburgh soon caused them to adopt a new policy. Both Miller and Curtis began to sell lots, and the boom developed at the natural place, which was Swanton, because of its railroad facilities. Petersburgh then began to decline. "Mr. Wm. Geyser saw that there was a good opening at Swanton, and opened a grocery in a small building, adding dry goods in course of time. He did good business, and was eventually forced to build larger quarters. He was enterprising, and held practically all the trade of the town. He built a large brick building, that now owned by F. J. Curtis. "On the corner now known as Main and Mill Street, a Mr. Culver put up a frame building for a hotel. and between Culver;s Hotel and the store of Mr. Geyser were small buildings occupied by various people. They were destroyed by fire. About that time Dewey Haskins and Knight moved a stave and oval dish factory here, and J. E. Hall started a lumber mill, and sash and door factory. He was one of makers of Swanton. The large store building of Miller and Knight the makers of Swanton. The large store building of Miller was stocked with groceries and dry goods by Haskins, Dewey and Knight, and they conducted that business, with their factory for about. three years. "Removal of Postoffice. The enterprise of the new town demanded postal facilities, and it did not require much argument to bring about the removal of the Swanton postoffice from the old town. Mr. Richard Marsh was the postmaster at that time, and with declining years, a change seemed necessary. He was succeeded by T. W. Knight, who held the office for about six years—until there was a change of administration. "After the postoffice was removed, Bradley and Grandy built a HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY - 483 store building on the south side of the railroad, and moved their stock from the old town. Two or three years later, this building was burned to the ground, but another was quickly erected. It was at one time occupied by R. S. Clegg, furniture dealer and undertaker. He was succeeded by R. S. Fenton, who bought the property and stock, and after several years sold the business to C. J. Brindley, who still owns and conducts the business. "The postoffice was located in a large store room, built by Mr. Francis Curtis on the corner of Main and Chestnut. He conducted a grocery business there at the same time. When Mr. Knight was appointed postmaster, he moved the office across the street to more suitable quartes, putting up a new building with larger quarters, and new fixtures; and the postoffice at that time was equal to any in the county. When his term as postmaster had ended, he sold his outfit. It was moved to Edgerton, Ohio, where it was used for a number of years. B. V. Ludlon succeeded Theodore Knight as postmaster at Swanton. "The Veteran Telegraph Operator. I must not forget our old friend, Frank Minnich, the veteran telegraph operator, who served the L. S. and M. S. R. R. Co. for, the greater part of his life, always faithful to the click of the instrument, and never the cause of an accident. Of late years he has enjoyed a well-deserved pension. We see him still on the streets, but he begins to show the effect of declining years. "Grist Mill. The grist mill at Swanton was built shortly after Dewey, Haskins and Knight left the town. A great part of the structure was furnished by subscription; some donated material; others labor. Mr. J. H. Miller was a good canvasser; he succeeded in getting a subscription from almost everyone he asked, for he would not take no for an answer. "School. At one time there was no school in Swanton, and the children had to go to one of the two district schools which stood about a mile distant from the village on each side, one being in Fulton Township, and the other in Swan Creek. It was far to send small children, and eventually a small two-room two-story frame building was put up in Swanton; and when that became too small, as it soon did, a brick addition was put on, making four rooms. One evening the cry of "Fire" was given. It was the school building. It was burned to the ground. The property was insured, but not at its full value. For the remainder of the year the school was held in churches and halls, while the board considered ways and means. They issued bonds, and let a contract for a new building which was to cost $35,000. At the time it was built it was the best in the county, and it still marks the enterprise of the town. "Church. The only church in the town was the Methodist Episcopal, which also was moved from West Swanton, and placed on the corner of Main and St. Clair. It was thought that we needed a new church, and the Rev. N. D. Baumgardner lost no time in securing the subscription for a new building, to the amount of $5,000. This church was also burned down, but in less than a year another was built. At present Swanton has four churches. HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY - 485 "Incorporation. The village was made a town in the ;80s, with Dr. L. A. Bassett the first mayor. "The Baker Plant. The most important event in the history of the new town was the construction of the . A. D. Baker plant. Mr. A. D. Baker started as a boy of sixteen to work at ingenious inventions of mechanical nature, and had a shop about half a mile from town. From that small shop has grown his present factory which now covers ten acres, manufacturing the celebrated Baker threshing machines, and engines; also the Baker valve gear, used on locomotive engines all over the United States. Normally, the plant employs a large force of machinists, but at the time of writing, it had not yet recovered from the almost total destruction of their plant by the terrible tornado that passed over the town and neighborhood on Palm Sunday, March 28, 1920. Damage to the extent of about $60,000 was done to this plant, but rebuilding is rapidly proceeding, and business has to some extent continued, notwithstanding the collapsed walls. "The Tornado of 1920. The town was also badly damaged. Business places were unroofed, and partly destroyed; dwellings were blown to pieces, or turned over. However, Swanton is still there. "Much more might be said about this last Swanton, if space would permit. We have electric lights, and nearly two miles of paved streets." Theodore W. Knight, himself, has had a good part in the building of Swanton, and is now its oldest, and one of its most respected residents. PETITION FOR INCORPORATION The petition praying for the incorporation of the village of Swanton bears the date of June 17, 1882. The signers were L. D. Boyer, Frank Houseman. A. Q. Price, Irvin Wimple, C. J. McBride, Frank Hough, John Q. Files, Charles Hilton, Gust. Estell, A. L. Newton, Wm. Hogue, G. A. Dull, N. B. Eddy, Wm. Buffington, S. C. Lester, M. Hanley, John Ruhland, Samuel Hall, J. E. Beard, Jos. Raab, G. W. Sly, G. B. Raab, J. F. Minnich, S. Merrill, S. F. Cosgrove, Wm. Nicodemus, R. S. Clegg, T. W. Knight, J. T. White, W. I. Holcomb, Chas. Schlatter, A. A. Reid, David Richardson, Harrison Hamp, Frank White, Wm. Brown, S. Roscoe, Joseph Schrack, E. F. Gibbs, J. F. McBride, Lewis Odell, John Ludenmonski, Wm. Hamp, Abraham Huftile, W. Metz, C. E. Marsh, James }Toward, Chas, Brenner, S. R. Finch, L. A. Bassett, James H. Berry, W. H. Hardy, C. Cammet, J. P. Miller, F. M. Dennis, Adam Weigel, D. C. Deek, H. R. Steele, I. W. Wales (or J. W.), E. T. Wales, John Westbrook, Chas. Fels, George Burrell, E. W. Schrack, H. Hill, James Smith, J. M. Curtis, Lyman Northrop, D. E. Swank, David Huyok, Jay E. Hall, W. P. Soule, D. E. Strayor, J. W. Minnich, N. E. Dennis, L. C. Berry, T. G. Cain, J. Smith, and F. P. Huyck. In all probability the petition was duly filed, but it is marked as having been recorded on February 19, 1883. Meanwhile, there undoubtedly had been divided feeling as to the need for incorporation, for two remonstrances were filed with the county authorities, the first on November 8, 1882, and the other on the 17th of the same month. About twenty-five signatures were put to these remonstrances, evidently 486 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY a minority of the residents, so that corporate powers were granted to the village, and an election ordered to be held in April, 1883, when Dr. L. A. Bassett was obligated to the mayoral chair, and A. Q. Price became treasurer. The mayoral succession is as follows: L. A. Bassett, 1883-86; John Q. Files, 1887-88; A. Pilliod, 1889; W. A. Scott, Jr., 1890-92; G. W. Humphrey, 1893-96; A. B. Lathrop, 1897-98; Geo. W. Humphrey, 1899; J. B. Templeton, 1900; Wm. Geyser, 1901-02; Fred Helfrich, 1903-04; Samuel Odell, 1905-08; L. C. Cosgrove, 1909-13; S. L. Wentz, 1914; 0. W. Curtis, 1915-17; J. E. Robasser, 1918: L. R. Baker, 1919-20. The present municipal administration is. constituted as follows: L. R. Baker, mayor; Cass Cullis, clerk ; Chas. Witmer, Charles Neis, John Fels, Will Weir, and C. E. Brindley, councilmen; G. R. Ackerman, treasurer. FIRE COMPANY The first meeting of citizens of Swanton interested in the organization of a volunteer fire company was held in the Curtis Building, on February 20, 1895. Organization was effected at that meeting. The charter members and officers appointed were: F. E. Pilliod, chief ; C. E. Marsh, assistant chief ; B. F. Mills, foreman; Theo. Little, first nozzleman ; A. F. Coon, second; Frank Aldrich, A. F. Coon, T. F. Deck. Harry Frogley, R, W. Fenton, Wm. Fleming, Henry Geer, W. W. Geer, Al. Gilmore, J. E. Hall, Frank Hill, Wm. Hill, E. J. Kline, Theo. Little, L. W. Metz, B. F. Mills, Jas. Moore, Dell Northrop, F. E. Pilliod, L. N. Pilliod, S. Ribble, W. A. Scott, Jr., Geo. Stout, Wm. Saulsbury, and J. B. Templeton. Swanton had some disastrous fires in its history; that of Tuesday, January 23, 1912, when many of the buildings on Main Street were destroyed entailed a loss of more than $40,000. THE TORNADO OF 1920 The greatest disaster that Swanton, and Swan Creek Township, have had to suffer came with the passing of a tornado through the neighborhood on Palm Sunday, March 28, 1920. The local paper well, describes the visitation, stating that: "The storm struck this county about two miles east of Naomi, on the county line, destroying Arthur Tabor's house and barn, and the the new Tilse residence and barn near it. The Tabor home is a complete wreck. The family was in it at the time, and how they escaped with their lives none can tell Will Ondorff;s barn in the same vicinity was blown down, and one horse was killed. "Rural Mail Carrier Percy Stites, who travels this section, states that he counted twenty-four barns on his route that had been blown down, "From this point the storm traveled in almost a straight line to Swanton, passing about three miles south of Delta, and a mile north of Brailey. The large barn of the Enos Rupp farm south of Delta was blown down, and two cows were killed. "Mrs. Johnson, an aged widow, living alone on her farm in Swan Creek Township, had her home blown from over her head, her farm 488 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY buildings all destroyed, and she escaped uninjured. When the storm struck the home the windows crashed in, and she braced herself against the door, to hold it shut. After the storm had subsided she found the top part of her house was gone, the walls bulged in, and the interior of her home a wreck. Although nearly eighty years old, she was not injured. She knew where she kept her lantern, found it, lighted it, and stopped an automobile that was passing, and had them take her to Delta. "The great machine shop of A. D. Baker Company, in Swanton, was blown down, causing thousands of dollars of damage to the machinery. The great separator storage sheds of the same company were blown down. "The flouring mill and elevator was badly damaged, although not blown down. "The front of the cement block garage, on South Main Street, was blown in, and many automobiles stored there damaged. "The roof and upper stories of the tall business block on Main Street, between the T. & I. and New York Central Railroad tracks was blown away, while, across the street the front of the opera house block was blown in. Not a business block in Swanton but suffered damage, and in many cases destroyed the upper stories. "The beautiful homes on North Main Street were largely wrecks—roofs torn off, porches gone, one end, or corner of a building torn away. This street has been one of the beauty spots of the country. The residence of Dr. and Mrs. F. W. Stine was partially destroyed, while the office and garage of Dr. Odell was practically wrecked, and one-half of the roof of his house carried away. Not a dozen residences in the entire city escaped injury. "The windows of the Methodist Church were blown in, and the Catholic Church was badly damaged. The public school building stood the storm, though the windows and roof were damaged. "With a dozen more residences entirely destroyed, and the great damage done to others with business blocks and manufacturing plants wrecked, not a person in Swanton lost his life, and only four were slightly injured. "From Swanton the storm continued its northwesterly course to Sylvania, almost sweeping away the little town of Raab, some eight miles northeast of Swanton, about three miles into Lucas county Four residents of that place were killed and some ten others injured." The tornado was an appalling calamity to many in Swan Creek Township. In many cases barns which a few minutes before had stood house-high collapsed like a house of cards, and lay in many cases, like carelessly piled waste stacks of lumber, some of -them not a • yard high. It was truly appalling. Yet, the people of Fulton county of today have much of the sterling qualities of their pioneer ancestors. The old widow "felt that soon matters would right themselves" and the people of Swanton evidently meant to set about righting matters without more ado. The local paper stated : "The same undaunted progressive spirit that made Swanton one of the foremost manufacturing centers in the county is at work to rebuild it. The next day after the terrible catastrophe that befell this prosperous city, workmen were clearing away the wreckage for the HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY - 489 building of a new Swanton. While it is a great loss to the town and community, the citizens are left determined and not discouraged, and will soon change the wreckage and devastation into prosperity and happiness." The people of the county, in general, rallied to the aid of the unfortunate. The Delta paper of that week stated that "Delta business men divided into three squads drove over the storm-swept country Monday, and made a survey of the losses and actual needs of the farms and farmers." In some cases money was promised, but the most appreciated help was in man-power. The Fayette paper stated that: "Something like a hundred men from Fayette and surrounding farms went to Swanton (on Wednesday) to aid the victims of the big wind storm in setting their places to rights. Not only from this section, but from other parts of the county were men there, and our people went to one farm, cleared away the debris, piled up the windblown trees and shrubs, and set fire to them collected the barn and other timbers; and then on to another place to do the same. They kept it up all day." The local Red Cross bodies were prompt in offering financial aid. Wauseon and Delta societies within a day or so of the storm, offered to contribute $500 each, "and more if needed," and Bryan Red Cross Chapter sent a cheque for $400. From a reading of all the reports, one is forced to the realization that the people of Fulton county of today are just as much "one family as they were in pioneer days, when all neighbors would set aside their own work to help a newcomer to raise a log cabin, or as, in a somewhat later day, they gathered for a barn raising. SWANTON FORTY YEARS AGO Mrs. A. Q. Price, who was married to Mr. Quill Price in 1877, and then came to Swanton, where they have ever since resided, read a paper entitled: "Swanton Forty Years Ago," at a meeting of the Progress Club, in 1917. It contains many interesting items of local history, and parts of it could appropriately be given place here. In part, the paper read: "It (Mr. Price's drug store) was a small frame building, standing where the bank now is, a large maple tree in front, board sidewalk, and sand ankle-deep in the street. The population of Swanton at that time was 175. They supported a night-watch at that time, Wm. Buffington, mostly for intoxicates, and the caliboose, surely not for joy-riders and hold-up men. At that time houses were scarce, so we boarded across the street, at the Miller House, which is now Fleming's grocery "On my First evening in Swanton, after arriving on the plug train, as at that time there was only one track I went over to our store after supper. Old Dr. Cosgrove was the first man I met. The next was an old resident who had visited the tavern, where the Pilliod block now stands, and he was feeling in quite a fighting mood "When Mr. Price took charge of the store, a little boy about sixteen, by the name of Charlie, wanted to learn to be a druggist, or how to 490 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY roll pills. . . .. . . . He trudged from his home a mile north of town every morning with his dinner pail . . . . . You will still find him at the old stand, filling prescriptions. "This was a hard town, but soon improved as it increased in population. Of course I got very lonely. The Millers were very kind to me. Mrs. Sanderson, Mrs. Jas. White, and Miss Olive were the daughters at this home. . . . . . Of course, Mr. Sanderson boarded there, and later became one of the family. "A building stood next to the Miller House on the north, occupied in the front by Dr. Bassett. Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Brindley lived upstairs. . . . . . . . Mr. Brindley and Mr. Geyser kept the store now occupied by F. J. Curtis. "Church. The M. E. Church was a frame building on the lot where Bob Fenton's house now stands on Main Street, next to the garage. They had a new organ, and a number of the members of the church were going to leave on account of it. They had no one to play it, so Mr. Price told 'Mrs. Boyer his wife could play it. Of course I could for him, for he didn't know one tune from another, but Mr. Boyer asked me, so I could not refuse. We had a large choir, Mrs. Anna Houseman, leading soprano, Mr. Boyer and Ed. Wilcox basses. Mr. Boyer would tell me the key the piece was written in, and I would play. No one knew the difference then, but I am afraid the music would be criticized now. "Ticket Agent. A family by the name of Eddy moved here, as he was the new ticket agent at the depot.. Their daughter, Carrie, could play, so I then went into the choir. . . . . .. Altogether I was in the choir for thirty years. "The Depot. The depot was the building now used as the freight depot, and was north of its present location. At that time this building was kept full of wood for shipping. Nothing but woods could be seen along the track, as far as the eye could reach. N. D. Berry had the contract for pumping water, to keep the tank filled, to fill the engines. He had a blind horse to do the pumping. "The postoffice was where the Plummer Barber Shop is now. Richard Marsh, quite an old man for the position, was then postmaster. "South of the Railroad. The only houses on the south of the railroad was: the house of Ed. Brindley, then owned by a family by the name of Gibbs; Fred Harrington, Mr. Knight, Jas. Fenton, and Houseman houses, and store where L. Reed lives. The house on Chestnut Street, where Mr. and Mrs. Myers live was our first home. "Incorporation. In 1882 Swanton was incorporated. The first . . . . . . . . clerk (was) C. E. Marsh. The only enterprise of interest was a stave factory, located opposite the grist mill, on the railroad ground. The .factory was managed by men from Blissfield, Lane Smith and Haskins. Mr. Haskins ran a general store in the building now used by the T. & I. Depot, which was then on Main Street. Over this was a. room they called Miller's Hall, where they held dancing parties. On December 23d they held a party, at which Geer's Band played. C. J. Brindley and C. C. Marsh were floor managers, and the supper and dance cost $1.50. "North Side. The north side had very few houses, mostly on Main Street. Dr. Lathrop's double house was where his home now HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY - 491 stands. Where the M. E. Church now stands was then a pasture for cows. "The Pioneer Bank. In 1893, the drug business increased as the town grew. Mr. Price then built and moved to the present location. Then the town could support a bank, and he and his daughter, Laura, did banking business on a small scale. As the years rolled by it increased; then a company was formed, with Mr. Price president. James Grove, A. B. Lathrop, and T. Stevens, of Toledo, were directors. A new building was built, which is still occupied for the same purpose, in the old drug store lot." SCHOOLS Much of the early school history of Swan Creek Township is told elsewhere. For District No. 1, a frame schoolhouse, probably the first frame schoolhouse in the county, was built in 1839, at a cost of $175.00. In all probability, it was preceded by a log house, such as was the case in the organization of most of the pioneer school districts. A meeting was held in School District No. 1, in September, 1839, in the home of Luther Dodge, to consider ways and means for erecting a frame schoolhouse. Contract was let to James Dean, who undertook to build it for $175. Luther Dodge was district clerk, and David Mills, Robert Fullerton, Luther Dodge, and James Egnew were directors, reads an original document. It appears that Persis Scott received $18 for the first term of teaching, and that in September, 1841, James Egnew, George Curtis, and Thomas S. Sabin were chosen directors. In May, 1844, the directors hired Ruthett Deblin to teach school at $1.50 per week, and the directors at that time were George Curtis, Charles Fairchilds, Reuben Hastings, W. D. Herrick, and Chester Scott. Early teachers were Samuel Durgin, Caroline Wood, Moses Curtis, D. Allen, Lemuel Johnson, M. McCoy, Wm. Lewis, Hartley elute, M. S. Merrill, and Mary Barrett. Average daily attendance twenty-two males and fifteen females. Branches taught: reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar, geography. In the '50s there were, apparently ten school districts in Swan Creek, for the election of April, 1852, was held in the schoolhouse of District No. 10. There is, however, data regarding only six of the schools of that time. The registers showed that in 1852 (the winter term), there were 55 scholars in District No. 1; 97 in No. 2; 35 in No. 3; 48 in No. 4; 29 in No. 5; and 25 scholars in No. 6 district. Nathaniel Leggett was appointed school director of District No. 5, in February, 1853. One of those schoolhouses was probably that at which A. Holmes Smith, of Delta, taught in 1852. He says that he taught in the Raker School, in Swan Creek Township, in that year, saying that it was a log house situated almost on the line of York and Swan Creek townships, and that he had 45 or 50 pupils, among them the father of Frank H. Reighard, George Reighard, and his brother and sister; the children of three branches of the Raker family; some from the Hampton and McLaughlin families; and the four children of Widow Sally Reighard, Hugh, John, Josh, and Sol, two of whom were cripples. (Two of these boys later saw service in the Civil War). The most active period in school organization in Swan Creek Town- 492 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY ship was, probably, from '65 to '85, and two of the most active in school administration were Wm. Jefferson Lutz, and A. Q. Price., They planted schoolhouses on every four sections. Mr. Lutz was identified with the School Board of Swan Creek for forty years, being president for the greater part of that time; and the school history of Swan Creek Township would not be complete unless some reference were made to Jonathan Hunt, for long a teacher, and one of the most advanced teachers of his time.' In 1887, there were thirteen schoolhouses, brick or frame, in Swan Creek, and the average yearly attendance was about three hundred pupils. The township schools of today number eleven, to which go about three hundred pupils for a school term of thirty-two weeks. The school property is valued at $7,800. The township school board is made up as follows : R. B. Bloomer, president ; C. M. Stine, clerk ; Arthur Gingery, H. 0. Wales, Dell Gill, and Sam Zimmerman, directors. Swanton is a separate school district, and has a fine school, which was built in 1904, at a cost of $30,000 to $35,000, and now attended by about three hundred scholars of elementary grades and by eighty high school students. More has been hereinbefore written regarding this school. The members of the present board are named in the Fulton Township chapter. CHURCH HISTORY The first church society in the township was probably that of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, which is very strong in the township. The Centerville church was probably the first. It has been referred to by Mr. Knight, in his article, earlier in this chapter. There was early a Union church in the northwestern part of the township, later known as the Viers church. Then, in the western part of the township, a church built by the inhabitants of that part HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY - 493 for the general use of all denominations was known as the Raker Union Church. It was dedicated in 1881. In 1886, the United Brethren Society purchased the school building, known as the Union Schoolhouse, on section 31, and adapted it to their needs as a place of worship. At present there are four churches in Swanton, the Methodist Episcopal, the Catholic, the Missionary, and the Missionary Alliance. The Missionary church is now in the charge of the Rev. E. F. Clauser, and the Missionary Alliance, or Christian Alliance, Church, which was dedicated in 1891, is ministered to by Rev. P. W. Munroe. The Methodist Episcopal Church was established at Centerville, as has been stated, probably seventy-five years ago. One of the first pastors was Richard Wallace, and Newton Curtis was among the pioneer members. Forty-three years ago, the church building was moved to Swanton, and located on the south side of Main Street. The pastor at that time was the Rev. James Houghtby (or Houghton). Thirty-five years ago a brick church was built, on North Main Street, Rev. B. N. Boardman being pastor. Six years later it was burned to the ground. Rev. M. D. Baumgardner brought about a quick rebuilding, at a cost of $10,000. Ten years ago, when C. N. Davenport was pastor, an addition made to it cost $3,500. The Reverend Davenport, fifteen years ago, built a parsonage at cost of $3,500. Damage to that amount was done to the church building by the recent tornado, the damage being covered by insurance. Rev. Frank Hook is present pastor. St. Richard's Catholic Church of Swanton has been supplied by its present pastor, the Rev. Father McFadden, who writes : "St. Richard's. Catholic Church in the thriving village of Swanton owes its origin to six families of the Catholic faith, who located in Swanton during the '80s. Their spiritual interests were attended to by the priest who had been assigned to the pastoral charge of St. Mary's Parish, Caragher, whither they journeyed for religious services till the year 1890. In this year a petition was forwarded by them to the Catholic Bishop of Cleveland, Rt. Rev. Richard Gilmour . . . . and . . . .. . . supported by . . . .. . the Rev. Thomas F. McGuire . . . . . . Swanton was recognized. "The present church structure was begun under . . . . . . the Rev. Thomas F. McGuire, pastor of St. Mary's Church, Caragher. . . . . . . . . In January, 1892, St. Richard's Church at Swanton was dedicated to its sacred purposes by. Bishop Gilmour's successor in the Episcopal See of Cleveland. the Philadelphia, Ignatius Hortsmann . . . . . . . . "The church was erected on three lots, fronting on Dodge Street; these lots, as well as two acres close by on Dodge Street, later consecrated for burial purposes, were purchased by the congregation, and deeded to the Bishop of the diocese, who holds the property in fee simple. Around this time, the Rev. John A. Schaffeld succeeded Father McGuire . . . . . . . . and the decoration of the church continued with unabated vigor . . . . . . to completion. Solemn services were held in it for the first time, by the Rev. John A. Schaffeld, on May 7, 1893. Father Fahey was appointed at this time to succeed Rev. John A. Schaffeld . . . . . . This was his first chargé. He found the church at Swanton inadequate for the needs of the young 494 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY congregation . . . . . . . . (and) set about enlarging the edifice, and in the fall of 1900 completed the work at considerable expense. His removal soon followed . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Wm. S. Ogle became the new pastor, and unprecedented activity marked his stay. Swanton still lacked a resident pastor, and Father Ogle set himself to the task of providing a parochial residence for the future pastor. Additional land was purchased, and a handsome and substantial building erected, at the corner of Walnut and Clay streets. The division of the Cleveland diocese had taken place in the meantime, and Bishop Joseph Schrembs, the first Bishop of Toledo, assigned the Rev. John Berthelot to Swanton, as its first resident pastor . . . . . . . . . St. Caspar's, Wauseon, was now assigned to Swanton, as a 'mission. In a short time, the Rev. John A. Kiebel became the successor of Father Berthelot. The church was again remodeled and considerably enlarged. Scarcely had the work been finished, when the Rev. James Spaulding Elder was named Father Kiebel's successor. The Rev. Thomas A. Kennedy replaced Father Elder as pastor on August 17, 1916, and was succeeded by the Rev. Father Michael A. McFadden, June 10, 1918. The Swanton church has since become self-sustaining, St. Caspar's, Wauseon, having been given parochial status by episcopal ordinance of October 28, 1919. "On Palm Sunday, March 28, 1920, St. Richard's Church at Swanton, the result of the labors of several successive pastors, was well-nigh demolished by a terrific cyclone. The cyclone struck the church during evening service, at 7 :55 P. M., and lasted about three minutes. Large stained-glass windows were sent flying through the assembled worshippers, furnace chimneys came crashing through the roof ; laths and plastering covered the seats; hail as large as apples fell all round; lightning flashed viciously ; rain and darkness intensified human fright; and the church wrenched and twisted, yet remained standing, but wrecked. Joseph Huber, Jr., architect, Toledo, was soon afterwards entrusted with the reconstruction of the church. Bishop Schrembs, of Toledo, visited the stricken parish, and wrote: 'No words of mine could possibly describe the scenes of terror and destruction wrought by the storm. Over twenty of the most substantial families of this oncehanpv settlement lost everything—homes, barns, and cattle.' " It is an experience through which the church, in common with other departments of the community, has successfully passed. Father McFadden has had good success in Swanton, in earnest work. POPULATION The population of Swan Creek Township can be given for the decadal periods from 1870. It then had a population of 1,100 persons ; in 1880, the inhabitants numbered 1,526; in 1890, 1,791; in 1900, 2,303; in 1910, 2,415, and in 1920, 2,356. These figures include the population of that part of Swanton which is in Swan Creek Township; and although the population of the township has decreased during the last ten years, the population of Swanton has shown an encouraging growth. The statistics for 'Swanton has been given in the Fulton Township chapter. The 1920 figures are subject to correction, being the "Preliminary Announcement of Population" issued from the Bureau of the Census before the recount. CHAPTER XXIII THE BENCH AND BAR OF FULTON COUNTY Much has been written into an earlier chapter regarding the establishment of courts of justice in Fulton county, after it was erected in 1850; and in the township and county chapters will be found biographical reviews of those of its residents who were prominent members of the profession of law, and are now deceased. Also extensive reference has been given, in the biographical volume of this work, to the careers of prominent present members of the legal fraternity of Fulton county. Therefore, the useful purpose of this chapter lies more in the supplying of statistical data than in the furnishing of biographical or formative record; and such a plan is dictated, particularly, by limitations of space. Section six of the act by which Fulton county was erected in 1850 provided for the attachment of Fulton. County to the Thirteenth Judicial District of the State of Ohio, and ordered "the Court of Common Pleas and Supreme Court of the county of Fulton shall be holden in the township of Pike until the permanent seat of justice shall be established within and for the said county." In pursuance of this, and by virtue of his power under the state constitution then in effect, the governor of the state named three residents of Fulton county for appointment to associate judgeships of the Common Pleas Court of Fulton County. It is believed that the men named were: Nathaniel Leggett, of Swan Creek Township; John Kendall, of Franklin Township ; and A. C. Hough, of Chesterfield Township. However, Nathaniel Leggett had been nominated almost simultaneously for county office also, and he preferred to stand for election to the office of county treasurer than to accept the proffered appointment to the judiciary ; consequently another resident was named by the governor to complete the required number of associate judges. Who the appointee was is not clear in available records. These conflicting records are embodied in Chapter IV of this volume, and they indicate that the man appointed was either S. H. Cately, of Swan Creek, or William E. Parmelee. However, it may be stated, with some confidence, that not one of the men originally appointed by the governor sat in the first session of the Common Pleas Court of the new county. It seems clear that those who were associates of Judge Saddler, in the first term of court were S. H. Cately, William Parmelee, and Abraham Flickinger. Possibly Dr. Kendall joined Nathaniel Leggett, in declining the appointment offered by the governor, their places being taken by S. H. Cately and Wm. E. Parmelee, though not necessarily respectively; and that Abraham E. Flickinger was appointed in place of A. C. Hough, who resigned the judgeship, evidently, before the holding of the first session of court. County records show that Mr. Hough was a candidate for election, and was duly elected to the office - 495 - 496 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY of auditor of Fulton county, in October, 1850 ; and presumably he resigned his judicial appointment either before, or soon after, that election. Other records point to the fact that the first session of court in the new county was not held until the fall of 1850. That session was held in the log house of Robert A. Howard, in Pike Township, as has been graphically described elsewhere herein. It is noteworthy mainly because it was the original session. As a matter of fact, very little of importance came before that court. Verity states that "there was little or no business transacted at this court," adding that "in lieu of business, those attending indulged in a game of ball."' However, the court organization was then completed, Samuel Durgin being appointed clerk, and J. H. Read, prosecuting attorney. The sheriff was George W. Brown, but it seems that he was not appointed, and had been elected sheriff in the elections of April and October, 1850. To decide where to place the permanent seat of justice in the new county, a commission composed of three men of other counties of Ohio came into Fulton in April, and after hearing arguments in favor of several small communities of the county decided to establish the county seat at its geographical center. Stakes were driven on that day, and the place was named Ottokee, at, it has been stated, the suggestion of Dresden W. II. Howard. The decision of the "locating commissioners" was submitted to a vote of the people of the county, and at the second polling their decision was upheld by a majority of the voters. Without undue delay, the work of constructing a building, at Ottokee, to serve the purpose of the court, and county administration, was undertaken, and in 1851 the legal processes, and county offices, were transferred to that building, the occasion being marked by appropriate addresses, and memorable festivities. In 1853 a jail was built at Ottokee. On July 16, 1864, the court house was destroyed by fire, but in 1865 a new courthouse of brick stood upon the site of the old frame building. With the passing of time, other communities, particularly Delta and Wauseon, became much more important, in point of population and potentialities, than Ottokee. The inaccessibility of the county seat eventually influenced the voters of the county to decide upon the removal of the seat of justice to Wauseon. Many elections were necessary before that became the will of the people, and the deciding election was by no means overwhelmingly in favor of Wauseon. It was secured only after a particularly strenuous effort had been made by its proponents, who distributed much elucidating material throughout the county shortly before election. Even then, it was asked that the people of Wauseon raise, by public subscription, a considerable sum of money, to recompense the county, in part, for the cost that a change of location of the county seat would entail. Wauseon met its pledge promptly, and seemingly without difficulty; and thus it became certain that as soon as suitable accommodation would be provided the seat of justice would be transferred to it. Elaboration of these happenings will be found on the pages of Chapter IV, and so .as not to be tautological this review might end with the statement that since February, 1872, the legal processes of Fulton county have centered in HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY - 497 Wauseon, the present fine courthouse having been in that year opened. The County Civil List, i. e., the succession of holders of the county offices of recorder, auditor, commissioner, treasurer, coroner, and sur- veyor, has been included in Chapter IV ; this chapter, therefore might well be confined to recording of data regarding the judiciary and bar, e. g., to the tabulating of lists of those who have been elevated to the judiciary of the Common Pleas and Probate courts of Fulton county, and also the succession of prosecuting attorneys, clerks of court; and sheriffs. THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS. In 1851, the state adopted a new constitution, by which the judicial system was changed, its chief effect upon local procedure being the substitution of a district court for the circuit court. Under the Circuit Court system, the professional circuit jurist would be an itinerant, passing from county to county, and only being obliged to hold one term of court in each county yearly. He would be assisted by two or three local men, of non-professional class, who were appointed to act as his associates at local sessions of court. These associate judges were appointed by the governor of the state, but under the new constitution the associate judgeships were abolished, the state divided into nine judicial common pleas districts, and the judgeships became elective offices. Thus Fulton county, in 1852, became part of the Third Judicial District, being included in that part which embraced the counties of Mercer, Van Wert, Putnam, Paulding, Defiance, Williams, Henry, and Fulton. So, it remained until 1868, and from that year until 1879, the local subdivision of the Third District covered Paulding, Defiance, Williams, Fulton, and Henry counties. From 1883 to ---- , the local part of the Third Judicial District, embraced Fulton, Henry, and Putnam. For such parts, or subdivisions, of a judicial district, the new constitution provided for the election of three judges. Only members of the legal bar were eligible for election, and probate juris- diction was separated altogether from the scope of the common pleas courts, the terms of which became semi-annual, instead of yearly. The new system provided for the election of three judges in each district, one of whom would hold common pleas court in one or more counties of that judicial district, and the three together would constitute a district court, which would function as a higher court, thus taking the place of the supreme court of the circuit system. The first three judges of the Third Judicial District, beginning in February, 1852, were Lawrence Hall, Benjamin F. Metcalf, and John H. Palmer, the last-named taking all of the sessions of court in Fulton county during his term of office. Judge Palmer was succeeded in 1857 by Alexander S. Latty, of Defiance, who was re-elected in 1861, in 1866, and in 1871. In 1877, he resigned and was succeeded by Selwyn N. Owen, of Bryan. A change in the subdivision of the Third District, in 1879, necessitated an election, and John J. Moore, of Ottawa, became judge, holding office until 1884. In January, 1885, Walliam H. Handy, of Fulton county, was nominated for the office, and two days later appointed by Governor Hoadley. In the following October, he was elected without opposition, and re-elected in 1888, serving until 1894, when John M. Sheets, of Ottawa, was elevated to the judiciary, in his place. Judge Handy was the first resident of Fulton county to 498 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY hold a judgeship of the Common Pleas Court under the new constitution. Judge Sheets was succeeded in 1898 by Michael Donnelly, who was re-elected in 1903. Another change in the subdivisions of the Third District brought about the election, in 1904, of John M. Killets, of Bryan, who was succeeded by Charles Edwin Scott. Fred H. Wolf, the present able and respected incumbent, was elected in 1914, and took office in January, 1915. Another change of constitution abolished the former district system, and latterly each county has been what might be termed a separate district, e. g., each county elects a judge from among its legal fraternity, and that attorney so elevated presides over its court proceedings, but has the privilege, in common with other members of the state judiciary, of sitting in the terms of other courts of the state, by invitation. PROBATE COURT OF FULTON COUNTY. Prior to 1852, probate affairs were within the jurisdiction of the Common Pleas courts, but the new state constitution made provision for the establishment of a probate court in each county. The first to take office as judge of probate in Fulton county was Samuel Gillis. The next was Lucius H. Upham, who by the way was the first practicing attorney to take up permanent residence in the county. Attorney Upham, however, only held the judgeship for about one month, being unseated, S. H. Cately then becoming judge. Oliver H. Verity succeeded him in 1858, and held the office for twelve years, Caleb M. Keith taking his place in 1870, and continuing as judge until 1879, when Levi W. Brown came into office. He was twice re-elected, and his successor, Adelbert D. Newell took over probate jurisdiction in 1887. He was reelected in 1890, but died a few months before the end of his second term. H. L. Moseley was appointed to the office for the unexpired portion of Judge Newell’s term. On January 1, 1893, Thomas F. 11am took office. He served until 1900, his successor, Edward E. Williams, being probate judge until 1905. Fred A. Barber, a democrat, was elected by a good majority in 1904, and took office on January 1, 1905. He served as judge of probate for twelve years, being twice re-elected, notwithstanding that the county is strongly republican. In 1916 Allen M. Barber took the probate office; his term expires this year. CLERKS OF COURT. Samuel Durgin, of Fulton Township, was appointed clerk of the first Common Pleas court held in Fulton county, in 1850; and when, under the constitution of 1851, the office became elective, he was confirmed to it by election: His successors were: 1854, Naaman Merrill; 1861, Harry B. Bayes ; 1863, Samuel Durgin ; 1866. Truman H. Brown ; 1869, Daniel W. Poe; 1872, Albert Deyo ; 1878, Albert B. Smith ; 1887, James C. King; 1893, H. S. Bassett ; 1899, Frank W. Wood ; 1905, Ed. Scott ; 1910, James C. King; 1914, Davis B. Johnson; 1919, George E. Gorsuch. PROSECUTTNG ATTORNEYS. J. H. Read was appointed prosecuting attorney in 1850, when the first term of court in Fulton county was held. His successors, by election, have been : 1852, Michael Handy ; A. Carmichael ; Naaman Merrill ; 1858, J. H. Brailey ; 1865; J. W. Roseborough : 1867, Octavius Waters ; 1869, J. W. Roseborough ; 1873, HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY - 499 W. W. Touvelle ; 1874, Michael Handy* (see foot-note) ; 1876, H. H. Ham; 1880, W. H. Gavitt; 1885, Mazzini Slusser ; 1891, John Q. Files; 1897, William H. Fuller; 1902, Clive C. Handy; 1905, Fred H. Wolf ; 1910, James B. Templeton; 1914, Charles Stahl; 1918, Clyde L. Canfield. SHERIFFS. The first sheriff of Fulton county was George B. Brown of Chesterfield Township. He was elected in 1850. His successors have been : 1851, Chas. D. Smith; 1857, Marcus H. Hayes; 1861, Oscar A. Cobb ; 1865, Jacob Huffmire; 1869, Joseph H. Brigham ; 1873, Sullivan Johnson; 1877, Joseph H. Brigham; 1879, Harvey L. Aldrich; 1883, Frank T. Blair; 1887, Daniel Dowling; 1889, William J. Connell; 1893, Alfred F. Shaffer; 1897, James L. Shinnabarger; 1901, Henry H. Rittenhouse; 1905, James L. Shinnabarger; 1908, Fred Grandy; 1912, John B. McQuillan ; 1916, William S. Boone. He resigned in June of present year, and John B. McQuillan was appointed to fill the vacancy and is the present incumbent. *The foregoing conflicts with the information conveyed in "History of Fulton County," by Thomas Mikesell (1905) ; and the above rendering is shown because of notations made, in handwriting, by J. W. Roseborough, in his own copy of the Mikesell work. The notation read: "Hon. Michael Handy was, I think, elected in 1852, and held the office two terms in succession, but never again. J. W. R., 3. 3. 1906"; again he wrote: "J. W. Roseborough was elected prosecutor in autumn of 1864; took office 1st Monday in 1865; held it until 1st Monday in 1867. Succeeded by 0. Waters, until 1869, then Roseborough again in office for two terms, 1869-73 (January)." CHAPTER XXIV MEDICAL HISTORY The medical history of Fulton county has been separately told in the township chapters, so that only a brief reviewing is necessary here. Fulton county, unlike some pioneer settlements, was a place of sickness, of pestilence and pain, in the days of early settlement. The swamps and damp places bred myriads of mosquitoes, and malarial troubles soon became an almost chronic distress among the pioneer. Whole families, nay whole communities, would be prostrated by ague and fever in the fall of the year, and even the medicines of the pioneer physician would have little effect. The history of almost all the early physicians was alike. They would be "jogging along the trails," through the forest, almost night and day, seeking to allay the distress among the settlers. Some must have cultivated the habit of sleeping while astride of their ponies; and few of them had what would nowadays be considered adequate recompense for their self-sacrificing labors. One of the first physicians to settle in Fulton county was Erastus Lathrop, who settled in the small hamlet which developed a little to the westward of Delta. That probably was in the late ;30s. The first frame house in the township was built for him, but both he and his wife died within a few months of their entering into possession of that house, in 1840. Closely following him were Drs. William Ramsey, S. P. Bishop, John A. Wilkins, and John Odell, biographical mention of whom will be found elsewhere. Dr. Ramsey is dead, but Doctors Bishop and Wilkins are still living, although both have transferred their respective practices to their sons. William Bailey is stated to have been the pioneer physician of Metamora and. Amboy Township. He settled about two miles west of .Metamora. The first physician to live within the bounds of Metamora, however, was Doctor Pomeroy, who was in it at an early date, and certainly before 1849, when Lewis S. Hackett came. He lived in the only house that then stood west of the creek. He did not however practice many years, and the leading physician of Metamora, and Amboy, in a somewhat later day, but still in its pioneer period, was Dr. C. H. Heffron, who practiced until quite recently. One son is practicing in Metamora now, and another graduated in medicine this spring. Dr. G. F. Frasch, also, was in practice in Metamora for many years, and other physicians were Drs. S. M. Clark, Foster, Tompkins, and Markham. Dr. Joshua Young was the pioneer physician of Royalton Township. For many years he was alone in that territory. Later, the majority of the physicians centered from Lyons. Of the medical practitioners of Lyons, mention might be made of Ezra B. Mann, H. H. Brown, J. Cunningham, Thomas Blain, G. R. Salisbury, C. C. Wood. - 500 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY - 501 and Doctor Harroun. The last-named was a physio-medic, and had a large practice. Doctor Cunningham at one time lived at Phillips Corners. The first physician to take up residence in Gorham Township was Dr. John Kendall, although his son, Dr. Amos Kendall really is more deserving of place as the pioneer physician of Gorham, for the father scarcely had set up in practice in Gorham, in 1839, before deciding to remove into Franklin Township, where he followed his profession for many years. Dr. John Kendall was one of the first associate judges of the Common Pleas Court of Fulton county. His son, Dr. Amos shares with Dr. Joseph Allen the pioneer place, as physician, in Fayette. In the early '008 there was a Doctor Davis at Cottrell's Corners, just beyond Fayette, but he did not remain long in the township. Dr. Van Buskirk was among the early physicians, as was Drs. Turrell. Dr. Estell H. Rorick has been in practice in the township, and has been one of its most skilful and respected physicians, but he has not been regularly in practice, having been called upon to undertake more important state responsibilities. His life is the subject of a special review elsewhere in this work. Other worthy Fayette and Gorham practitioners have been H. R. Van Buskirk, C. B. Herrick, Edson Emerick, Wm. D. Murphy, J. W. Evers, as well as those now in practice. Doctor Reynolds began to practice in Stryker, and a few years later settled in Fayette. Doctor Patterson has been there for some years, as has Dr. C. E. Hubbard. Doctor Murphy left a few years ago, after practicing for a long time. Drs. L. C. and L. H. S. Backus were well-known Fayette physicians, also; and Doctor Evers, a capable physician, graduate of Rush, was there for quite a number of years. L. K. Carpenter was the pioneer in German Township. He was of the Thompsonian school. Then came Blaker, Winterstein, Schuetzler, and Murbach. Two sons of Doctor Murbach are now in practice in German Township. Doctor Hubbard, who was a Civil war veteran practiced for many years in German Township, and Dr. G. W. Hartman, now of Wauseon, was for thirteen years in successful practice in that township, removing to Wauseon in 1892. Doctor Coy has been in Archbold. a few years, as has Doctor Preston. Franklin Township records accord the place as pioneer physician to Dr. Ira Smith, who was in the township a year or so before the coming of Dr. John Kendall, in 1840; but just as the pioneer place in Gorham might well be given to Dr. Amos Kendall, because Dr. John Kendall only practiced there for a year or so, so might the premier place in Franklin be accredited to Dr. John Kendall, for he made that township his home, whereas Doctor Smith passed out of the record in a year or so. Doctor Schmidt is of record in the '60s, and later Doctor Wilson came from Stryker, and developed a remarkably wide practice. He died in Archbold. In Pike Township history must come the record of Dr. William Holland, who settled there in. 1843. He was then seventy-six years old, and had practiced in Massachusetts for almost fifty years; yet, it is said that he to some extent practiced in Pike Township, where he settled with his daughter, and son-in-law, Alfred A. Shute. J. W. Roseborough, an observing man, wrote of Doctor Holland as follows: 502 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY "Dr. William Holland, a man whom, in his old age, about 1856 or 1857, we saw and connected with, was a large man, not too fleshy; rather tall, dignified; of classical impression ; much beyond the average in genial manners and address. He impressed us as a very superior man in point of culture, and knowledge, natural and acquired. We oft, when passing his quiet secluded home, wondered why, and how, it was that he lived in such a retired isolated country." Another early physician of Pike was Robert A. Moore, and Dr. James S. Richards, known as the "Indian Doctor." Dr. S. B. Finney also had extraordinary success with his medical preparations. His patent medicines sold "at home and abroad, among all nations," and he became wealthy. Dover Township was a field in which Dr. Wm. Ramsey was busy in his early years of residence; and others from Delta and Wauseon travelled the trails, or waded through the mud, travelling the roads that seemed to have no bottom. Doctor Blaker was the first physician to take up residence, closely followed by Doctor Herreman, who was in residence as early as 1844. One of the most able physicians of the county was Dr. William Hyde, who practiced for very many years in Dover, centering from Spring Hill. Later he was of Pettisville and Wauseon,, where he retired from professional work, finally going to Goshen,, Indiana, to live with his son. Dr. Hyde was a remarkable man. He was a graduate of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, of London, England, the graduating requirements of which medical. college were, probably, at that time very much more rigid than were those of this country, where medical colleges were few, and in their infancy. And he was a man of strong, bright, yet unusual character. It is said that he would practice medicine for a period, then would concentrate himself upon inventions, which he thought would bring him financial success. Invariably, he would be forced to take up medicine again, because of exhaustion of funds. His inventions brought him no profit, but his practice of medicine brought him an enviable reputation. He, upon his old pony, was a famliar sight in the early settlements and on the highways -and byways of Dover Township. It is believed that Doctor Hyde, at least, slept while he rode. He was riding day and night. One of his sons belonged to the bodyguard of Abraham Lincoln, during the President's last days. Other physicians of Dover were McCann, Gurley, Worden, Delano, Robinson, Schaffer, and Ely. Dr. Estell H. Rorick practiced in Tedrow for some time; Doctor Borden is now a specialist, ophthalmological and otological ; and Doctor Campbell, of Wauseon, is a son of Dr. G. P. Campbell who used to practice in Tedrow, and earlier in Ridgeville. Doctor Jewell was a student with Dr. Win. Hyde, and profited by that association. The names of physicians prominent in Swan Creek, and that part of the county are: Bassett, Cosgrove, Lathrop, Brailey, Odell, Bishop, Wilkins, and Ramsey. The doctors of Wauseon, the county seat, have been many. Doctor Hollister was the pioneer. He took up residence in Wauseon during its first years,, when it was literally not much more than "a wagon road through the woods." Dr. N. W. Jewell, who was the first treasurer and second mayor of Wauseon, settled soon after; and Doctor Hyde HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY - 503 was also in practice in Wauseon in the '60s; while many of the physicians now practicing in the town have been practitioners for several decades. Doctor Bennett has been in practice for more than forty years in Wauseon; Doctor Miller has made it his centre for twenty-five years, and formerly was in practice in Pettisville, and earlier in Texas; Doctor Lenhart, who is the oldest practitioner of Wauseon, has had an office in the town for more than forty years; and Dr. G. W. Hartman has been in the town for almost thirty years, formerly practicing in Archbold. His son, Maj. C. F. Hartman, commander of the American Legion post at Wauseon, graduated in 1909, and practiced in Wauseon until the war came in 1917, when he was one of the first to leave. He saw overseas service, and was recommended for a lieutenant-colonelcy. Returning to civil life, he has resumed practice in Wauseon, and now is president of the Medical Society of Fulton county. Another capable Wauseon physician of meritorious overseas service is Captain Maddox, county chairman of the American Legion. He was in practice in Wauseon for many years prior to the war, and he is again in good practice in the county seat, where he is much respected. The Fulton County Medical Society was organized on February 15, 1868, with nine charter members, namely: De Witt Hollister, N. W. Jewell, William Ramsey, S. P. Bishop, S. Hubbard, A. J. Murbach, S. F. Worden, William Hyde, and Josiah H. Bennett. There has since always been a medical society in the county, although it was inactive for many years. Fifteen or eighteen years ago its functioning became more active, and as at present constituted, it is an alert organization. Dr. S. P. Bishop was at one time president, and Dr. G. W. Hartman has been president. Their sons, Drs. C. F. Hartman. and Park Bishop, are now president and secretary, respectively. There is an up-to-date public hospital in Wauseon. It was organized in 1903, by the physicians of Fulton county, and is controlled by the Wauseon Hospital Association. It occupies a commodious brick building, although at times its capacity has been sorely taxed. The first president was Dr. P. J. Lenhart, with Dr. A. J. Murbach, as secretary. CHAPTER XXV CHURCH HISTORY The church history of Fulton county has been extensively reviewed in the appropriate township chapters; 'indeed, so much of the data gathered has been embodied in those chapters that very little remains that could, without tautology, be included in this general chapter, which will therefore take the character more of a gleaning of miscellaneous unrecorded data than of a comprehensive review, which is unnecessary, and for which there is now no available space. METHODISM. The Rev. N. B. C. Love, who will be remembered by many in Wauseon, and throughout the county, contributed an interesting paper to one of the local papers. It was entitled "Methodist Memories," with a sub-head, "Old-time Camp Meetings, and Old-time Christian Workers." It refers to many of the pioneer itinerant ministers of the Maumee Valley, and should be placed in permanent record. The article begins: "An old-time camp-meeting was a good institution, in its day. The first Methodist Church in northwestern Ohio was erected in Maumee City in 1837, during the pastorate of the Rev. Orrin Mitchell. This destitution of churches, of sufficient capacity to accommodate the people at the quarterly and other special meetings, was sufficient reason for holding camp meetings. "Several circuits would unite under a presiding elder, and the circuit preachers. A central and desirable location would be selected. On the day appointed, preachers and laymen for thirty or forty miles around would assemble to prepare the grove, build tents of logs—the largest for the accommodation of the preachers included. This was built shed-fashion, the highest part of the roof next to the auditorium, which was composed of logs laid lengthwise, and 'slabs,' or split logs crosswise. The tents were built to enclose this auditorium. Sometimes an acre of ground would be thus enclosed. "The rostrum, or speaker's stand was in front of, and attached to, the preacher's tent. This stand was a place of honor, and the first time the young circuit preacher found himself seated on the same long bench, with the great men of the church alongside of him, while Ire looked into the faces of hundreds, and sometimes thousands of people, he experienced, in spite of his humility, a ‘swelling of the heart he never would feel again. This seat of honor was occupied often by the great lights of Methodism. "Inside the preacher's tent, occupying about one-half of it, was an elevated platform, composed of poles and slabs, which were covered with straw, and on this were clean and comfortable beds. Prominent was the home-made coverlette, woven in odd patterns of red, purple, blue, and white. This style of bedspread was very popular among the pioneer mothers. A few other comforts were furnished, such as look- - 504 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY - 505 ing glass, comb, bucket of water, and towels. Here the preachers, not tenting on the ground, domiciled. "Each preacher carried his own wardrobe in his saddle-bags, which were made of leather, and united together, so that they could be carried crosswise on saddle. This old-style double grip-sack often contained a few books for sale, such as the Discipline, Wesley's Christian Perfection and Sermons, Fletcher's Checks, and Baxter's Call. The Bible and Hymn Book were always in there when not in use. "Many of the pioneer preachers were models of neatness in costume. They never suffered themselves to appear shabby, or unshaven. They wore no beards. Some of them wore their hair somewhat long, on the sides and back of the head, while in front it was cut square, just as the young ladies now wear 'bangs.' “In all the tents there was morning and evening prayer, not of a perfunctory character, but 'they came from the heart and reached the heart.' "The camp meeting was not only an opportunity for religious improvement, but social enjoyment. Conversation around the burdened dinner or supper table was sometimes grave and pious; at other times it took on a more lively character. The older preachers charmed the company with narration of incident and anecdote. "The writer witnessed scenes of this character, when a boy attending with his parents camp meetings in Fairfield county, Ohio, on Rush Creek, and in Allen county, on Hog Creek. At the latter meeting, a few miles from Lima, Ohio, among the other prominent men was Wesley Brook and James B. Findley. The latter was an excellent conversationalist, and, like most old men whose lives were full of incidents, he was fond of relating them. . . . . . . "The singing was grand and melodious Judged of, from the French or Italian standpoint, it may have been defective, but there was harmony, sweetness and power in it which, once heard, can never be forgotten. There was generally a precentor, who led, and was chosen because of his knowledge of music, and his power of song of the hymns sung to 'China' and 'Coronation' still linger, and the recollection of them is sweet. "Sometimes religious fervor ran high, and ecstasy took hold of many, of the worshippers. The preachers, as a rule, were careful to guard the people against 'wild-fire,' yet some would go into trances, catalepsy, and for a time apparently lose all consciousness. This was thought to be the result of the special bestowment of Divine Power.... "Many careless and hardened sinners, suddenly, awakened to a sense of guilt, were often stricken down, and 'powerfully converted,' and, returning to their homes subdued and believing, were as ready to work for the Master as they had been to oppose Him, when they went to the meeting "Boarding tents at these primitive camp meetings were not needed, as each family brought large quantities of provisions, and 'were given to hospitality.' John Boughman, John Janes, and such men, would have ejected the boarding tent kept for mere gain. Peanut taffy candy, citric acid lemonade stands, would not been tolerated for a moment by our pious pioneer fathers and mothers, on a camp ground. " 'Fire stands' were built of poles and slabs, and were about four 506 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY or five feet square, and the same in height. These were placed in various parts of the encampment. Large fires were kept burning in them at night, until 10 to 12 o'clock. The light, at first bright and illuminating, would settle down to a glow of coals before morning.... "Rowdyism was not tolerated. The best order, as a rule, prevailed, although occasionally there would be some annoyance. "The men and women were seated apart, and one of the worst offences was for some rowdy, with or without his girl, to be found on the women's side . . . . . . . . "Rev. H. O. Sheldon .... . . . was distinguished as a camp-meeting orator. He undertook to remove a rowdy from the grounds of a camp meeting, when he was struck by him and severely wounded. There were men then, as there are now, who thought it a great thing to disturb a religious meeting. These disturbances were rare, when the country was sparsely settled. "Among the early camp-meeting preachers of the valley (Maumee) were John Boughman and John Janes. The former was a true evangelist and organizer, and the latter an able debater. He was presiding elder in the valley in 1838 and 1839. He is described as a man of medium height, dark brown hair, and black eyes. By nature, he was a leader of the people. He held camp meetings on Buttonwood Island, in the Maumee. This island is about two miles above Maumee. City. There is now about an acre of ground in it, and it is covered with sycamore trees. The water is rapid at the foot of the island, but can safely be forded. Probably the island was larger (then) than at present, as the rise and fall of the Maumee River is much more rapid since the country on both sides, throughout its whole length, has been ditched . . . . . . . Amaso Bishop attended one of these meetings, also Rev. R. H. Chubb . . . . . . The latter was distinguished . . . . . . as an able debater on theological subjects. Campbellism and Universalism were the foes he encountered, and not without success. “. . . . . . . Leonard B. Gurley was presiding elder two years in the valley, 1836 and 1837. He was of Irish parentage. He was an easy and graceful speaker at all times . . . . . . and . . . . . . . was universally loved . . . . . . We have never known any man more unselfish than he, and none more kind and forgiving . . . . . . "Wesley Brock was presiding elder in 1840 and '41. He was a large man, with florid complexion, light blue eyes and hair slightly red. He was cross-eyed. He preached all over the valley, and his labors were abundant. His quarterlies were largely attended "Thomas Barkdull, Sr., was presiding elder in the valley in 1845 and 1846. His fame is in all old Methodist homes as the eloquent Barkdull. He had great power over an audience, and was deeply pious . . . . . . He labored, as presiding elder; college agent and pastor, but was stricken down and died when the church was anticipating years of successful labor from him." T. N. Barkdull was presiding elder of the Ottokee Circuit, Toledo District, Central Ohio Conference, in the '60s. The records of that circuit from 1863 to 1887 have been available for perusal, by present compiler. The Circuit was until 1884 part of the Toledo District of the Ohio Central Conference, and from 1863 until 1872 was designated the Ottokee Circuit, and embraced many church societies HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY - 507 throughout the county; in 1873 it became the Wauseon Circuit; in 1876 it was again called the Ottokee Circuit, and included societies at Ottokee, Spring Hill, Pettisville, Archbold, and Pike Center. In 1879, September, it became known as the Pettisville Circuit, and embraced societies at Pettisville, Spring Hill, Burlington, Archbold, and Ottokee. In August, 1884, it was attached to the Defiance District, and became known as the Archbold Circuit, including Archbold, Burlington, Ottokee, Pettisville, Spring Hill. The records of this circuit have been extensively reviewed in the Dover Township chapter of this volume. MENNONITE. J. W. Roseborough, writing to the editor of the "Commerical," on September 29, 1873, stated: "German Township, in this county, is one of the most populous and wealthy townships of the county. A large. portion of the population consists of a class of people called Amish, a branch of the Mennonite Church. They are an industrious, law-abiding, money-making people, and have done much to make the township what it is—one of the finest in the northwest. “. . . . . . Their motto is 'non-resistance to evil.' So far do they carry this, that the major portion of them refuse even to vote, or hold office . . . . . It has been truly said, that . . . . . . their virtues have been, in the main, of the negative kind . . . . . . . If they have done no good, they have done but little harm. "We are pleased to notice within the last few years that these people are becoming animated with a more liberal and active spirit. A few years since, they had no church building, many of them holding that it was wrong to have them. But now they have erected in German Township a very large and commodious house, where we think the largest number of people meet together, for the purpose of worship, to be found in the county. What is still more singular, as it is a still further advance in the right direction, is the fact that they have actually, during the last summer, organized and successfully conducted, a Sabbath school. Many were opposed to this move, at its commencement, but now, after trying it for several months, all are heartily advocating it. This Sabbath school has exerted a wonderful influence for good with both the old and the young of the Amish people. They have at the school a very large and increasing attendance. Rev. Jacob Nofsiger, one of the earliest settlers in ta township and county, is the acting superintendent, This year's Sabbath school was commenced as an experiment, and has been a great success. Good order and progress has thus far attended it." J. W. Roseborough was a life-long Methodist, and throughout his life contributed to local papers and periodicals upon religious, temperance, and political matters, wielding a forceful pen. He appears to have early written upon the Mennonite Church, for in the hands of the compiler, now, is a pamphlet, printed at the Republican Steam Job Office, Wooster, Ohio, in 1864, entitled "A Reply to the Criticisms of J. W. Roseborough, on the work entitled 'The Old Foundation,” by John Holdeman, V. D. M." Mr. Roseborough, however, later in life entertained a very high opinion of the Mennonites, his fellow-residents in German Township. 508 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY CATHOLIC. The following is extracted from Houck's "A History of Catholicity, in the Diocese of Cleveland," pages 305-06, Volume I, wherein is a historical review of St. Peter's Church, of Archbold: "Mass was celebrated for the first time at Archbold in 1846, in the house of Francis Fleury by the Rev. Louis de Goesbriand, then stationed at Toledo. In 1850, the Rev. Louis J. Filiere, at that time pastor of St. John's Church, Defiance, organized the Catholic families in and near Archbold, as a mission, and had a small chapel erected about two miles from Archbold, as their place of worship. "It related that Bishop Rappe, upon the occasion of his episcopal visitation, in 1868, slept in this chapel overnight. The pastor, Father Becker, had been expecting him, but did not know how, or when he would arrive, as it was well-known that he travelled often in a very apostolic manner.' The bishop arrived at Archbold station about midnight, and found nobody to welcome him. Seizing his heavy valise, he started toward the chapel, two miles distant. When he arrived there, he found no priest's house near at hand. Thinking, perhaps, that even if he should find one, it would not be as comfortable as the chapel, he concluded to pass the night in the latter. Therefore, quietly raising one of the windows, he entered, and made himself as comfortable as possible under the circumstances. Next morning when Father Becker entered, he was much surprised to find the good bishop ensconced in the confessional, waiting for penitents." The Catholic society is claimed to have been the first to build a church in German Township. Evidently, that pioneer church is the one above referred to. DISCIPLES, OR CHRISTIAN, CHURCH. From an article written by Miss Olive Roos, of Wauseon, and formerly of Chesterfield, much information has already been written into church history of the township. She states that the pioneer founders of the Churches of Christ in Fulton county were Moses Ayers, Rev. Benjamin Alton, Rev. L. L. Carpenter, C. J. Blackman, Z. W. Shepherd, and James S. Riddle. One paragraph, not included in any township chapter, reads: "In the year 1859 there was a move made by the Missionary Society of District No. 2, to do something toward starting a church in Franklin Township, with the result that Brother J. S. Riddle and L. L. Carpenter organized a church of twenty-two members, in that township. Brother Riddle took charge of this church and Sunday school, and remained in charge for twelve years, during which time the membership increased to seventy-five. In March, 1876, he resigned as elder of this church, and on June 11, 1876, he placed his letter of membership with the Spring Hill church." The Rev. L. L. Carpenter, at one time treasurer of Fulton county, will of course always be considered as the outstanding pioneer of the Churches of the Disciples of Christ in Fulton county, where that sect, or denomination, of religious society is now quite strong. The compiler of this work has been gratified in being able to gather so much church history of Fulton county, and has not stinted space in the township chapters, where all the information gathered has been given appropriate place.