HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY - 177 CHAPTER XIV YORK TOWNSHIP TOPOGRAPHICALLY, this township in general is level. Bad Creek with its tributaries drains the territory and flows in a southerly direction, entering the township at its northern boundary and running across it until the water finally makes its way to the Maumee river. The valley or bottom lands adjacent to these streams are especially fertile, highly improved and very valuable. Some other parts are not so rich for agricultural purposes. The streams mentioned above afford the drainage of the surrounding country. The principal varieties of timber which abounded in exhaustless supply and excellent excellent quality were hickory, walnut, butternut, ash, poplar, sugar maple, oak of all kinds, cherry and Sycamore. With the advent of the first white settlers, the woods abounded in game of all kinds known in the country. Deer and wild turkeys, exceedingly plentiful, afforded the principal meat supply of the early settlers. Fvery man and boy and some of the female population were expert hunters, and many are the tales told of hairbreadth escapes from, and single-banded contests with Bruin, the arch enemy of the young domestic animals about the settlers' cabins. Wolves, panthers and wildcats also made night hideous and nocturnal travel precarious With their prowling, stealthy and deceptive methods of attack. The first settlement of York township antedates its organization by a couple of years. The township organization was effected on June 6, 1836, after the territory came under the control of Lucas county, and the very early settlers went all the way to vote at what is now known as York Center. William Jones and family are entitled to the honor of being the first settlers, they having located in the township in May, 1834. They settled on the northeast quarter of section eighteen about five miles west of Delta on the old George Wright farm. It is claimed by some that William, John and James King were in the township earlier in the same year, but this is merely supposition, and the honor of being the first pioneer of the township is generally accorded to William Jones. It might be added here that he only lacked a twelve-month of being able to contest with Eli Phillips is (who is mentioned in connection with Royalton township) the honor of being the first permanent settler in the county. Mr. Jones purchased land in the vicinity mentioned, and there built his cabin 178 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY and established a home. Other families arrived soon afterwards and became near neighbors of Mr. JoneS, but it must be remembered that "near neighbors" in those days might be separated by several-miles. By the close of the year 1834 the following named persons were residing in this township: William, John and James King were living on section 24; John S. Trowbridge, Cornelius Trowbridge, Alanson Trowbridge and a Mr. Hampton, in addition to Mr. Jones. John S. Trowbridge was born November 18, 1816, in Saratoga county, New York, and settled with his family in York township in 1834, thus becoming one of the first permanent settlers in what is now Fulton county. He was a highly respected citizen and filled various local offices with honor to himself and satisfaction to his neighbors. Cornelius Trowbridge came from Saratoga county New York, in 1834, and Alanson Trowbridge also came the same year. Mr. Hampton came that year looking for land. He took an entry of eighty acres, made by William King, and moved upon it, cleared it up and made a fine farm. As stated above, William King and family settled in York townShip in May, 1834, and located lands on Section 24, where they erected a cabin, which be came their home, rude as it was. John Murray settled in York in the thirties. He came from Pennsylvania and settled upon section 26, cleared and improved a large farm, reared a family and died thereon. Robert McClarren, a brother-in-law of William Jones, came from Maryland and settled in York township, February 6, 1836. He was born in Maryland, January 28, 1809. Henry Fluhart located here in the very early days of the settlement of the township, locating on section seven. At a later period he moved to Missouri and has since died, but members of his family remained in Fulton county and one son, James, was well known at a newspaper man. Abram Cole and family came in January 1835, and settled on the east half of the northeast quarter of section 25. Peter Wise, Gilman Cheadle and William Fowler came in 1836 Gilman Cheadle was an early pioneer farmer and Stockgrower, and was born in Morgan county, Ohio, in 1807. He settled in York township in 1836, and lived there continuously until 1870, when he removed to Wauseon and lived the remainder of his life there. He served as a postmaster fourteen years, being first appointed by President Jackson. Gardner Trernain came in 1836. He was born in Cayuga county, New York, April 15, 1813, and in early manhood came to Fulton county. He settled on sections 25 and 36, where he lived the remainder of his life. Rev. Uriel Spencer and son, William, came in 1835 and settled on section 17. He was afterward elected auditor of Lucas county. John Jones came with his father, William Jones, and hence may be considered among the Settlers of 1834. John Batdorf settled upon section 21, in 1842. He was born YORK TOWNSHIP - 179 in Pennsylvania, in 1816, removed to Wayne county, Ohio, and lived there until 1842, when he migrated to Fulton county and settled in York township. H. E. Whitney came at a very early date, and with his family settled on section 25. James Trowbridge, wife and two children, left Saratoga, New York, July 4, 1837, and landed at Perrysburg, in the Maumee valley, thirteen days later. His route of travel was from Albany to buffalo, by freight boat on the Erie canal, and from there on Lake Erie to Toledo, on board of the boat, Commodore Perry. William Fowler, Sr., came originally from Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, to Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1828, and in August, 1835 he came to Fulton county with his family. With him were three sons, who may also be considered pioneers of that age—William Thomas and Robert. The father located on his farm in York township and died there many years ago, Stebbins R. Stebbins came to York in 1844. He was born in Middlesex county, Connecticut, March 30, 1808, and at the age of nine years was brought by his parents to Cuyahoga county, Ohio, the family moving with ox teams, a distance of 650 miles. Stebbins R. came to York in 1844, and became engaged in farming, which he followed until 1883, when he removed to Wauseon and lived the remainder of his life in retirement. While living in York township he served as justice of the peace and also held other minor offices. George Wright came in 1847, and settled upon section 7. He was a native of England, where he was born, November 1, 1802. William Markle and wife, from Pickaway county, came in 1844, and Elijah Smith and his wife came in 1840. Mr. Smith was from the State of New York, where he was born, December 17, 1809, They settled upon section 26. "Alfred B. Gunn settled in York in 1844. At that time he was in Henry county, but became a resident of Fulton on April 1, 1850, when that part of Henry county became a part of the newly-organized county. He was one of the delegates to the convention that established the boundary line of Fulton county. He settled upon section 12 in York township, and during his long and useful career served a period of six years as county commissioner, and was one of the commissioners who located the court house at the place where it now stands, in Wauseon. Further notice of Mr. Gunn is given elsewhere in this volume. Samuel and Elizabeth Biddle Settled in York township, October 13, 1842. They came from Pennsylvania, "the land of the Quakers," and raised a family of five girls and three boys. In his lifetime, Mr. Biddle was one of the foremost men of the township. He settled on section 17, on lands that were entered and unproved by Uriel Spencer, one of the first settlers. Mr. Biddle died, February 17, 1867. Calvin Biddle, son of Samuel, settled in York in 1842, having come with his parents from Pennsylvania. Mark Berry, from Wooster, settled here in 1843, and Stillman C. Biddle in 1842. The latter came with hiss parents when but a small 180 - HISTORY OF .FULTON COUNTY boy, and growing to manhood here, became one of the formost men in the township. Abner P. Brainard settled in York, in 1846. He was born in Genesee county, New York, December 20, 1828, and after locating in Fulton county became a brick manufacturer on quite an extensive scale. John Harrison came in a very early day and settled upon section 17. The record of the first election in York township has been lost or improperly kept, but it is known that it was held at York Center, June 30, 1836, and elections were held at that place for a number of years thereafter. One of the first justices of the peace, and in fact one of the first officers elected in the township was Alfred B. Gunn, but offices were not sought then as they are now. Mr. Gunn and Alanson Bradley were assessors for years. An office now abolished, and which it was difficult to get anyone to fill, was that of fence viewer. Alanson Bradley was born in Connecticut, April 12, 1802, and came to Fulton county in an early day where he filled the offices of School director, treasurer, assessor and land appraiser. The first white child born in Delta, and it may be the first in York township, was to George Wood and wife, in 1841. The infant then ushered into the world was Mary Augusta Wood, who of afterwards became widely known in the literary world, being a writer of considerable note. The first marriage was a social event of considerable importance, and was doubtless largely attended by the pioneer families in that section. The contracting parties were William Spencer of the male persuasion and Emily, a daughter of Mr. Donaldson, representing the gentler sex. The first school house erected in the township was located upon the farm of William Trowbridge, one mile west of Delta. The Presbyterians were the leaders in religious efforts in York township, the first meetings being held in the settlers' cabins. After continuing the services in the houses of the members for several years, school houses were used, and later, houses for worship were erected. The first church built in the township was by the Presbyterian society of Delta; but at the present time, the township, including the village of Delta, has eight houses of public worship located as follows: Four in Delta, one, each on sections 11, 29, and 31, embodying in faith all the principal denominations of county. The first burying ground in the township was located at Delta used by the German Baptist society, and a Mrs. Doolittle was the first person buried there. Nearly all the early churches provide a place for the interment of their dead, but these were gradually abandoned, and the Cemetery at Delta contains the remains of many of the early pioneers. The first tavern in York township was opened by C. B. Lewis at his private residence on the north Side of the State road, the at present site of Delta. He kept a little tea and tobacco for sale, and YORK TOWNSHIP - 181 on Sunday always had preaching in his house, so his was a dwelling, tavern, store and church. This was really the first beginning of business in Delta. The first resident physician was Erastus Lathrop, who settled near Delta and died very soon after the village was located. He has been succeeded by many others during the sixty-nine years that have elapsed since the organization of the township. Delta was incorporated and assumed the position accorded by that legal proceeding by the election of a mayor and establishing a municipal government. It has numbered among its mayors many esteemed a citizens, not the least of whom is the present incumbent, George A. Everett. Delta is located in a beautiful agricultural district and is surrounded by, the most fertile and highly prolific lands. The usual number of secret societies are represented in the town, each order being prosperous and numbering among its members many of the best people in the town and surrounding country. According to the a census of 1900, Delta contains a population of 1,230. This is an increase, of ninety-eight during the last decade, a percentage that is small but it represents a substantial growth. It is a busy trading point, sustained by a large scope of good farming country, and its support is assured in the character and reputation of the businessmen. Some of the stores would do credit to a much larger place. Considerable manufacturing is also done, and an excellent public school in the village affords ample opportunities to the children in the acquirement of a good practical education. 182 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY CHAPTER XV SWAN CREEK TOWNSHIP THIS is one of the townships that was included in the township of York when the latter was erected, and prior to the organization of Fulton township, it included all the territory now embraced by the latter, south of the "Fulton Line." When originally organized, Swan Creek township was described as, scribed as follows: All the territory belonging to Town seven north of Range eight east; also, the southern tier of sections in Town eight north of Range eight east, and including all the territory north to the Fulton line. It will be noticed that this description does not include the two southern tiers of sections in the present limits of the township, but it must be remembered that this strip of territory was a part and parcel of Henry county prior to April 1, 1850;, when Fulton county was organized. Swan Creek was organized in 1836, but the names of the officers who were elected then td administer civil affairs are no longer remembered; neither can it be learned who first served after the township was given its present limits. In March, 1841, Fulton township was organized, and nine years later Fulton county, aS it now is, was created, thus giving to Swan Creek its present limitations. The surface of the township is gently undulating in some parts and quite level in others. The greater part of the northern portion of the township was heavily timbered, and contains, naturally, tiok strongest and readiest soil for agricultural purposes. A great deal of this township is what, in local parlance, is called "openings," or "open lands," a designation or qualification as applied to the character of land the origin of which is somewhat difficult township determine. There is comparatively little waste land in the township the and the condition of the farms, buildings, and surroundings are indicative of thrift and prosperity. The natural drainage of the township consists of a small sluggish stream called Blue Creek, a somewhat larger one called Bad Creek, both coursing in a southeasterly direction, and Swan Creek, from which the township was named, running almost due east, and all tributaries of the Maumee river. These streams are the objective pointS of all the numerous ditches now threading the township, by means of which it has, within a comparatively few years, obtained a very excellent drainage. Swan Creek township was mainly, especially in the northern part, covered with heavy timber, though there was originally consider- 183 - SWAN CREEK TOWNSHIP able marshy land upon which there was only shrubs and brush. But the wet lands have been recovered by ditching and under-tiling, until they are very valuable and highly productive. It is said that this boggy land originally semed like earth floating on water, and that in the early days a pole could be forced into it to the depth of twenty feet. The principal varieties of timber were black walnut, sugar maple, elm, ash, oak, beech and hickory. Some of the choicest timber was used for buildings, making rails, and sawing into lumber, but much of it which would now be very valuable was ed in clearing the land. Among the first to establish a home within the bounds of Swan Creek township was William Meeker, who was found there in the woods as early as 1833, according to the reminiscences published in regard to the life of Peter Manor, the Frenchman of the Maumee. Another conspicuous figure in that early day wilderness was Nathaniel Leggett, an extended mention of whom is given on another page. Clearing the land and hunting was his occupation for about ten years, and there was no doubt fully as great a fascination in those pursuits as in many of our later day pastimes and vocations. He located in Swan Creek, about 1834, and he is said to have been a great worker and hunter. He encouraged settlers to its final came to the place, and did much toward starting the township on its prosperous career. Others of this township's first settlers were John Witmer, Wells Wathkins, Joshua Fassett, Thomas Gleason, David Williams, Eccles Nay, Looman Hall, Sidney Hawley, William Fewless and Jesse Browning all of them becoming residents therein prior to 1840. John Witmer settled in the northwestern part, on what is now section seventeen, in 1834. He came from Berne, one of the three leading cantons of Switzerland, and both he and his wife were natives of that country. After settling in Swan Creek, they first lived in a bark Shanty, in the woods, and on June 21, 1834, a terrible storm of wind and rain blew down the trees of the forest in a frightful manner; but fortunately not one limb struck the pioneer's cabin. In due time a portion of land was cleared and planted and a better house erected. Wells Watkins was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, April 7, 1818. He grew to manhood there, and on August 6, 1838, when but Twenty years of age, he left the place of his birth and journeyed nine days to reach Fulton county, where he settled and endured the hardships of pioneer life. The first winter he carried his grists three miles on his back to a horse mill; walked to Perrysburg to market, starting on Monday morning and returning on Saturday evening, paid fifteen dollars per barrel for flour, fifteen cents a pound for pork, one dollar and fifty cents per bushel for potatoes, etc. At that time he had to chop two and a half cords of green hickory wood for a day'S work; for which he would receive fifty cents. Indians were numerous, the nearest village was Maumee, and this state of things continued for some time after his settlement in the township. Mr. Watkins was in Company H, One 184 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY Hundred and Thirtieth regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in the one hundred day service during the war of 1861-5. Joshua Fassett was a native of Ontario county, New York, and Settled in Swan Creek township in 1834. Eccles Nay was born in, Bristol, Vermont, September 11, 1807. In early manhood he migrated to Ohio, and settled m Swan Creek township in 1834. After. paying for his land he had no money left, and no personal property of any kind except an ox team. But the few neighbors, among whom were David Williams, William Meeker and Sidney Hawley were kind and accommodating, and subsistence was partially provided from the abundance of wild game all around. The settler had to go with ox teams to Maumee for provisions, a journey of three days. Wolves were abundant, and the early settlers used to build fires to scare them away from their cabins at night. Mr, Nay was at twenty-seven log-house raisings the first summer after his arrival, and that fact gives us some idea of the rapidity with which that locality was being Settled at that time. James Nay grandfather of Eccles Nay, was one of the "Tea Party" at Boston and carried away some of the tea in his Shoes, which was in the possession of his friends at his death. He was also in the Revolutionary war and took part in the battle of Bunker Hill. In 1834, as nearly as can be ascertained, William Fewless, an Englishman by nativity, came from Long Island to Swan Creek; but the malaria and mosquitoes were so annoying that he became discouraged, and returned to his former home. He did not remain at Long Island a great while, however, before he returned west and came into Swan Creek township once more, where he lived for many years and cleared and improved a farm. He died there in 1881. John Watkins, a native of Steubenville, Jefferson county, came into this township about a year later than William Fewless, butt he was a reSident there only a few years, when his land, on the organization of Fulton township, was included therein, and in consequence his allegiance was changed. He was a cousin of Wells Watkins. Jesse Browning, who died in Swan Creek in 1867, went there from Oswego county, New York, hiS native State, in 1835, and about the Same time Alexander and Africa Spalding became settlers, also John Viers. Africa Spalding was a native of Maine, and John Viers was born in Jefferson county, Ohio. The latter died July 2, 1873. In 1836, Ormand Pray settled on land in the neighborhood of the farm known as the J. D. Lutz farm, and about this time a man named Crosby, who was a hatter by trade, located about three miles due south of Centerville. Mr. Crosby has been dead many years and left no descendants. In 1839, Jacob Reighard, a member of that provident class of people known as Pennsylvania Dutch, came from the Keystone State and settled in section twenty-eight of this township, where he lived the remainder of his life, SWAN CREEK TOWNSHIP - 185 dying in 1866. He was buried in the Raker cemetery, which burial ground was established in 1836. Socrates H. Cately, who is given appropriate mention elsewhere, was also one of the early settlers of Swan Creek township. Comose who settled her at a later date, among the more coming to be found the Templetons, Braileys, Bassetts, Blakes and Lewises. These families were all people of push, energy and resolute intellectual force, some of the members rising to local prominence as business and professional men and teachers. John Templeton, the progenitor of the Templeton family in Swan Creek township, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, September 28, 1807. Early in life he came with his parents to Ohio and settled in the thriving county of Wayne. There he lived until 1853, when he removed to Fulton county and located in Swan Creek township. The family descended from the Highland Scotch and Irish and its members were very Stout and robust. John Templeton in his best days, weighed 446 pounds, and could take an iron bar seven inches square in his hands and lay it out of his road. He was known, to lift a dead weight of a thousand pounds, but his splendid gifts of nerve and muscle. were never expended in the physical opposition of anyone. Nathaniel Templeton, grandfather of John, lived riear where Simon Girty led the Indians across the Ohio into Pennsylvania, and was with Crawford in the battle with the Indians on the Sandusky plains. He was wounded in the first day’s fight, and, overcome by the loss of blood, was captured on the third day and tomahawked and scalped by the Indians. His comrades obtained and buried his body and carried his gun home to his wife. This relic is still in the possession of the Templeton family, considerably over one hundred years old. John S. Templeton, the third son of John Templeton, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, March 22, 1833, and died in Swan Creek township in 1886. He inherited largely the physique and strength of his father, but was one of the most genial and best-natured of men. A considerable portion of his lift was Spent as a railway conductor, but he always made his home on the old Swan Creek township farm. He enlisted in Company I of the Thirty-eighth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, on August 21, 1861, was elected first corporal, and was promoted through all the intermediate offices to a first lieutenancy. He took part in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga and others, and was mustered out of service, January 4, 1864, on account of deafness. In 1857, Moses R. Brailey, being then in the prime of a vigorous manhood, came from Huron county, Ohio, and settled in section Twenty-two in Swan Creek. Mr. Brailey is given appropriate mention in the chapter on Bench and Bar. Palmer R. Lewis was born in Seneca county, New York, November 27, 1821. In 1848 he settled on a farm in this township and there spent the remainder of his life. Previous to removing to Fulton county he lived during several years in Erie county, Ohio, HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY - 186 and after removing to Swan Creek he was identified with the official affairs of the township as justice of the peace or trustee for twenty years. He was first lieutenant of Company A, One Hundred and Eighty-fourth regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in the war of the early Sixties. Orra Blake was born in Alleghany county, New York, August 25, 1821, and settled in Fulton county in 1852. Besides clearing and improving an excellent farm he built many farm buildings throughout the township and was a prominent and very useful citizen. The same year that Orra Blake settled on his farm, Wesley Knight of Middlebury, Vermont, bought and took charge of the old tavern at Centerville. Mr. Knight was born in the Green Mountain State in 1808. For nineteen years he kept the public house of Centerville, but never sold any intoxicating liquors of any kind, taking a wide departure from the example of those who had preceded him there. Centerville was formerly quite an important gathering place for the people of the township and the old tavern furnished entertainment for the traveling public before the days of railroads. There. is perhaps nothing in its annals of any great historical importance, other than the fact of its existence; but the mention of the name to some who still survive brings back recollections of by-gone days that are doubtless pleasant to dwell upon in memory. The construction of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern railroad through the northern part of the township changed the mode of travel and transferred the business center to Swanton, a few miles away. All that part of the village of Swanton which lies south of the railroad is in Swan Creek township, and comprises a population of about five hundred. The minor share of the business is on the Swan Creek side, but there are several energetic and enterprising business establishments in that section of the place. The entire village is included in a special school district, and the schools are graded to a high degree of excellence. Although it had a poor start, Swan Creek now enjoys the distinction of being one of the best agricultural townships in Fulton county. Its soil is especially adapted to diversified farming, fruit growing and truck-gardening, in which pursuits, combined with stock-raising, the intelligent and industrious farmers have met with phenomenal success. The pleasant homes arid thrifty surroundings are abundant proof of this, while an occasional handsome mansion, with modern improvements and appliances, affirms the conclusion that even in this favored land, some have been more successful than their worthy rivals. And thus it will ever be. so long as accumulated wealth is the measure of success and Cunning sits upon the throne that Merit should occupy. One of the religious landmarks of the community is represented by the Methodist Episcopal Church, now located in the village of Swanton, but originally established in the little hamlet of Centerville. In the northwestern part of the township there is a Union SWAN CREEK TOWNSHIP - 187 church, so called, belonging to no religious denomination and under no ecclesiastical control, but intended and used for united services, where any and all religious bodies of people can meet for worship. It is known as the Viers church. Another church building, erected with the same view, is the Raker Union church in the western part of the township. It was dedicated in 1881. In October, 1886, the members of the United Brethren church in the neighborhood of what was formerly known as the Union schoolhouse, in section 31, purchased the school building and removed it two and three-fourths miles east, in Section 35, upon land owned by William Phare, and dedicated it to the service of their denomination, making four churches or places of religious worship in the township. Methodism, , however is the prevailing church faith, but there are also some Presbyterians, and a few Catholics and Free Methodists, the last named being an offshoot of the powerful sect founded by John Wesley. 189 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY CHAPTER XVI AMBOY TOWNSHIP AMBOY was one of the three townships formed in old Lucas county out of the territory known as the "disputed strip." The date of its organization was June 4, 1827, a few months after that territory passed under the unquestioned control of the Buckeye State. Amboy is the northeastern corner township of Fulton county, and was originally six miles east and west, by seven north and south; but at the formation of Fulton township, two tiers of sections were taken from the south side, and in 1846, another tier was detached and added to Fulton township, thus reducing the are of Amboy to about twenty-six square miles. The surface of the country is somewhat of varied but the major portion of it is generally level, partaking somewhat the character of the land in Pike and Fulton townships. The soil is referable entirely to the drift deposits, and would be classified as drift clays. The township is traversed from the southwest to the northeast, near the center, with a beach ridge, of sand and gravel. This clay, with slight deposits of sand and gravel, covers the major portion of the territory, and is deposited with a flat and often a very level surface. This beach ridge, crossing nearly through the center of the township, has, with its branches, but a. small area, yet it crosses many farms that would be otherwise destitute of sand, and it affords to the farms and the township a desirable variety. This beach of sand and gravel abruptly terminates about two miles south of Metamora, a small village near the northeast corner. Amboy was originally covered with heavy timber, mostly of the hard wood varieties, as walnut, butternut, hickory, the various kinds of oak, beach, maple, yellow poplar, whitewood, white ash, elm, etc. These were abundant, while the buckeye, sycamore, wild cherry, ironwood and dog-wood were less generally distributed. The shrubs were the hazel, blackberry, huckleberry, Juneberry, hackberry and spice. Most of the varieties of timber and shrubs are still represented, though the best has long since found its way to the mills and markets, if not the pioneer "log heaps." The township was noted in early times for its abundance of wild animals, and was a favorite hunting ground for the Indians for many years after the cession of the land to the whites. By general consent, they were permitted to make annual visits, which they seemed to greatly enjoy. There were bears, panthers, wolves and wild-cats in great numbers, while deer and wild turkeys furnished the principal AMBOY TOWNSHIP - 189 meat foods to the early settlers. The larger wild animals were of for course many years a source of annoyance and danger. Amboy township was settled nearly as early as any of the townships in Fulton county. The first settler was undoubtedly Jared Hoadly, who entered his land in the month of July, 1833, and late in the fall of the same year moved to the township. It is found that in the early part of January, 1834, he built a cabin on his purchase, on in section seven, and made his home there for many years, until later in life he removed to Michigan. He was a very prominent man with the first pioneers, and was very influential in all the affairs of the township. He was prosperous in all his business ventures and bore well the hardships incident to early life in a new country, his home being an asylum for the distressed and unfortunate. His outlet for trade was at Perrysburg, and occasionally at Adrian. Mr. Hoadly was an active man and performed his full share of labor in the developing of the township in its very primitive days, holding the plow break to the first piece of land, and building the first cabin of which there is any record. Among the other settlers who came to this township in 1833 were Alvah Steadman, Aaron Steadman and David Steadman (the latter being the father of Alvah and Aaron), Frank O'Neil, Charles Blain, William Blain, John Roop, Joseph Roop and Alfred Gilson. The Blains were originally from Lodi, near Syracuse, Onondaga county, New York, and they first made a halt at Toledo, at a very early day, from whence they came on foot across the country westward, and settled in Amboy, then, however, under the jurisdiction of Blissfield township in Michigan. Coming here in the fall of 1833, each of them raised large families, all of whom grew to man and womanhood and have since been respected citizens of Amboy township. Alvah Steadman is supposed to have been ...the second settler in the township, but possibly that honor will have to be divided With John and Joseph Roop, yet Oliver B. Verity is authority for the statement that the best informed of the old pioneers accorded that honor to Alvah Steadman , Frank O'Neil settled where Metamora is now, located and built the first cabin in that part of the township, enjoying with his family alone the the full fruits of a pioneer's life and the honor of being ahead of the other settlers. Following the settlements of 1833, there was a large accession to the population. In 1834, David Duncan from Onondaga county, New York; also John Blain and Jerry Duncan from the same place; Lorenzo Abbott, Seneca Corbin from New York; Park White and his son, David White, Jonathan Gilson, Clark Gilson, James Hallett, John Labounty, Samuel Purdy, Joseph Richey, Nathaniel Welch and Harry Welch. Park White was a native of Vermont. In the year 1835 there came Hiram Bartlett, who first emigrated from Cooperstown, Otsego county, New York, in 1826, and settled at Port Lawrence (now Toledo), and resided there nine years before coining to Amboy township. Calvin Skinner, Cyrus Fisher, Horatio Stevens and Caleb Remilie came from Niagara county, New York. 192 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY usually had a "shake" roof, fastened on by weight poles, with a clay or puncheon floor and a door made of boards split from native timber, and fastened together with wooden pins, or, in the absence of this, a blanket hung in the opening; if a window was provided, the aperture was covered with greased paper instead of glass, The dimensions of the cabin were usually limited to the smallest size which would accommodate the family, the walls of rough logs, cracks "chinked" with split sticks or stones, and plastered with clay, with sometimes a little cut straw mixed in the "mortar" to prevent, its falling out. The chimney was usually the most liberal arrangement on the premises, and often filled nearly the entire end of the, cabin. It was generally built of split sticks liberally plastered with mud to prevent their taking fire from the heat of the tremendous "log-heap” beneath. In those days, there was no scarcity of fuel, as the timber had to be removed before the land could be cultivated, and the logs which could not be utilized in making rails, or constructing buildings, were rolled together in great heaps and consumed on the ground. With the advent of the saw mills and various other appliances for manufacturing lumber, as devised by the ingenious pioneers, the best of the timber was usually worked into lumber. A "full-dress" suit in those days consisted of buckskins, over a flax shirt, and moccasins for the feet, the latter sometimes "reinforced" by a sole of stiff leather fastened on with buckskin thongs. These were all the product of home industry, even to the raising, heckling, scutching, spinning, weaving and making, of the flaxes garments. The pioneer shoemaker, gunsmith and blacksmith were welcome adjuncts to the early settlements, as were, also, the back-woods school masters and preachers. The first schools were conducted on the subscription plan, and usually embraced only the rudiments of the "three R's." The "master" taught twenty-two days for a month, at a salary of about eight dollars per month, and "boarded around.” He was oftener selected because of his muscular development than on account of his scholastic attainments, though both were considered essential to complete success. The unruly boys of pioneer days were prone to mischief, and happy, indeed, was the schoolmaster who escaped "barring out," for a treat, on holidays. Should the master arrive in the morning before a sufficient number of the belligerents reached the scene of hostilities, they would smoke him out by placing boards over the chimney. The school "furniture" was in keeping with that which adorned the homes of the pupils, entirely home made and of the variety created for Utility rather than beauty. The desks, were puncheons, or at best planks, resting on wooden pins driven into auger holes in the logs of the wall. These were bored at an angle of about thirty degrees. Fronting the desks were stationary seats made of slabs of puncheons, with flaring legs of wooden pins and these were made high enough to accommodate the largest pupils, while the smaller ones sat with their feet dangling in mid-air. Usually there was no floor in the schoolhouse, and globes and outline maps were unknown to the pupils, and a mystery to the masters. AMBOY TOWNSHIP - 193 The “text books" comprised Dabol's arithmetic and Webster's elementary spelling book. These covered the curriculum of reading and spelling, mathematics, language and literature, history and science. The ancient "pot hooks," more difficult to form than any letter in the alphabet comprised the first lessons in writing, but were never heard of afterward. There was no system by which these characters were made hence each "master" had a "system" of his own. Sundry boxing of ears and other barbarous punishments often followed the pupil’s futile efforts at imitating these useless hieroglyphics. And yet we must credit the pioneer schools with producing a class of plain and neat writers, a feature very noticeable, and often commented upon, in the reading of ancient documents. It is equally true that most of the students of those early days were excellent spellers, according to the rules then in vogue. But the primitive schools of pioneer days have long since been succeeded by the excellent school system so nicely provided for, in part at least, by the reservation of a portion of the public domain for that purpose. For many years after the settlement of the township, religious exercises were conducted by the traveling ministers of various denominations, usually at private houses or in the schoolhouses of the township. There is one Methodist Episcopal church which was built in 1870, and the class there contains a large membership. There is also one United Brethren church which has a fair list of members. It was built in 1874. Amboy township, aside from these two church organizations in the village of Metamora, has one Catholic church, called St. Mary's, built in 1864, upon section twenty-six, and connected therewith is a cemetery especially dedicated for Catholic burials. The Methodist Episcopal church, upon the town line between Amboy and Royalton, was built in 1867. It has a small number of worshipers, and has sustained itself under adverse circumstances. The Reformed Church of Zion was built by the German residents about 1870. This society and the church edifice is due to the labors of Peter Kohl, who for years was their resident minister. The church building was located on section nine. Amboy is one of the most wealthy and prosperous townships in Fulton county. Agriculture being the principal industry, and in fact almost the exclusive occupation of the people, it has received careful and thoughtful attention, and the farmers are equipped for the varied branches of agricultural pursuits, including extensive stock raising and fruit growing. Early attention was given to the introduction of improved strains of domestic animals, and this has proved a source of pleasure and profit. The well tilled farms, with their substantial residences of modern design, or the old and well built mansions of more ancient days, together with an occasional log house or unpretentious cabin, all evince the varying degrees of prosperity attained by their owners, and emphasize the fact that "there is no place like home." The inhabitants are a class of intelligent, public-spirited people, who, in several instances, trace their lineage, with just pride, to the founders of the great republic whose perpetuity they are ever ready to defend. 194 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY CHAPTER XVII CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP THE organization of this township occurred on the 4th day of June, 1837, by taking all of town nine south, ranges and two east, and all of town ten south; ranges one and two east, excepting a strip one mile wide from the west side of towns nine and ten south, range one east, and embracing all the territory described from the "Harris line" on the north, to the"Fulton line" on the south. The house of Chesterfield Clemons was designated as the polling place of the township. The boundaries established by this action of the commissioners remained undisturbed until March 6, 1838, when the whole of town nine and ten south, range one east, was set off and erected into the township of Gorham. Then Chesterfield relinquished her jurisdiction to the territory so set off. Again, at a commissioners session held at the city of Maumee, June 5, 1843, the whole of town ten south, range two east, was taken from Chesterfield, and with alter territory south, was organized into the township of Dover. The township of Chesterfield for several years thereafter exercised municipal control over the balance, of the territory. But at some unknown date since the organization of Fulton county, the commissioners thereof struck off and set to Gorham the west half of fractional section 7, and the west half of section 18, lying west of Bean erect leaving the present township of Chesterfield as it exists today it is very nearly in the form of a square, bounded by straight line, about six miles in length, east and west, and about five miles, mirth and south. The portion near the Tiffin river is exceedingly rich, arid is not surpassed in fertility by any land in the county. The soil of the township is largely "sand openings," excepting a strip along the State line which seems to be of quite stiff clay of the lacustrine order. The Bean creek valley is chiefly "made" land and contains lar deposits of soil left by the overflow which has continued for a period of years. When drained, the land is exceedingly production. In many places sand spurs from the openings reach clown to a beach formation, leaving the creek upon its east side as a general rule. The sand lands of the township are as productive as the more level clays, and much easier to work. In the western part of the township it is, if anything, better than in the eastern part, where the surface is not as often filled with the low depression common to tht openings, and called "prairie lands." The main water, course for the streams of this township is upon its extreme western boundary, and is called Bean creek, to which CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP - 195 the streamlets of the greater part of the township lead in a westerly direction and empty therein. The waters of the eastern part are discharged mainly into Ten Mile creek, which is formed in part from the waters of the township of Royalton and Amboy, and tend generally east. In the township of Cheterfield the streams are principally ditches or drains through the prairies so prominent in the openings of the township, and wherever, there is any large area of sand deposits. All the waters of this township find their way to the Maumee Bay by two widely different outlets: Ten Mile creek, running directly east near the state line to the Maumee Bay, and the western waters through Bean creek, running in a southwesterly course to Defiance, into the Maumee river, and thence to the Maumee Bay, where they discharge into Lake Erie. The waters of the eastern part of the township flow over a very gentle slope in their long run for an outlet, as the eastern portion has but a slight inclination eastward toward Lake Erie, while the western part of the township has quite a marked inclination westward towards Bean creek, with a general, but a very slight dip southward. Chesterfield has an altitude of about two hundred and thirty-five feet above the water level of Lake Erie. There is no outcropping of rock, but a few glacial boulders in the township. The drift overlying the rock is from one hundred and sixty to one hundred and eighty feet in depth, the largest share of which is the Erie or blue clay. The Detroit Southern railroad traverses about five miles of the central portion of the township, with a station known as Oak Shade. The Toledo & Western electric railway is also a "common carrier," traversing the northeastern part of the township. The township is fairly well supplied with well kept roads. In the early days, the territory of Chesterfield was a popular hunting ground, the heavy timber in portions of it affording excellent cover and favorite resorts for all the larger game found in the country. Even after the general settlement had progressed for some years, large game was plentiful and hunters were well rewarded for the time spent in their favorite sport. Heavy timber of the usual varieties found in the county covered a good portion of the township, this being relieved only by small patches of prairie in the "openings." It is known that Chesterfield Clemons and his family were the first white settlers within the limits of Chesterfield township. They selected their home here, October 6, 1834. Mr. Clemons was a native of New York, being born in Ontario county, that State, in 1797, and in 1821 emigrated to Painesville, Ohio, from whence he came to this county as stated. Animated by the true pioneer spirit, as he must have been, Chesterfield Clemons and family bravely penetrated into an almost undisturbed wilderness of what was then southern Lenawee county, and commenced to make a home for himself and family. His faithful and untiring industry, privations and hardships, were largely instrumental in converting a howling wilderness into a flourishing and enlightened community. Mr. Clemons came in the morning of life with his children and wife, possessed 196 - HISTORY OF FTILTON COUNTY of little else than willing hands, stout hearts, and sincere and honest desires. This family endured trials and dangers, sorrows and tribulations, unknown to the later settlers, because they were alone in the wilderness with no thought save to grapple with their dangers and adversities. Chesterfield Clemons lived but a short time to see the fruits of his labor, or the wilderness blossom as a rose. He died at his home in Chesterfield township in the year 1842. The first election held in the township was ordered at the house of Chesterfield Clemons, and he was accorded the honor, which now stands as a monument to his memory, of having the new township named for him—Chesterfield. One of the earliest settlers of Chesterfield township was Garmer Willett, who is spoken of more at length in another chapter. His father-in-law, or rather the man who was destined to become such, Daniel Parsons, came to the township in 1834, and lived to prosper and spend his last days in ease. Definite information as to the date of settlement of many of the early pioneers is not obtainable; since early records of the township Seem to have been imperfectly kept. The first school teacher in the township was Flavel Butler; Lyman Beebe built and operated the first mill. Mr. Beebe was born in West Bloomfield, Ontario county, New York, July 7, 1808, and was one of the pioneers of Fulton county, where he settled in 1840, and purchased six acres of wild land in section 27, Chesterfield township at three dollars per acre. He built the first steam saw mill in the township, in 1844, and twelve years after built one in section thirteen. His first mill was located on what is known as the Crittenden farm, on the south side, and the second he conducted for a number of years and then abandoned it. George P. Clark was born in Rhode Island, and settled in Chesterfield township in 1834. He located upon section twenty-three but some years later he sold out and went to Michigan, where he died in 1872. Alanson Briggs came to this township in 1834, and settled upon section five. He came from the State of New York, city of Utica. He kept a hotel for several years to accommodate the immigrants who were rapidly filling up the country, the building being located on the premises afterward owned by Elizur Clark. Mr. Briggs was a colonel of the State militia of Ohio, which at a later period held general muster at Aetna, in Pike township. Mattson Briggs died in 1879. In the fall of 1836 a mail route was established and run from Toledo to Lima, Indiana, over the old territorial road, sometimes called the Vistula road, being the first mail service in the township The distance was one hundred and ten miles and the mail was carried twice a week. There was but one postoffice between the terminal points and after passing four miles west of Morenci, Michigan, the road laid through a continuous Stretch of unbroken forest for thirty-three miles. John S. Butler, who is spoken of in the chapter on Early Set- CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP - 197 tlements, was then a boy of about eleven years and carried the mail on horseback twice each week for a number of years. The Butler family was quite prominent among the early settlers. Harlow Butler was born in West Bloomfield, Ontario county, New York January 4, 1798. He was seized with the western fever in 1835, and on his way to Ohio in the time of the Toledo war, was taken prisoner, but was retained only a short time. He settled with his family in Chesterfield township in 1836, and planted a nursery with apple seeds, which his son, Derwin E., had washed out in Bloomfield, before leaving the old home. For sixty years the orchard thus started has been one of the best bearing ones in the township. The members of the Butler family were pioneers in the truest sense, as they were the fourth to settle in Chesterfield township. For a long time the family was dependent upon the rifle of the father and the eldest son, Derwin E. Harlow Butler was the first justice of the peace. In the township, and the first and only school examiner under in old regime. In the latter capacity he issued the first forty-seven certificates to teachers, and as justice of the peace he held the first law-suit, which was Simmons vs. The State of Ohio, for settling on school land. The oldest son, Derwin E. Butler, was born in Cataraugus county, New York, May 28, 1822, and came with his parents to Chesterfield township in 1836. He was a machinist and music teacher and was a very useful man to the community. He died at his home in the township in the spring of 1886. John B. Roos was born in Duchess county, New York, in 1791, and came to this township in 1836, settling upon section twenty-four, where Mr. Roos died in 1859. A son, John P. Roos, parents came with his ts to the township. William Onweller was born in Maryland, May 29, 181z, and came to Fulton county in 1835, settling upon section twenty-three of Chesterfield township. He was a very industrious citizen and accumulated considerable property. He died March 20, 1864. Samuel Stutesman came to the township in 1837 and settled upon on section fourteen. Heman A. Canfield came in 1838 and settled upon the farm afterwards owned by John S. Butler, on sections and thirty-two thirty-three. Jacob Boynton came in 1835 and bought of Chesterfield Clemons some thirty acres of land, which was afterwards owned and possessed by Elizur Clark. He afterward sold out and moved from the county. Alfred C. Hough was born in Onondaga county, New York, and came to Chesterfield township in 1836, where he settled on section twenty-one. He held the office of auditor of Fulton county, serving with satisfaction to the people and credit to himself, and was the first school examiner, while the territory belonged to Lucas county. He was several times honored by the people of the township in an election to important positions. James M. Hough was born in Onondaga county, New York, June 10, 1819, and came to the territory when a young man, settling upon section twenty-one, where he raised a fine family. He filled for a 198 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY time the position of postmaster at Oak Shade and also township treasurer. George W. Patterson was born in New Hampshire, and came with his family to this county in September, 1838, settling in Chesterfield township upon section thirty-one, where he lived many years. In 1849 he sold out and settled in Dover township, where he in 1869. Jeremiah Sheffield and his wife, Sarah, were married in Newburg, Orange county, New York, on October 10, 1838, and started the same month for Ohio, landing in Chesterfield, November 11, 1838 where, with the aid of John P. Roos and Charles Smith, they selected the land upon which they lived the remainder of their lives. Nathaniel Parsons and family came to Chesterfield in February 1835. At one time Mr. Parsons went to mill at Tecumseh, thirty miles away, and the mother divided what bread they had in the house among the children, and the family, lived on fractional rations while he was gone. James S. Dean, Sr., came to this township in October, 1838, from Chemung county, New York, and settled upon sections twenty-for and twenty-five. Nehemiah Cone came in 1835 and settled on section twenty-four. Gersham Livesay came in 1836 from Elmira, Chem county, New York. David Lee came in 1837. He was the fa of Peleg S. Lee, who became noted as a cheese manufacturer at Fulton county. David Lee liyed upon his farm in Chesterfield township until his death in 1850. In 1834, 1835, 1836 and up to 1840, many came to the township of Chesterfield that have not been heretofore named, who had much to do with improving the country. Mention of some of these will be made, who have been particularly identified with the township. They were: Nathaniel Butler, Hiram Butler, Manley Hawley, Flavel Butler, Daniel Fausey, James Aldrich, Hyson Aldrich, Cicero H. Shaw, James M. Bates, George W. Roos, Thomas Welch, Isaac Stites, Benjamin Stites, William Stites, William Richards, Lothrop Briggs, who first settled what was afterward known as the Dean farm; James Livesay, Joel Briggs, son of Lothrop Briggs; Warren Beebe, George W. Kellogg, Azariah Shapley, Daniel F. Turner, Amaziah Turner, Philip Whitehead, Joseph Thorpe, father of Washington, Lewis and Jesse Thorpe, who became prominent farmers of the township; Sartiuel Ranger, who came in 1835; Elizur B. Clark, Mrs. Ama Welch, Gideon Clark, Marietta Turner, and Adaline Whaley. All of the last five named were children of George P. Clark and his wife, Elizabeth. Amaziah Turner came in 1835, settled on section six-teen, and died many years ago. George W. Bates was born in Livingston county, New York, April 4, 1825, and Settled in Chesterfield township in 1842. He became quite prominent as a farmer and dairyman, and filled the position of township trustee for five years. Elizur B. Clark was born in Orleans county, New York, January 6, 1826, and although young at the time of settlement, he was an early pioneer of Chesterfield township. The family settled in Fulton CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP - 199 county in 1834, but afterward moved to Michigan, where the father, George P. Clark, died on September 13, 1872. Returning to Fulton county, E. B. Clark became a man of character and influence and filled several offices of trust in the township, being highly respected by his neighbors. From 1840 until 1850 there came to this country and settled in Chesterfield, David Marks, who came from Ashland county, Ohio ; William E. Pennington, from Somerset county, New Jersey, in 1847; Ephraim Pennington came with his son William. The father was a soldier of the Revolution, and died at his son's residence, aged ninety years; Josiah Lee, in 1845, settled on section twenty-two; Peter Powers, and his wife, Julia A. (Kennedy) Powers, in 1849, on section nineteen; Harry L. Smith and his wife, Eunice ; Charles Bowen in 1843; he came from Berkshire county, Massachusetts, and married in this county to Miss Julia A. Baldwin; William Lee and family, in 1846; they came from Gorham; William A. Williams and his brother, Edward, in 1845; Ezra Mead and William E. Parmalee, in 1840; Thomas Cuff and Asahel Kennedy in 1840; John W. Bradley, James H. Turner, Jesse Thorpe, Washington Thorpe, Chauncey Bulkley, Asahel Scofield, John Moffett, Fletcher Bishop, Lewis A. Lee, Almon M. Lee, Charles McKenzie, Clarkson Warne, Lafayette Sherman, Peter Romans, Oliver Todd, Oliver Griffith, John H. Martin, Moses LaRue, Daniel Clock, Samuel Stout, William Holben, William Lee, James Martin, John Smith, Isaac Jones, Peter Jones, Jackson Jones, I. Schoonover, Holloway H. Beatty, and his sons, Sidney S. Beatty and Whitfield Beatty, who came from Sussex county, New Jersey, in 1845 Eustice Leggett, John Stites, Samuel Gillis, who under the present constitution was honored as the first probate judge of the county. He died many years ago. David Marks was born in Ashland county, Ohio, August 28, 1837, and came with his parents to Fulton county, eight years later. He belonged to Company H of the Third Ohio Cavalry, during the war of 1861-65, and served as General Wood's body guard, dispatch carrier etc., until discharged on account of illness in 1862. Afterwards he re-enlisted in the one hundred days' service. Josiah Lee, a pioneer farmer of Chesterfield township, was born in Holmes county, Ohio, October 6, 1823. He moved to what was then Lucas county, in 1845, where he remained for over three years, when sickness in his family compelled him to return to Holmes county. In 1855 he moved to Fulton county and settled in Chesterfield township on section twenty-two, at which time he purchased 120 acres of land, a farm that he afterwards increased to 157 acres. He held different offices of trust in the township during a period of twenty years, among them being the office of assessor for three years. Few postoffices, possibly not more than one or two, have ever been established in Chesterfield township. But the "star route" system distribution has been superseded in recent years by the admirable system of rural free deliveries, and the need of country offices is no longer felt. CLINTON TOWNSHIP - 200 CHAPTER XVIII ROYALTON TOWNSHIP THIS is not the largest, nor is it the wealthiest and best improved township in the county. But the soil is largely of what they called in the early days, "low lands," under the excellent system of under draining and ditching has become unsurpassed in fertility. The higher lands, though good for grazing fields and reasonably productive in the growth of grain and fruits, are less fertile than the redeemed swamp or marsh lands. The main water courses run through the center of the township, a northeasterly course, and are but a continuation of the waters of Ten Mile Creek, referred to in the history Amboy township. This stream has its rise in the adjoining township of Chesterfield, on the west. Another prominent water course comes out of Michigan and runs south, just west of the village of Lyons, and empties into Ten Mile Creek. The waters of the greater part of this township empty into Ten Mile Creek, and flow with a gentle slope in their long run for an outlet. The strew upon the southern side find their way south to Swan Creek ash Bad Creek, coursing their way down to the Maumee river, and emptying therein, by two different outlets, into Maumee bay. The land was originally covered with a large growth of excellent timber, which, instead of adding to its value in the early days, involved a large amount of labor and expense in the removal and the preparation of the soil for cultivation. Much of this was rolled into log heaps and burned on the ground, a prodigal destruction of much Wealth, had it existed in later years. The principal varieties of timber were the black walnut, hickory, sugar maple, burr-oak, butternut, wild cherry and elm, on the lower lands, with oak, ofttimes of a Scrubby variety, on the higher or uplands. Royalton was the fourth township in its organization m the county, being organized June 4, 1837. Since its organization there has been but one change in its size, when the three southern tiers of sections were taken from it and added to the newly created township of Pike. As is well understood, it is in the northern tier of townships and lies between Amboy on the east and Chesterfield on the west, Pike bounding it on the south and the State of Michigan on the north. There has been a little difference of opinion as to who was the first settler in the township, but Eli Phillips is generally accorded that honor. Mr. Verity, who took a great deal of interest in local ROYALTON TOWNSHIP - 201 history and wrote quite extensively upon the Subject, thus disposes of the question of the first Settlement in Royalton township: “Coming into the territory, as these early settlers did, from the east, by the lake or the so-called white prairie schooner, upon its southern shore, through Ohio, or from the North, through Canada, via Detroit, it was quite natural that these explorations should be solely confined to this territory. Not Until 1832, did entries begin be made. In this year Eli Phillips entered his land, and his charter right to it (a deed and seal), was signed by Andrew Jackson, president of the United States. Early in the season of the following it year Eli Phillips, with his young wife, started from the vicinity of Adrian for this disputed Strip, and located where he had purchased the year before, upon sections ten and eleven, town 9 south, range now 3 east, now in the township of Royalton, which was then an unbroken wilderness for at least seventy miles due west, and none nearer on the south than the Maumee river. Who, of today, would by willing to take such a step for a home, then of so little money value and face the difficulties apparently insurmountable, to make one of greater value? Accustomed as he was to the Berkshire hills of old Massachusets, where he was born, in the land of the Puritans and of learning, with his young wife, Vesta (Arnold) Phillips, and children, we must realize that in that time the trial was a severe one, but through all these difficulties there was no repining. Mr. Phillips has kept that land, and he lives upon it today [1888]. It was fifty-four [now seventy-one] years ago that he erected the log cabin, the first of this township, and also the first upon the soil of Fulton county. Very soon after Eli Phillips settled in this township, others followed, and came to stay. Butler Richardson, it is said, was the next to follow Eli Phillips. He came in May, 1834, from Niagara county, New York, and settled upon section 15. He was born in Ontario county, New York, June 30, 1806. In later years he returned to Niagara county, where he was married to Elizabeth McCumber, on October 1, 1839, and came from there to Fulton county, and became one of the successful farmers of Royalton township. He had a family of three children. On the first of February, 1866, his son, Chapman, was supposed to have been murdered, while he was caring for the stock. On that fatal morning the barn was set on fire and consumed. His bones were found among the ruins, together with the remains of nineteen head of cattle. Prosecutions were made, but no convictions obtained. At in same time Mr. Richardson lost a large amount of hay and farm utensils." George W. Welsh, another of the pioneers, was born in Montgomery county, New York, October 13, 1804, and came from Niagara county, that State, to Royalton in 1834, settling upon section 15, where he lived and reared 'a large family. During his life he was called upon to fill the several offices of township trustee, justice of the peace, township clerk, and assessor. 202 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY Barney M. Robinson was another old pioneer of the township. He was born in Dutchess county, New York, March 5, 1812, and with his wife came to this county in 1839. Before locating here, he had been called out by General Brown, of "Ohio and Michigan war" fame, and participated in the military maneuvers of that bloodless affair. But this was not even a taste of war, and on March 1, 1861, Mr. Robinson enlisted in Company I of the sixty-seventh regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served eleven months, when he was honorably discharged Charles D. Smith, who came to this territory during the stormy contest for ownership of the disputed strip, was born in Orange county, New York, July 24, 1811, and came to Fulton county in 1835, settling on section 7. He died at his home in Royalton township, October 21, 1858, in the prime of his manhood. He was a highly respected citizen, and was thrice honored by the people of the county by being elected to the position of Sheriff. Amos Rathbun came to Fulton county in 1837. He was the among men of that time who came to make a home and was ever willing to endure the hardships incident to a pioneer life. He was born at Salem, Connecticut, January 20, 1812, and grew to manhood among the thrifty New Englanders, being fully prepared when he came to Fulton county, as a man, to meet the Indian ground, and subdue an almost unbroken wilderness. Mr. Rathbun built the first schoolhouse in his neighborhood, of logs, with a floor of Split puncheons, hewed upon the face, the seats and desks being of the same material. It was built upon the corner of his farm, one mile south of the present village of Lyons. In later years he left the county and settled near Weston, Lenawee county, Michigan, where he died August 18, 1887. Jenks Morey came to this county in 1838, from Mentor, Lake county, Ohio, and settled upon section 9, Royalton township, where a large part of the village of Lyons is now built. He kept the first hotel in the township, in 1850, in a fine wooden structure, in hotel accommodations were furnished for years. He died after many years of toil in the wilderness, November 15, 1871. Elias Richardson came to Royalton township May 14, 1836, and settled first upon Section 9, but afterwards bought eighty acres adjoining, on Section 10, upon which he built a frame house in which he resided the greater part of his life. He was one of the directors of the plank road which was built in 1850, from Toledo to Morenci, Michigan, and built eleven miles of the road. Thomas Richardson came at the same time of his brother Elias, and Hiram Richardson came in 1837, a year later, all of them being from Niagara County, New York. Elias. Richardson was twice honored by the people of the county with the office of county commissioner, and served six years. John Sturtevant came in 1835, Joseph H. Applegate in 1834, and Witt L. Windship in 1835. Benjamin Davis came in 1838, from Dutchess county, New York, and became a very successful farmer ROYALTON TOWNSHIP - 203 and business man of the county. Ansel H. Henderson came in 1835. He was born in Niagara county, New York, November 22, 1813, and after settling in Royalton was recognized as a leading man, filling the offices of assessor, township trustee, and other positions of trust. George B. Brown came in 1836. He was born in Connecticut and was honored by being chosen as the first sheriff of Fulton county. In 1836, there came to this township many families whose members have been honored citizens. Amos H. Jordan and Henry Jordan came from Vermont ; A. C. Osborn, who Settled on Section 15, came from Montgomery county, New York ; Jared Hoadley, David L. Buler, who first settled in Royalton township in 1836, and several years later, 1855, bought a farm in Amboy and moved there ; Ebenezer S. .Carpenter, Mordecai Carpenter, Willey Carpenter, John T. Carpenter and Snow Carpenter. "Uncle" Billy Smith came to this township in 1833, with, or Soon after, Eli Phillips. Smith was a bachelor. Warren Dodge settled in the township in 1834, coming from New York. Joshua Youngs Settled here in 1835. The same year David Wood settled on section 9. Frasier Smalley came in 1834, and in 1835 came William and Charles Blain, brothers, who settled in the eastern part on the line of Amboy and Royalton townships. Alpheus Fenner was born in Berkshire county, Massachussets, July 29, 1813, and settled in Fulton county in 1838, on section 10, of Royalton township, being one of the pioneers of the county. He filled the office of constable and other positions of trust. Enois C. Daniels was born in Madison county, New York, December 22, 1814, and settled in Fulton county in March, 1840, where he built the first frame hotel, first church, brick building, dwelling house and block in Lyons, and the first grist-mill in Royalton township. Samuel Carpenter came to Lenawee county, Michigan, in 1828, and from there to Fulton county, in 1843, consequently he had more experience in pioneering than most of the persons named. He settled on sections 21 and 22, just sixteen miles south of Adrian At or near the hamlet called Logan (now Adrian) Mr. Carpenter spent most of his boyhood days. Michael Forester and Patrick Burroughs came to this county in 1840, and the former lived to be over one hundred years old. David Potes came in 1840, John Hinkle in 1838, and Nathaniel S. Ketchum in 1835, the latter being from Orange county, New York. John, Erastus and James Welsh came in 1838, from Niagara county, New York. Many others came during the same period whose names have been lost or not definitely ascertained. The early schools are Spoken of in the chapter on "Educational Development," but it is perfectly germane to say here that the educational interests in Royalton township have kept pace with the Onward march of civilization in other directions. The log structure of pioneer days soon gave place to the more pretentious buildings of the middle period, and these, in turn, to the modern and finely 204 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY equipped buildings of the present day. Among the first teachers of the township were Miss Olive Green and Warren J. Hendrix. Elder Hodge, a Baptist minister, was the first preacher in the township, and Colonel Lathrop of Lucas county preached in the very easy days to those of the Universalist faith. The first church was the Universalist at Lyons, in 1862. There are now four churches in the township: one Universalist, one Disciples in Christ (both of these being in the village of Lyons,) one Free Methodist and one Methodist Episcopal, the last two being on the eastern border of the township. The first burial places in the township were usually private grounds, established on the farms as necessity required; but finally public cemeteries were laid out, and these "cities of the dead," of which there are several in Royalton township, receive the care and attention that is due them. Almost all the early families obtained their flour at Tecumseh Michigan and those who did not were compelled to go further before finding another mill. Probably the first saw mill constructed and operated in the township was built in 1850, by the Plank Road Company, and it was located on the west side of the present Lyons cemetery. James Baker of Gorham was the manager of the mill, which was used exclusively for sawing plank for the road. The mill in later years, was moved to Gorham where it was owned and run by Thomas F. Baker. There is but one small town in Royalton township� Lyons or Morey's Corers, the postoffice name being the former. From the days of its existence it has been a popular trading point, and in later years it has progressed until it does quite a flourishing business being sustained by an excellent farming country. In writing of churches, schools and other public enterprises, this village has been frequently mentioned. The various industries incident to town of this size, together with the social, religious, educational and political functions, are all represented, while the mercantile and other business interests are quite extensive. Rural postoffices for the accommodation of the people were early established, some of which were kept in the farm houses. They have been discontinued on the adoption of the admirable system of "rural free delivery," which brings almost every farmer in daily contact With the outside world, and his mail is left at his door. Add to this the convenience of the modern telephone, and the isolation of country life is reduced to the minimum. CLINTON TOWNSHIP - 205 CHAPTER XIX CLINTON TOWNSHIP PREVIOUS to March 5, 1838, the territory of Clinton township, excepting the two tiers of sections on the south, was attached to York township for the convenience of the people in the adjustment of local affairs. On the date above written, Clinton township was organized by taking from York township towns 7 and 8 north, ranges 5 and 6 east, and the first election therein was held on the first Monday of April, 1838. Clinton township originally included in its domain what is now German township, and all of Dover which lies south of the Fulton line. This territory was taken from Clinton, of course, when the townships named were erected; and the last change in boundary, which gave Clinton its present size, was made under the provisions of the act erecting Fulton county, said act giving to the new county and Clinton township a Strip of land two miles in width, taken from the northern border of Henry county. The adjoining townships to Clinton are York on the east, Dover on the north, German on the west and Freedom township, in Henry county, on the south. The topographical features of the township are not very striking, if to be so comprehends a great variety of natural scenery. The broad and fertile fields, rich and productive, are the principal sources of agricultural wealth. The first settlers of the township were of the class of the heroic pioneers who were identified with the settlement of all of this portion of Ohio. They were seeking homes on productive soil, and hence the lands of Clinton township were very generally occupied by actual settlers at an early date in the history of the present limits of the county. In December, 1835, EliSha Williams removed from Seneca county, Ohio, with his wife and four grown-up children - John H. Williams, Jerry Williams, Burt Williams, and a daughter who became the wife of Thomas Lingle. Mr. Williams and his son, John H., came to what was called the "Six Mile Woods" in October, 1835, and erected a cabin on the farm which was afterward owned by Elijah Burr; and then returning to their Seneca county home, they came on with the family in December, and established themselves in their new domicile. About this time, and perhaps a little later than the first visit of the Messrs. Williams, Thomas Lingle came into the township. He was a bachelor, and about two years afterward, on January 7, 1838, he was united in marriage 206 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY to Miss Lucinda Williams, eldest daughter of the first settler. This was the first marriage contracted in the township. In 1836, a large accession was made to the settlements of the year before, and among the number that came to the township were: Avery Lamb, who brought his family from Onondaga, NewYork, in June, and Settled on Section twenty-four, having come alone the previous winter and built his cabin ; and John Losure and family came in the Summer of 1836. In April, 1837, Isaac Tedrow and family and William Mikesell and wife came and settled, the former on Section nine and the latter on section fourteen. In September of the same year, a large party arrived, consisting of George Mikesell, Sr., and his sons, George, Jr., Adam, Thomas, and James, and a daughter, MrS. Mary Case, and her Son, T. J. Case (then nine years old), who died in 1904; Thomas Bayes, Sr., and his sons, William and Meek, and their families. These all settled in one neighborhood. Elisha Huntington seems to have been the first man with his family to have entered Clinton township in 1836, March being the month of their arrival. He Settled upon section twenty-five, and became one of the foremost men of the township in that early day, continuing an active life until his death in 1866. William Fraker, who in later years was a prominent citizen of Clinton township, was also one of the pioneers of Fulton county. He was born in Ohio, January 19, 1822, and in boyhood came to Fulton county in 1835. He lived in York township for a number of years, and then moved to Clinton township, on section eighteen and became a very successful farmer. The first election in Clinton township was held at the home of John LoSure, Sr., on the first Monday in April, 1838, at which fifteen votes were polled, and the following persons were elected to the several offices: Elisha Williams, justice of the peace; Thomas Bayes and Jonathan Barnes, trustees; William Jones, Sr., clerk. It is impossible to give the names of those who voted at this first election, but the names of those who were residents of the township at the time of its organization will Suffice. The list may not be complete, but as near as can be ascertained the following settlers were then living within the limits of the township: Elisha Williams, Avery Lamb, Horace Pease, John Losure Sr., William Bayes, Elisha Huntington, Erastus Briggs, Sr. Cyrus Coy; William Jones, George and Thomas Mikesell, Thomas McKibben, Jonathan Barnes, Asa Young, William Mikesell, Samuel Beck, Isaac Tedrow, William Dye, Henry Krontz, St. B. Geer, S. B. Willey, Isaac Dowel, Holmes Bishop, ThomaS Lingle, Samuel Gould, Lewis and Samuel Eckhart, John Lillick, Jonathan Inman, Ebenezer Keizer, George Mikesell, Sr., Adam Mikesell, Thomas Bayes, Sr Meek Bayes and Philip Krontz. Among the old pioneers of Clinton township is William W. Bayes, who was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania. He was reared to manhood in Holmes county, Ohio, and in 1837 migrated to Fulton county and located in Clinton township. At that time Fulton CLINTON TOWNSHIP - 207 county was in a state of nature, but Mr. Bayes took up a piece of land which he began farming. He became a prominent and influential man, and was very active in all church affairs, services being held in his house until they could find larger quarters. The town elections were also held at his log house for several years, such was the public spirit manifested by him. Thomas McKibben came to America from Ireland, in which county he was born in 1806. He came to Fulton county in the early part of 1838, and lived in Clinton township until his death in 1873. Henry Krontz was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and settled in Clinton township in 1836. He was born in 1800, and early in life took up his residence in Holmes county, Ohio, and from there removed to Fulton county, where he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1874. Thomas Lingle was born in 1807, and hence was twenty-nine years old when he came to Fulton county. He purchased 160 acres of land in Clinton township, paying therefor $1.25 per acre, and lived in the township until his death, March 23, 1886. After the first two years of the advance guard in this wilderness home, there commenced a rapid influx of settlers to Clinton township, to whom vantage ground was given by the assistance of the first dwellers and workers, but the newcomers soon became used to the toils of a frontiersman's life. Among those who came during the few years following the organization of the township were: Joseph Wells, James C. Cornell, Jacob First, Robert McClarren, John Newcomer, John A. Clark, Jacob Funk, James Pease, John Hartman, George Beal, Jacob Miley, Matthias Miley, Joseph L. Royce, L. T. Morris, James Dunbar, John J. Clark, Shipman Losure Linfoot, William Harrison, David Gorsuch, Nathaniel Gorsuch, William Hill, David Cantlebury, Jesse Pocock, Israel Pocock, Jonas Batdorf, Jerome Shaw, Ford Lyon, Henry B. Williams, Anthony B. Robinson, and many others who came to the township to make for themselves and families a home. Joseph Wells Was born in Holmes county, Ohio, October 14, 1817, and settled in Clinton township in 1838. James C. Cornell was a native of New Jersey, and settled in Clinton township in 1839, where he resided until his death in 1882, at the advanced age of seventy-six years. In early life he was engaged in the tailoring business, but later gave his entire attention to farming. Jacob First was born in Wayne county, Ohio, April 18, 1818. It is not known definitely just when he came to Clinton township, but he was married here on November 29, 1842, so it is certain that he located here prior to that date. His wife was Miss Lucinda Geer, daughter of Smith and Orlinda Geer, who settled in Fulton county in 1840. Robert McClarren was born in Maryland January 28, 1809, and settled in Fulton county, February 6, 1836. though it is not certain that Clinton township was the place of his first residence. HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY - 208 John Newcomer was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1807, and removed to Fulton county, in 1844. John A. Clark was born in Allegheny county, Maryland, September 19, 1829. He was a son of Ebenezer and Mary Clark, both natives of Maryland, and as a youth accompanied them to Fulton county, settling in Clinton township in 1841. Jacob Funk was born in Wayne county, Ohio, February 13, 1818, and settled in Clinton township in 1843. James Pease was born in New York, May 4, 1821, and settled in Clinton township in 1842. He was an earnest church worker, and gave freely to Christian enterprises, especially the erection of beings for public worship. John Hartman, Sr., and John Hartman, Jr., father and son, settled in Clinton township in 1845. The younger man was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1830, and one year later the family emigrated to America, first settling in Fairfield county, Ohio, then, in 1845, removing to Fulton county. The father was born in 1800, and died in Clinton township in 1850. Joseph L. Royce was born in Lyme, Connecticut, in settled in 1809, and Clinton township, in 1842, locating on section twenty-one L. T. Morris was born in Ontario county, New York, in 1821 and settled on section eleven, Clinton township, in 1848. John J. Clark was a native of Pennsylvania and settled in Clinton township, in 1839. Nathaniel Gorsuch was born in Wayne county, Ohio, July 1, 1824, and settled in Clinton township, on Section seventeen, in 1848. Jesse Pocock was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, in 1828, and in 1842 came to Clinton township with his parents, Eli and Catherine Pocock. who were natives of Maryland. They settled on the northeast quarter of section twenty-six, paying therefor three dollars per acre. Henry B. Williams was born in Lindley, Steuben county, New York, in September, 1816, and was a son of Cornelius Williams. He spent his early life in Geneva, New York, and while quite young was thrown upon his own resources and compelled to take care of himself. He settled in Geauga county, Ohio, in 1833, and, in 1837, removed to Medina county, where he lived until 1853, when settled at Lena, Fulton county, and in April, 1866, came to Wauseon and engaged in the saw and planing-mill business with his son Henry Holmes Williams. He retired from active business in 1880 and died a few years ago. Anthony B. Robinson was, born in the valley of Salt Wayne county, Ohio, September 28, 1825. His father was a farmer living in Salt Creek valley, and there Anthony B. spent the days of boyhood and youth, working on the farm and attending school. When he was eighteen years old, he attended Edinburgh Academy, in Wayne county, preparing himself for teaching and civil engineering. After sortie four or five terms at the academy, he commenced CLINTON TOWNSHIP - 209 teaching and so continued for twenty-eight terms, gradually taking rank with the best and most successful instructors of the county. For four years he was one of the principals of the Fredericksburg school, which was a "summer and winter" school. Mr. Robinson followed teaching and working on a farm until 1862, devoting his leisure time and to the study of civil engineering, with the intention to go to Iowa and follow surveying; but the unexpected death of his father materially changed his plans for the future, and he decided to remain in Ohio. During the year 1862, he came to Fulton county and took up his residence on a farm about one and one-half miles southwest of Wauseon. In 1871, he was elected county surveyor and held that office for twelve consecutive years; and in the office of justice of the peace of Clinton, township, he served for an unbroken term of eighteen years. Clinton township does not differ materially from the other town ships of the county in regard to early industries. The pioneer mills, churches and schools had their existence, and with the exception of the latter, have mostly passed away, with the increasing prominence of Wauseon as a marketing and trading point, coupled with the superior advantages of the village in a religious and educational way. The principal grain drops are wfieat and corn, for the product, and which the soil is admirably adapted. Corn is the staple product, and his is largely fed to cattle and hogs, these being the source of a large income. Horses and sheep are also raised with profit, on the rich grazing fields afforded on the productive farms, and which are not used at the time for the cultivation of crops. It will not be out of place here to mention a couple of seasons, of which there is no record excepting in the memory of the very oldest residents. The summer of 1838 was very dry, so that the ponds were nearly all dried up and a large number of cattle died, of bloody murrain. Again, during the long and very cold winter of 1842-3, many of the later-coming settlers were short of feed for their cattle. To help out they cut elm and basswood trees and drove the cattle in to browse, thus keeping in them alive until grass started in the spring. There are twelve school districts in Clinton township, exclusive of the Wauseon public schools, and one special joint district at Pettisville. With a carefully graded course of study, these give the persisting students the advantages of a good common school education, and fit their graduates for the ordinary business of life. The work of the common schools should not be passed without mentioning two teachers who for years, during the 50's, taught in northeastern Clinton township, and left their impress on the youth of those days, These teachers were John McIninch and Roswell Raymond. In the year 1854, the Air Line division of the New York Central and Lake Shore system of railways, then. known as the Southern Michigan & Northern. Indiana (which it was always called in the early days), having been extended far enough west of the city of To- 210 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY ledo, its initial point, to pierce the site of the present county seat of Fulton county, it waS clearly apparent that somewhere in this vicinity a new village would be located. Epaphras L. Barber, at that time a young man and one of the civil engineers engaged in the survey and construction of the road, learned of the probability that a station would be established at the present site of Wauseon, and in conjunction with John H. Sargent, who was assistant chief engineer of the road, Nathaniel Leggett and William Hall, the latter being an attorney of Maumee City, bought of Thomas Bayes, one hundred and sixty acres of land, which comprised what is known in the records of the county as the original plat of Wauseon. Mr. Hall was interested in the transaction only until the completion of the laying out of the lots in the original plat, and he then sold his interest to Mr. Leggett. The residence of Mr. Bayes at that time, the only structure on the present village site, was a log building standing a few south and west of the court house. Thomas F. Wright was the surveyor employed to "lay out" the town and the plat was recorded in the County Recorder's office on April 11, 1854. Then the sale of lots began and the erection of buildings was commenced. Though a considerable settlement was made on the town site, during the few years following this action on the part of the proprietors and founders, the town was not formally incorporated until 1859. The original plat of the town contained one hundred and forty-eight in-lots with alleys between abutting lots, all being bounded by streets of proper width, Fulton street, the principal business thoroughfare, being one hundred feet wide. It is easy to imagine that the course of the streets was marked by blazed trees, for the virgin forest was as yet undisturbed by the ax of civilization, with a few exceptions only. It is not possible to produce a complete and accurate list of names of the first dwellers in the town; but the first house built on the site of Wauseon after it was laid out, was erected at the corner of Birch and Fulton Streets by E. L. Hayes. It occupied the place where now stands the spacious three-story brick block, owned by the Masonic fraternity of Wauseon, F. R. Smallman and F. C. Bogart. The old structure was a two-Story frame house, its first floor being utilized for a general or country store by Mr. Hayes and his family lived up stairs. In 1871, for the purpose of making room for the brick building, it was removed to the farm just at the southeast edge of the village, now owned by Alfred F. Shaffer, became the upright of a very comfortable and roomy farm dwelling. Thus, E. L. Hayes was the first merchant to establish him business in Wauseon, and John Williams built the first tavern. It was a frame dwelling and stood on the corner of Beach and Fulton streets, being first known as the Estelle House. Its first land lords and proprietors were W. E. and D. 0. Livermore, who came to Wauseon from Utica, New York, their native city and State Gen. E. L. Hayes, who is now a resident of Glen Ridge, New CLINTON TOWNSHIP - 211 Jersey, in a letter to Joel Brigham of Wauseon, gives the following historical incident in regard to the naming of the future county seat “Now I may mention the way the name of the town was selected. In the spring of 1854, the proprietors of the land, Messrs. Leggett, Barber and Sargent, met at my store for the purpose of selecting a name. Litchfield, Hayesville, and several other names were mentioned. While sitting at the dinner table Mr. Leggett Said to my oldest daughter, 'Hortense, perhaps you can suggest a name.' She replied; “Mr. D. W. H. Howard visited us a few days ago, and he remarked that he was pretty sure the hill west of the Station was the ground upon which a tribe of Indians (the Maumees) were once camped and a council was held there for the purpose of purchasing the lands of that tribe. The name of the chief was Wauseon.' My daughter was so impressed with the recital by Mr. Howard that she stated it as above to the proprietors, and in a few days thereafter we received the word that Wauseon had been decided upon as the or the town." With an honorable record of more than fifty years of existence, Wauseon well sustains her long established reputation for solidity and the merited compliment of being a good town. The men who established the little hamlet in the woods, in 1854, founded that on, reputation and their descendants and successors have well maintained it. The religious and educational affairs of the village also received early attention and liberal support. Merchants were aggressive and public spirited, their stocks often rivaling in value those exhibited by present day dealers. But if the reader will stop and reflect, he will observe that all the business of the earlier days, as well as at present, was closely related to agricultural supremacy. Fulton was then as now the center of one of the richest agricultural districts in the United States, a distinction which the locality has retained with creditable success. All business was directed towards handling the products of the farms and in supplying the farmers' needs. The early settlers and business men of Clinton township were generally people with agricultural tendencies and traditions They sons of farmers, and parental traditions and customs are strong within the human breast. These men purchased land, cultivated and improved it, erected dwelling houses and lived out their allotted days in the peace and harmony of the quiet community their industry had established. Wauseon has a population of two thousand one hundred and forty-eight according to the census of 1900. It contains a number of handsome and expensive residences and public buildings, while the average homes evince the air of thrift and prosperity in their surroundings, in keeping with the industry and frugality of the occupants. The village contains fewer poor and squalid residences, indicative of poverty and miSery, than most villages of its size. The sanitary conditions are excellent and the drainage system as 212 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY good as can be had. The board of health and sanitary officers are vigilant in the discharge of their official duties, and the streets and alleys are kept in the most perfect Sanitary condition. A well organized and trained volunteer fire department is equipped with the latest and best apparatus for the purpose designed. The efficiency of the department has been demonstrated on many occasions. A police force, the guardians of the public peace and property, although few in number, are noted for their efficiency in the line of official duties, and the village marshal, Frank Yarnell, has received high commendation for successful detective work. He and his deputies are courteous and obliging men, to whose vigilance and alertness, the village boasts, is due the Small percentage of unlawful acts. The municipal government of Wauseon for the present year (1905) is as follows : Mayor, A. P. Biddle; Street commissioner, and marshal, Frank Yarnell; chief of the fire department, Philip Schletz ; clerk, A. S. Bloomer; treasurer, H. A. Barber. The council is organized as follows: W. D. Van Renssellaer, president; John Strong, W. H. Eager, Howard Lyon, Charles Cole and Thomas Mikesell. The board of health is organized with Frank Yarnell as health officer. The nucleus of the present city library originated in 1875, when the cultured ladies and gentlemen of Wauseon took hold of the matter in earnest and organized the Citizens' Library Association. The books were kept at various places in the town until 1902, when a room in the court house was secured, which place is the home of the library at present. The first librarian after the association was organized was Miss Eva Boughton, who was followed in that capacity by different ones. Finally, Mary S. Hunt was given charge and she has continued to serve as librarian for several years. In 1904, negotiations were opened with Andrew Carnegie, looking to a donation by him to Wauseon for library purposes. The effort successful, the steel magnate agreeing to give seven thousand five hundred dollars upon condition that the citizens of Wauseon would furnish an annuity of seven hundred and fifty dollars to support the enterprise. The board of education of the Wauseon school district invoked the power, which is given them by statute, and levied a tax of one mill upon the property valuation of the district, and thus guaranteed the satisfaction of Mr. Carnegie's proposal. The Carnegie library building iS now in course of erection on Elm street, just off Fulton street, and the same will be completed and made ready for occupancy at the earliest possible moment. It will then be a popular resort, much appreciated by the studious citizens of all ages ; and Wauseon may well be proud of her public library, where three thousand choice volumes await the call of its patrons. Wauseon is represented in journalism by three weekly newspapers, but as these have been given appropriate mention in another chapter, a repetition is not necessary. Nothing like an extended notice of the various religious organizations which have CLINTON TOWNSHIP - 213 existed in the village of Wauseon can be attempted in this volume. The little leaven planted so many years ago has grown to mammoth proportions, and no town of like size in the State of Ohio possesses greater evidence of spiritual growth, or more devout and conscientious leaders in the great cause of Christian life. Several churches have been organized from time to time, in which the teal of their promoters exceeded the demand for their services, hence they had but an ephemeral existence. But of the persisting organizations which have grown to prominence and influence, there are several, and their present day status is the best evidence of their high Standing liberal Support. The history of early Methodism in Wauseon dates from the first year of the town's existence, and is centered around a wooden house of worship, which stood at the northeast corner, of Fulton and Elm streets, where now is the brick block belonging to the Charles Gray estate, the upper floor of which is occupied by the printing office of the Wauseon Republican, The present church was erected in 1874, and is an imposing structure. Many familiar names have been associated with this congregation, and many distinguished divines have been connected with the organization. Rev. W. W. Lance is the present pastor. There are in Wauseon devout and pious Catholics; but their numbers are small, and a missionary priest, at stated periods, holds service. They have a church edifice, and few as are the numbers of these worshipers, they command a high degree of respect from co-religionists on account of the firmness they manifest in holding fast to their faith. First Baptist church of Wauseon was organized in 1864. The first regular pastor was Rev. George Leonard. The congregation has a neat church building on the west side of Fulton street, south of the railroad. The Disciples, or Christian church, in charge of Rev. Charles Oakley, is located on the northside of Elm street, east of Fulton, regular services are conducted. The United Brethren in Chrit have an organization in Wauseon the church being located on the east sides of Fulton avenue. Rev. Oren Misamore is pastor in charge and conducts services every Sunday, twice each alternate Sunday. There is an Evangelical church building, located on West Chestnut street, in Wauseon, and quite a number of professors tenets of the of that creed are in the village and neighborhood. The distinctive faith of New England Congregationalism has been prominent in the religious culture of the citizens of Wauseon, a number of its leading families being from the land of Puritanism. The Congregational society of Wauseon dates back to 1861. Their handsome, new and commodious place of worship was built and dedicated in 1904. It stands on the southeast corner of Clinton and Elm streets.. The public burial place of Wauseon is located one-half mile west 214 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY of the village, just beyond the corporation limits. It comprises ten acres of mound-shaped land, and is far enough away from the busy bustle of village life to give it the quiet and seclusion which one always associates with a burial place for the dead; hence the selection of the site, which has been beautified as the years passed, until it is now an ideal spot. It contains the mortal remains of several of Fulton county's most distinguished citizens, whose final resting place are rendered conspicuous by the erection of worthy monuments. The private citizen and the soldier are equally honored by the reverence and sacrifice of surviving friends, to the end that this sacred spot is rendered beautiful in keeping with the sadly reverential purpose which made its existence a necessity. The business interests of Wauseon are varied and extensive. The mercantile houses compare favorably in extent, variety and quality of goods with any town of equal size in the state. The volume of business is very large when the close proximity of rival towns is considered. The mercantile houses are generally backed with resources commensurate to their demands, and the element of losses from bad accounts is reduced to the minimum, by reason of the stable cjharacter of the buyers. Perhaps no town in the state, of equal size, has a smaller percentage of losses from bad debts. This is due, in part, to the fact that buyers are permanent residents, usually owning their own homes, though the element of honesty and business integrity among them is a dominant feature. The social spirit of Wauseon is revealed in the following list of secret and benevolent societies: Masonic—Wauseon lodge No. 349, F. and A. M.; Wauseon Chapter No. 111, R. A. M.; Wauseon Council No. 68, R. and S. M. Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Wauseon lodge No. 362. The Grand Army of the Republic has as organization—Losure Post No. 35. Auxiliary to this is the Woman’s Relief Corps. There are lodges of the Knights of Pythias (No. 156). National Union, Modern Woodmen of America, and Knights of the Maccabees. It would be interesting to have the history of these various organizations, particularly the more important ones, but lack of space forbids the attempt. GORHAM TOWNSHIP - 215 CHAPTER XX GORHAM TOWNSHIP THE territory embraced within this township is peculiar for having been in four township organizations, to-wit : Logan, Medina and Chesterfield, of the eat part, and Millcreek, of the wetern part, and fifthly, and lastly, Gorham. As originally organized the township included all the land now within its limits, excepting three tiers of sections on the west, as well as one-half of the township of Franklin, which lies north of the Fulton line. The organization of Gorham dates from 1838, and its original territory has since contributed to the formation of Franklin township. Upon the organization of Fulton county, in 1850, three tiers of sections were taken from the east side of Millcreek township, in Williams county, and attached to Gorham; and again, at some period of time since the organization of the township, and by the commissioners of county, the west half of sections seven and eighteen was detached from Chesterfield township and attached to Gorham, so that at present the township contains nearly forty-four full sections of land. Gorham is not only one of the most fertile and naturally wealthy townships of the county, but it is also one of the most prosperous in its material development. The course of the streams through the township is generally southeast towards Bean creek, which runs upon its eastern boundary, crossing the southeast corner, and thence southwest across Franklin on its southern boundary. The water power afforded by Bean creek was utilized in a very early day, when the primitive mills were hailed with delight by the industrious pioneers. The first permanent improvement which was made in Gorham township is credited to Hiram Farwell, who came early in the fall of 1834 and settled on the east side of section ten, town nine south, range one east, now called Ritter's Station, on the Canada Southern railroad. He came from the State of New York with his wife, and raised a family of three girls and one boy. He was a man much esteemed by the early settlers for his candor and peace-making peculiarities in the whole range of his social circle. He sometimes preached and was often called to minister comfort and consolation to mourners at funerals and helped to lay at rest their dead. He has long since passed to that bourne from whence no traveler returns. On December 31, 1834, in the evening, David Severance and his wife, Esther, arrived in the township of Millcreek (that portion of it which is now in Gorham) and located for themselves a farm on the 216 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY north side of section thirty-six, town nine south, range one west of the meridian, which placed them among the early settlers of the original township of Millcreek, Williams county, and the sec family in the present limits of Gorham township. David Severance was born in the State of Vermont, and his wife, Esther (Knapp) Severance, was born in Jefferson county, New York, July 3, 1797. She died February 17, 1887, and David Severance in 1844. Both died upon the farm on which they first settled. They came to in Ohio 1819, soon after marriage. At the death of Esther Severance she ;eft six living children. (having, buried four), fifty-one grandchildren eighty-two great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren and many of this lineage are now living in the township of Gorham. Among the settlers of 1834 that can be remembered were Abijah Coleman, town nine south, range one west, with a wife and family, Waldron and Alfred Severance came at the same time, with their father and mother, David and Esther, and soon became the main support of a large and growing family. Among those that came in 1835, that can now be called to mind were William Lee and his wife, who settled in Gorham in March 1835, upon section thirteen, town nine south, range one east of the meridian. William Lee was born at West Bloomfield, New York, in June, 1797, and died in Chesterfield township in 1854. He settled in Michigan about 1825, came to Gorham township in. 1835, and lived there until 1845, when he removed to Chesterfield. Mr. Lee was a tanner and currier by trade and upon settling in Gorham township became engaged in that business. He was justice of the peace and clerk of Chesterfield township at the time of his death. The very earliest of the settlements of Gorham township commenced just south of the Harris line, and north of this line many settlers had located at an earlier date. Very soon settlements commenced in the southwest corner and center of the township. They were John Gillett, Gorham Cottrell, Sr., September, 1835; Freeman Co June; Clement Coffin in June, and in September, 1835, Sardis, J and Erastus Cottrell. Gorham Cottrell, Sr., was born in Worthington, Hampshire county, Massachusetts, and died in Gorham township, which had been named for him, in 1852. He entered several hundred acres of land, and, with the assistance of his sons, cleared and improved the same. He was a very influential man. Just north of and contiguous to the Harris line were Henry Meach, Justice Cooley, James McCrillis, Sr., Orville Woodworth, Abel Perry, John Gould and Henry Teneyke, whose lands lay principally in Ohio. In the spring of 1835, came James Bakerl and wife, who settled on section fourteen, town nine south, range one east. They came from Pittstown, Rensselaer county, New York. He died many ago, his wife preceding him. In 1852 he built a saw-mill in Royalton township, just west of the present village of Lyons, and sawed the planks for that and the adjoining townships, for the plank road built in the season of 1853, and which road was laid out upon what is known in history as the Vistula road, leading from Toledo to CLINTON TOWNSHIP - 217 Morenci, Michigan. James Baker was followed the same season by Martin Lloyd, Stephen Chaffee, William Sutton and Asa Butler. William Griffin was born in Westchester county, New York, and settled in Gorham township on August 8, 1837, with a wife and four children. He was a cooper and carpenter, but in early life began farming and followed that occupation until his death in 1843. In the season of 1836 came Levi Crawford, Philip Clapper, John Whaley, John C. Whaley, Aaron Price, Nelson Fellows, John Danielson, his wife, Catherine, and son, Daniel Danielson. Calvin Ackley came in 1840. He was born in Winfield, Herkimer county, New York, in 1815, settled in Fairfield county, Ohio, in 1836, and in 1837 purchased a farm of one hundred acres, for which he paid two and one-half dollars per acre. In 1840 he settled with his family in Millcreek township, or rather on that strip which was then in Williams county but is now a part of Gorham township, and he resided in Gorham the remainder of his earthly career. He purchased one hundred and fifty acres for three hundred dollars, in 1842, which he cleared and placed under cultivation. He was the first postmaster at Fayette and held that office for several years. He was also a justice of the peace and a member of the school board for many years. Of the later settlers for 1837, 1838, 1839 and 1840, it is found from the best information on the subject, that they were George McFarland, John Jacoby, Elisha A. Baker, Simeon Baker, Lucius Ford, Nathan Shaw, Hosea Ford, Elijah Snow, wife and family, three boys and three girls; Wendal A. Mace and wife, one boy and two girls; George W. Sayles and family, Alfred Whitman and wife, Abel Paul and family, Nathan Salsbury and Nathan Salsbury, Sr., Joseph Sebring, Josiah Colvin, Milo Rice, John Kendall, M. D., James L. Griffin, Amos Kendall, M. D., Hiram Hadley, Alanson Pike, Rensselaer S. Humphrey and James P. Emerick. Of these we find that John Jacoby a native of Pennsylvania, came into what is now Fulton county, in 1835, and died here in 1842. Nathan Shaw was a pioneer settler of Gorham township, coming here in 1838, and was born in Hampshire county, Massachusetts, in 1820. He removed to Michigan in 1833, and after coming west taught school for several terms. He became one of the representative men of Fayette; was justice of the peace, township treasurer, town clerk and a member of the school board for over thirty years. He purchased his farm, consisting of eighty acres, in 1844, but afterwards traded it for another, on which he spent the remainder of his life. He lived to see the wilderness cleared and the land blossoming as the rose, a country inhabited by the red men when he came settled by civilized people, and dotted over with school houses and churches. Elijah Snow settled in Fulton county in 1839. George W. Sayles was born in Oneida county, New York, in 1807, and settled in Gorham township in 1838, when he purchased his homestead, consisting of 120 acres, for $250. Justus L. Hale was born in New York, May 218 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY. 3, 1815, and settled in Fulton county in 1842. Willard E. Gay was born in Herkimer county, New York, March 29, 1815, and settled in Fulton county in 1841, his father, William Gay, having removed thither the previous year. Willard E. Gay filled the office of infirmary director of Fulton county. Benjamin F. Russell was one of the early settlers of Gorham township, coming here in 1844, and was born in Rochester, Monroe county, New York, in 1818. He became engaged in the grocery and provision business at Maumee City, in 1841, but sold out and became a salesman, at Seneca, Michigan, in 1842. Two years later, he came to Gorham township and purchased a farm of thirty acres for which he paid $120. To this he added until he owned at one time nearly five hundred acres of land. He was a very active and successful man. Almon J. Rice was born in Oneida county, New York, May 29, 1812, and settled in Gorham township in 1844. James L. Griffin came in 1837, when a mere boy, with his parents, William Griffin and wife, and consequently became well versed in the many trails of the early settlers and changes in the township and county. He was born in Delaware county, New York, in 1826. Amos Kindall, M. D., was born in Monroe county, New York, September 28, 1820, the son of Dr. John Kendall, who is spoken of on another page, Amos Kendall filled the position of postmaster at Fayette, and was justice of the peace sixteen years. Within the first ten years a very large immigration set towards this township, mostly from central New York, and as Hiram Farwell first opened the forest to the sunlight, it was left for those to put the finishing touch to all that was primeval. They were Michael Martzolf, Ansel Ford, Sr., Asa Cottrell, Daniel Hoffman, Benedict Zimmerman, Cornelius Jones, Henry Emerick, John Saltzgaber, Oliver B. Verity, Day Otis Verity, James Henry Verity, Jacob Woodward, Abraham Van Valkenburg, Ephraim, Sergent, Truman L. Scofield, Jacob Cox, Martin Beilhartz, William H. Conrad, Amos Ford, Philander Crane, Israel Mattern, Jacob Mattern, A. P. Boyd, Joseph 0. Allen, Jacob Demerrit, John Gamber, Henry Gamber, George Acker, Sr., George Acker, Jr, Charles Hoffman, Samuel Hoffman, Isaac Hoffman, Daniel Hoffman, John Paul, Obediah Griffin, John Woodward, Stilly Huffman, William Davis, Daniel Bear, William C. Ely, Joseph Ely, Benjamin Dee, Stephen Hicker, Franklin Ford, Amos Belden, Bainbridge Belden, John Mallory, Peter Holben, George W. Kellogg, Truman Whitman, John B. Kimmel, John D. Brink, Jared Parker, Peter F, Chambard, William F. Ward, Junius Chase, J. P. Ritter, Jacob Hipput, Thomas C. Lester, J. L. Wise, George Lewis, Ebenezer Lloyd, Lyman Ellsworth, George F. Dubois, George Graves, David F. Spencer, Edward Gamble, A. Amsbaugh, Rjal Sweatland, Henry T. Caulkins, Daniel Rhodes, Oliver Town, Uriah S. Town, Hosea Harmdon, Isaac Town, John W. Lilley, George Gamber, Henry Punches, Samuel Farst, Hon. A. W. Flickinger, William Plopper, GORHAM TOWNSHIP- 219 W. P. Garrison, William Thompson, John Wiley and Josiah Woodworth the latter being killed by lightning about 1846. He was living, when killed, in the part taken from Milkreek township. Daniel Hoffman settled in Gorham township from Seneca county, New York in 1844, although he was a native of Pennsylvania. He died in Gorham township in 1873. Henry Emerick, an early and influential settler, who carne here in 1849, was born in Seneca county, New York, January 18, 1826. He purchased his homestead of eighty acres. in 1851, the land adjoining the corporation of Fayette. He served as trustee of the township, and was an active member of the Agricultural Society. Abraham Van Valkenburg was born in Kinderhook, New York, in 1820, and settled in Gorham township in 1847, where he purchased eighty acres of land. Ephraim Sergent was born in Rutland county, Vermont, in 1808, and settled in what is now Gorham township, but what was then Lucas county, in 1835. He purchased his homestead farm of eighty acres, in 1836, and cleared and improved it, besides liberally educating his fourteen children. Truman L. Scofield was born in Onondaga county, New York July 5, 1820, and settled in Fulton county in 1844. He was a stock raiser and farmer. Martin Beilhartz was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, December 5, 1803, and emigrated to America in 1833, settling in what is now Fulton county. He was a shoemaker by trade, but became a successful farmer and stock raiser. William H. Conrad was born in Johnstown, Fulton county, New York, in 1818, and settled in Fulton county, Ohio, in 1845, with a cash capital of sixteen dollars. But before his death he owned 490 acres of the best land in the county. Philander Crane settled here in 1837. Israel Mattern was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, April 5, 1818, and came into Fulton county, in 1846. He served as justice of the peace for twenty-five years in Gorham township, and also filled the offices of township trustee and school director. Jacob Mattern, also a native Pennsylvania, settled in Gorham in 1846, where he engaged in the manufacture of wagons and carriages, was deputy sheriff of the county and active in other public affairs. He enlisted in. Company K. of the Thirty-eighth Ohio regiment, in August, 1861, under Colonel Bradley, was discharged on account of disability and died at his home in May, 1862. John Gamber was born in Seneca county, New York, in 1819. In early life he learned the carpenter trade, which he followed until he purchased his farm of 160 acres, in 1845, in Gorham, and for which he paid $460. He settled on the farm in 1846 cleared it, and in 1863 sold it and purchased a half interest in the stearn flouring mill of Humphrey & Allen. In 1869 he sold his interest in the mill and purchased the Fayette hotel, and in 1872 sold the hotel and became engaged in the real estate business. He was street commissioner at the time of the incorporation of the village of Fayette, and he also served as treasurer of the village. He was one of the most active business men of the town, but in 1880, he retired from business life. Samuel Hoffman, a pioneer farmer of Gorham township, but who 220 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY later engaged in the mercantile business, was born in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, June ii, 1824, and was a son of Daniel Hoffman, who came to Gorham township from Seneca county, New York, in 1844. Daniel Hoffman was born in 1798, and died in Gorham township in 1873. Samuel Hoffman commenced business life as a poor man in 1845, when with his brother he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, for which they paid $555. He became engaged in the mercantile business in 1875, and in 1880 he erected two brick store buildings in Fayette. William C. Ely settled in Fulton county in 1848. He was born in Knox county, Ohio, April 1, 1831. William Ely, father of William C. was a native of Pennsylvania and settled in Fulton county in 1848, and lived here the remainder of his life. John D. Brink was born in Ulster county, New York, September 19, 1807, and settled in Gorham township in 1844. Jared Parker was born in Rhode Island, in 1819, and settled in Fulton county in 1848, the county being thinly settled at that time. He commenced teaching school in Gorham township, however, in 1840, and taught seven years, summer and winter. After taking up his residence in the township he filled the office of justice of the peace nine years, township clerk fourteen years, notary public six years and postmaster at Fayette six years. Peter F. Chambard was born in France October 12, 1822 came with his parents to America in 1836, and settled with them in Wayne county, Ohio. In 1851, he came to Gorham township, where he followed successfully the business of farming and stock raising. Jacob P. Ritter, who was a leading and influential man of Gorham township, was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, in 1824. He apprenticed himself to the carpenters trade and became a master builder and jobber. After locating in Fulton county, he at once evinced a great interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community. He became interested in the building of the Chicago and Canada Southern railroad and assisted in procuring the right of way. He held the position of tie inspector and was in the employ of the railroad for a number of years. He was the first ticket agent at Ritter's Station, established the postoffice and was appointed postmaster at that place. He served as justice of the peace for two terms, town clerk, assessor, trustee, and in 1874 became engaged in the grocery business at Ritter's Station. Thomas C. Lester was born in Cayuga county, New York, February 22, 1819, and settled in Fulton county in 1848. John L. Wise was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1829, and settled in Fulton county with his parents, Hon. J. Wise and wife in 1848. He was a member of the One Hundred and Eighty-ninth regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the war of 1861-5. George F. DuBois settled in Fulton county in 1847, having been born in New York, April 28, 1814. George P. Graves was born in Massachusetts, June 23, 1841, and as a child came with his father Perry Graves, to Fulton county, in 1852. GORHAM TOWNSHIP - 221 Edward Gamble was born in Leicestershire, England, and with a family of three sons migrated to America and settled in Richland county, Ohio, in 1841, coming to Gorham township in 1845, where he died in 1882, at the age of eighty-eight years. At the time of his death he owned 235 acres of land and had proved himself a successful farmer. Henry T. Caulkins was born in Otsego county, New York, April 15, 1830, and with his father, Charles Caulkins, settled in Fulton county in 1845. He became quite prominent as a stock raiser and farmer and filled the office of township trustee and school director. George Gamber was an early settler of Gorham township, and was born in Seneca county, New York, April 22, 1821. He settled in Fulton county in 1854 and purchased a farm of 185 acres. He served as trustee of the township for twenty years and held other local offices. Henry Punches was one of the early settlers of Fulton county, and was born in Seneca county, New York, in 1821. He settled in Gorham in 1850, and purchased a homestead of eighty acres, which under his management was finely improved. He served as township treasurer for nine years. William P. Garrison was born in Richland county, Ohio, March 12, 1847, and settled in Fulton county, in 1868. As before stated, Hiram Farwell was the first settler, and it is supposed that he erected the first cabin in which white people dwelt. The first saw mill was erected near the western limits of Fayette, by Rensselaer S. Humphrey. Henry Boyd of Maumee City, was the first merchant in the township and opened his store at Fayette, in 1852. The first election of which we have any record occurred at the house of Erastus Cottrell, on the first Monday in April, 1838, but the names of the fortunate ones—who were called from obscurity and compelled to withstand the trying ordeal of having political honors thrust upon them—have not been preserved to posterity. The town of Fayette, which had a precarious existence for the first years of its life, gradually assumed the proportions of a thrifty town. Prior to the construction of the Canada Southern railroad, it was scarcely a business center, and had a small population, though there were successful business enterprises located in the village. But with the building of the railroad, and the establishment of a station there, the town began to take on life, and soon thereafter was incorporated. It is supported by a rich agricultural district, remote from formidable towns, and is an extensive shipping point on that branch of the Lake Shore railroad. Its business men are a class of progressive and enterprising people, who command ample capital and first-class facilities for the transaction of the large volume of business. Though it has not made rapid strides in growth, its population is mainly of that solid, permanent character which adds financial strength and stability. According to the census of 1900, the population is eight hundred and eighty-six. The town has well- 222 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY built residences and business blocks and good educational advantages and church facilities. Gorham is well supplied with district schools now, in striking contrast with the log houses and antiquated instruction of former days. Among the early teachers in the township were Oliver B. Verity, Lucinda Rogers, Elizabeth Freeman and Minerva Cottrell - all "sturdy knights of the birch," if it be proper so to designate the ladies. The soil of Gorham township is generally fertile and well adapted to the raising of all kinds of grain, grasses and fruits. The valleys of the small streams are rich and productive, and as a whole the soil of the township is of excellent quality. It was originally covered with a fine growth of timber, in which the hardwood varieties predominated. GERMAN TOWNSHIP - 223 CHAPTER XXI GERMAN TOWNSHIP THIS township was organized March 4, 1839. Since its organization the territory has been Subdivided once, and has had two material additions, which give to it a territory considerably greater than an exact congressional township. German township was organized by the commissioners of Lucas county from towns seven and eight north, range five east. It will be noticed that this extended the township to the Fulton line on the north, but did not include the two Southern nor the two western tiers of sections. The territory bordering on the Fulton line, was lost when Franklin township was organized, March 1, 1841, and the additions on the west and south were made when Fulton county was organized, in 1850. The present limits of the township extend seven miles north and south, and eight miles east and west, with four sections of land—in the form of a square—taken out of the southwest corner. This gives to the township fifty-two sections of land and makes it the largest subdivision of Fulton county. German township was settled, as was Fulton county generally, by people from older portions of Ohio, intermixed with others from Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York, with an occasional immigrant from the mother country, and a considerable number from the fatherland. Descendants of these early pioneers people the township to considerable extent, but of later years it can be said that the population is becoming more cosmopolitan. But whatever their ancestry or wherever their birthplace, the residents of German township are a class of intelligent and progressive citizens, many of whom are highly cultured and intellectual. This township has but a small number of running or unfailing streams. The largest of note is Bean Creek, formerly known as Tiffin river. It drains the northwest corner of the township, and in its course is very crooked and sluggish, and passes into Williams county in a southwesterly course to the Maumee river, by which all the waters of the entire township reach Lake Erie. Brush creek has its rise near the center of Dover township, and is given some prominence from the springs of the sand area near Spring Hill. It runs in a southwesterly course, and receives a few streamlets, mostly upon its south Side, made principally by drainage from the fram land, and traverses the township of German south and east of its center, and leaves the township South of Archbold, thence making its way to Bean Creek, into which it empties near Evansport, in Springfield township, Williams county. In the western part of the 224 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY township there are a few small branches that lead west to Bean Creek, but these are quite insignificant as to a water supply. Since drainage has been going on the declension of water in the wells, and other sources of supply, is alarming in case of extreme drouth. The only permanent supply can be had by deep borings, which, in some places, afford an artesian supply. Traditional history at best is unreliable, but becomes especially so when transmitted to the third or fourth generation. No written record exists as to the first Settler in German township; neither have we all of the names of the first officers of the township. But herewith is presented a list of the earliest settlers, early business men and officials: In August, 1834, the first settlement was made in this township by German or Swiss pioneers. They were Nicholas King, who afterwards returned to Wayne county, Ohio, on account of an accident that befell him, but he soon came back; Jacob Bender, wife and seven children ; Christian Lauber, wife and four children ; George Meister, wife and five children; Jacob Grunday wife and five children, and Moses Kibbler, wife and six children. Accompanying these families from the fatherland were Henry and Jacob Roth, Christian Reigscker and Michael Figy, all young man and unmarried. They were also accompanied by one John Gundy, who stayed but a short time and then returned to Wayne county from whence he came. This colony was composed of forty-three persons, all told, and most of them were from Milihausen, a small town in Switzerland. Besides these were on or two families from the north of France, but nearly all fresh from the Old World. The first house put up by these colonists was erected by Christian Lauber very soon after his arrival, upon section 10. The rest of the heads of families soon selected their land, and cabins were built in quick succession. These were all the persons that came to this township during the year 1834, according to Mr. Verity, to whose work we are indebted for the above Statements. Again, in 1835, it is found that John Reynolds and his family came to the territory from Vermont, and Settled on the east bank of Bean Creek, then within the township, now in Franklin. In the present limits the same year it is found that Augustus Hull and wife, Peter Wyse, wife and children ; Peter Leithy, Christian Funkhouser, Peter Rupp, W. Greiser and family, Christian Beck and family, George Ditto and family, and perhaps Mr Kanipe, and possibly others whose names cannot be recalled, found homes here. In 1836 there came Henry Lutes and John Lutes, both doctors and preachers, Roswell Reynolds, son of John Reynolds, and Ira Eaton. The last named came from Seneca county, Ohio, and an afterwards laid out the town of Etonburgh, which had for its early beginning a few log huts. George and William Johnson came in 1836 from England, and bought a large property on Bean Creek, on which they afterward built what was called Johnson's Mills, a saw and grist-mill. The George Johnson, here mentioned, was the GERMAN TOWNSHIP - 225 father of Hon. Solomon Johnson of Williams, who has represented that county in the legislature two terms.. In the year 1837 one of the most prominent immigrants was Benjamin Brown, who settled on section 5 in the spring of that year, and who afterwards located on Section 17. He came from Vermont. The Same year came Jonathan BarneS and Dorsey Barnes, but the latter left Soon after and Settled in Gorham. They came to the township in 1837, from Virginia, and Jonathan Barnes became a very prominent man and a leading citizen of German. In 1837 also came Samuel Burkholder and family, Peter Noffsinger, John Rivnaugh and Benjamin Lee, from England, Samuel Gibbons and family with Joseph Noffsinger, from France. In 1838 and 1839 another influx of immigrants occurred, for which the township was further indebted for all that was to advance its agricultural and, educational interestS. Among the Settlers in that year were Samuel B. Darby, Jacob G. Wilden and family, James F. Rogers and family, Michael Gish, the first hotel proprietor in the township at Eatonburgh, James Smith, Joel smith, a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal church, John Reid, Henry Roth, John Wyse, Christian Recknor, Peter Rupp, Jacob Depler, and their families, Joseph Sander, Hugh Fairchild, Augustus Clare and their families, and perhaps many others equally worthy of mention, but whose names are forgotten. James F. Rogers, a pioneer and early, leading and influential citizen of German township, was born in Putnam county, New York, December 19, 1814, and Settled in Seneca county, Ohio, with his parents in 1832. From there, in 1839—after having spent his youth and early manhood, assisting his parents on the farm and working out by the month—he came to German township, Fulton county, and purchased a farm of eighty acres, paying therefor $175. He erected his cabin, and then returned to his Seneca county home. In October, 1842, he came to German township again and lived in his log cabin, not having money enough to provide a better place. But by his perseverance his financial condition changed and he became one of the prosperous farmers of the township. Jacob Rupp was a native of Switzerland, who came to America and settled in German township in 1840. After living here for several years he removed to Allen county, Indiana, where he died. During the decade, 1840 to 1850, when the county of Fulton was organized, the population began to increase with rapidity, which gave strength to the agricultural industry. Among the settlers of those years was Albert S. Fleet, who came with his family in 1840, and thus became a pioneer settler of German township. He was born in Steuben county, New York, in 1817, and purchased his farm in German township in 1839, but did not remove his family here until the year following. He became very active in the interests of agriculture, and was president of the county society for several years. He sold his farm in German township, in 1874, and lived the remainder of his life in Wauseon. 226 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY Other immigrants during the above mentioned decade were Jacob Lipe, Moses Stutesman, George Gasche, Peter Noffsinger, Joel Smucker, Samuel Ames, Christ Kloffenstein, William McCucheon, Peter Short, George BettS, John L. Betts, Anthony Moine, Peter F. Goll, Joseph Schad, Fred Crouse, Peter Weaver, Jacob Leininger, John Leininger, Jacob Vernier, George Vernier, Peter Kloffenstein, Peter Grimm, J. A. Wolverton, J. P. Flora, Jacques Greiser, Samuel Wait, William H. Dickason and perhaps other families. George Gasche was born in Germany, May 1, 1819, and Settled in Fulton county in 1841. Peter F. Go11 was a native of France and emigrated to this, country, June 24, 1836, and with his family settled in German township. They came over in the sailing vessel, Albany, and made the passage in thirty-seven days. Mr. Goll purchased his farm of eighty acres on section 24, and added thereto until he owned 600 acres. In early life he learned the wagon maker's business, but after settling here devoted his entire attention to farming. Upon landing in America, Mr. Goll first Stopped for a time in Stark county, Ohio, and from there made the trip to German township in November, 1836, ox teams being the mode of conveyance and eighteen days the time consumed. John Leininger was born in Alsace, in 1821. Jacob Vernier was born in France, January 11, 1838, and with his parents settled in German township, in 1846. George Vernier was born in France in 1811, and Settled m Fulton county in 1846. John A. Wolverton was a native of New Jersey, and came to Fulton county with his family and Settled in German township. He enlisted in Company G, of the Sixty-eighth Ohio as a drummer, in 1861, and served three years, being discharged in November, 1864. He afterwards served as trustee of his township and was otherwise locally prominent. He died, May 17, 1882. Samuel Wait was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, May 22, 1829. He was of Welsh and Scotch descent, his grandfather having been a Revolutionary Soldier and his father served in the War of 1812. Mr. Wait came to German township in 1846, and for years was proprietor of a hotel at Archbold. William H. Dickason was born in Ashland county, Ohio, November 10, 1822, and settled in Fulton county in 1846. His business was that of a carpenter and joiner. Archbold is the principal town in German township ; and it also holds third and hopes soon to become a competitor for the second position among the towns of Fulton county. It was laid out in 1855 by Haywood & Ditto. The United States census tells a story progress in its returns of the population of the village: 1890, seven hundred and eighty ; 1900, nine hundred and fifty-eight. Since the taking of the last census, however, it has had a good growth, but as no enumeration has been taken, the population can only be estimated. The present officials of Archbold are as follows: Mayor, John Theobald; clerk, 0. W. Hill; treasurer, John W. Winzel GERMAN TOWNSHIP - 227 Services of the Methodist Episcopal church in German township date back to early times, when the first traveling ministers of that faith in the township were Austin Coleman and McEnder Capp. Lilly Bridge was the first preacher of the United Brethren in Christ. His labor was missionary and occurred in 1838. The first quarterly meeting in the township was held by the Rev. John Jones, an early elder in the Methodist organization The first preaching by the Amish was at the house of Christian Lauber, in the fall of 1835 by Christian Beck, and then a Society was organized which is still in existence. The M. E. church at Burlington was the first organized body of that faith in the township ; the Catholics built the first church. At present, the following denominationS are represented in the township and each organization receives a good support: The New Baptist, New Mennonite, German Baptist, Methodist Episcopal, Old Lutheran, Amish, the Eckley branch of old Amish, Episcopal, Catholic, Lutheran, German Reformed, and Episcopal Methodist 228 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY, OHIO CHAPTER XXII FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP THE commissioners of Lucas county, on the first day of March, 1841, erected Franklin township, by taking all of town ten south, range one east, excepting one mile off the west end of town ten South, range one east, which, had been previously cut off from the township of Gorham, and all of towns eight north, range five east, and one tier of sections off of the north side of town seven north, range five east, from German township, and immediately entered upon its civil jurisdiction as a part of the organization of LucaS county. On February 28, 1850, the legislature of Ohio, in creating the new county of Fulton, ran the west boundary line west of the line of old Wood county, and afterwards Lucas county, and added to the further area of Franklin, from the township of Brady in Williams county, Sections 1 and 2 of town seven north, range four east; and sections 35 and 36, town eight north, range four east, and the west tier of fractional sections one mile wide off of town ten south, range one east, and two tiers of sections, to wit: One and two and fractional sections 11 and 12, off the west side of town ten south, range one west, of Millcreek township in Williams county, which thereafter became a part and parcel of Franklin township, which thus embraces in its area six parts of congressional surveys. Thus it will be seen that Franklin township, as at first or organized, obtained its territory in almost equal shares from German and Gorham townships, but later received a considerable addition from Williams county. Speaking approximately, twelve sections of land were taken from German, the same amount from Gorham, and about ten sections from the neighboring county of Williams, Franklin township is quite regular in form, bounded on three sides by straight lines, eight miles in length (east and west), South the Fulton line, and about nine miles in length north of it, while the extent, north and south, is about four miles. It is bounded on the north by Gorham township, on the east by Dover, while German lies on the south and Williams county on the west. The "Fulton line," so called, divides the township into two parts that are nearly equal in Size. The surface of Franklin township is unbroken and generally level. The drainage is principally towards the southwest, and the valleys of the small streams, with naturally higher adjoining land, are the only exception to the general application of the term. The territory is well watered, the principal stream being Bean Creek, which rises at Devil's Lake in the State of Michigan, and flows southward 228 - FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. through the central portion of Franklin and empties its waters and streamlets in the Maumee at Defiance. Mill Creek has its source in Williams county, passes through the southeast corner of Gorham township, and entering Franklin on its northern boundary, empties its water into Bean Creek. These streams are not large, but they afforded waterpower for the early mills which were established along their banks. Franklin township was originally covered with all kinds of native timber, and the quality was of the best. The principal varieties were oak, hickory and maple, while black walnut, butternut. Elm, sycamore, buckeye and willow were also quite plentiful. The soil of this township is a heavy bed of clay overlying a sub-soil of sand and gravel. Occasionally the sand appears upon the surface. The soil is very fertile, and produces heavy crops of all kinds of cereals, and all the land of the township is made to yield profitable returns to the owners. Stock raising and fruit culture receive considerable attention, and these afford good margins of profit. Joseph Bates was the first permanent Settler in Franklin township This distinction has also been accorded him in relation to Brady township, in Williams county, but the double honor is accounted for in the fact that his allegiance was changed by the legislature of the state of Ohio, without the necessity of his removal. He came from Hardin county, Ohio, in the spring of 1833, and Settled on the tract of land afterwards so well known as the John Shilling farm. There he lived for a period of twenty-eight, years, seventeen of which was aa a citizen of. Williams county and the remainder of the time a loyal tax-payer in Fulton. It is, not understood, however, that Mr. Bates was one of the instigators of the movement which led to the transfer of his allegiance, and he there fore is relieved of the suspicion of being actuated by motives, such as are ascribed to an old Virginia lady. Some years ago, North Caroliha claimed that a re-survey of the boundary line between that state and the Old Dominion would add a strip of territory to her domain that had hitherto been considered a part of Virginia. The old lady in question happened to live on a part of the disputed strip, and was greatly concerned lest the proposed survey would make her a resident of the "Tar-heel" State. When asked the reason for her fears She replied, "I don't want to live in North Carolina, for I've always heard that it is so awfully unhealthy there." Joseph Bates was born in the State of Vermont in the year 1787, went to Canada and married Miss Harriet Dodge. The fruits of said marriage were four sons and four daughters, who came with him to Williams county, or that part of it which is now Fulton. Mr. Bates moved from Canada to, New York, and from there to Ohio, where he settled while yet in early life. After coming here, in a very early day, he ran a hotel, called "J. Bates's Inn," but in 1861 he Sold hiS possessions to William Ayers and moved to Iowa, 230 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY where he died, August 1, 1866, at the advanced age of seventy-nine years. After a space of nearly two years, John Shaffer and Adam Poorman entered the Bean Creek valley, near where Samuel B. Darby lived and kept a store, March, 1835. They got to Bean Creek just at dark, John Shaffer settling on section 32, town eight, north range five east, and Adam Poorman on Section 5, town seven north, range five east. When arriving on the banks of the Bean they encamped over night—there being a heavy snow upon the ground. about four inches deep—and each Spent the night as best he could and as only pioneers knew how. At daylight next morning they felled two trees across the creek, cut poles and split what they could and made a bridge across the turbid Bean, then swollen after which they moved over with their goods and families, as their land lay upon the north side of the creek. They encamped on a piece of rising ground the next night after crossing, and the next morning were Surrounded with water from one to five feet in depth, the melting snow and rain making quite a flood. When the water went down they put up a cabin for each family. In 1851, John Shaffer sold his farm to Lyman Morrison and move into Fulton township, and from there, in 1858 or 1859, moved to Montcalm county, Michigan, Where he died many years ago. In 1846 Adam Poorman sold his farm to Daniel Thomas, and then bought land and moved into Dover township, on section Six, town ten south, range two east, and commenced again his pioneer's life upon soil equally liable to overflow with water as where he first settled in Franklin. There he died, many years ago, respected and lamented by his neighbors. Soon after John Shaffer and Adam Poorman had got their cabins up, John McLaughlin and Samuel Ayers came to the township from Richland county, Ohio, to hunt themselves homes. John McLaughlin was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, December 22, 1812, and moved to Richland county, Ohio, in early manhood, and from the latter place accompanied Mr. Ayers to what is now Fulton county. They arrived at Bean Creek just at dark and found the bridge which had been built by Shaffer and Poorman. They thought to cross with the team, but Mr. Ayers said he would try it first, and accordingly walked nearly over, when the poles of the bridge floated and he fell through into the water, up to his waist. They then returned their horses to the wagon, and hearing the sound of a cow-bell some eighty or ninety rods north, concluded to try and cross the bridge on foot, leaving the team where it was. They found the cabin of John Shaffer, at about eight o'clock and there they stayed over night. The next morning, with the assistance of Mr. Shaffer, they fixed up the bridge and got the team over the creek, and McLaughlin and Ayers, going on their way further west soon found themselves homes—McLaughlin on section 1, town 7 north, range 4 east; Ayers on section 2, town seven north, range four eaSt, Ohio Survey. Asher E. Bird of Penn FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP - 231 sylvania, settled here on Section 8, town ten south, range one east, in 1836 and the next year built the first water mill on Mill Creek, which gave it the name it bears at the present time. This was the first-mill built and run in the township. In 1837, Joseph Ely, Martin Pike, William Young, James Baxter, Jabez Jones and Albert Chatfield, all settled on the west side of the creek, excepting Mr. Chatfield, who settled upon the east bank, father north. In 1838, Jacob Shaffer, Sr., settled on section 12, town ten south, range one east; Michael Shaffer on section 35, town eight north, range five east ; David Ely on section 2, town seven north, range five east, and Thomas Walters on Section 36, town eight north, range five east. John Bowser, Sr., came from Fairfield county, Ohio, in the spring of 1838, and settled on section 34, town eight north, range five east. He was a preacher of the society of the United Brethren in Christ, and his house long served as the traveler's home, and a meeting-house. His settlement here soon drew many of his old neighbors from Fairfield county, to wit: Dorsey Barnes, his Son-in-law ; Ozias Barnes, John J. Clark, Jacob Hanshy, MoseS Kirtz, Noah Specht, all followers of Father Bowser, who was soon surrounded with a religious element of his own faith. John J. Clark was a native of Pennsylvania, and settled in Fulton county, in 1839. Mr. Bowser died in 1844. In 1837, Samuel B. Darby and family came from Elmira, Chemung county, New York, and encamped upon the bank of Bean Creek, putting up a cabin a Short time thereafter. He and family were nearly three months upon the road, and endured many hardships in getting here. He was a very prominent settler in Franklin, and for many years the foremost leader in affairs of the county. He died at his old homestead, July 5, 1881, aged seventy-seven years Peter Minich and Peter Andre settled on sections 1 and 2, town seven range five east, in 1839. Peter Minich was born in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, in 1806, and after moving to Fulton county, he cleared up a good farm, and died in December, 1881, at the advanced age of Seventy-five years. Peter Andre sold out in 1845, and moved to Wisconsin, where he soon after died. Thomas Walters settled on section 36, town eight north, range five east, in 1838; Joseph Ely, Leonard Whitmore, David Meriolett and George Miller also came during the same year. In 1839, came Benjamin Borton, George McFarlan, Asher Ely and his Sons, William and 0. S. Ely, and John Sparks. Benjamin Borton was born in Burlington county, New Jersey, twelve miles from Philadelphia, March 6, 1809. He settled in Franklin township, in 1839, and soon became a leading citizen, filling the offices of township trustee, school director and supervisor. In 1840, came John Wooster and Chauncey Loveland from Richland county. Wooster was a carpenter by trade and became to the settlers a very useful man. In 1841, came Nathan Borton, a preacher of the Quakers, 232 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY also John Barton, who Settled on Section 35, town eight north range four east; also Isaac Borton, John Jones, P. S. Vanortwick and his sons, Abram and John, and Peter Vanderveer Nathan Borton was born in Burlington county, New Jersey, in 1810, and was a Son of Bethuel Barton, who died in New Jersey in 1831, leaving a widow and nine children. Nathan, with his mother and four of the children, settled in German township, Fulton county, in 1836, and the mother died there Nathan Barton ws the first justice of the peace in German township, and in 1841, he moved into Franklin township, where he served as township treasurer and also held other offices. In 1842, came John Kendall, who in an early day settled in Gorham, Christian Swartzentruver, Dorsey Barnes, and possibly others that have been overlooked. From 1842 to 1850, the time of the organization of Fulton county, improvements had been made rapidly, and the township began to present a homelike appearance, while immigration commenced to move to Franklin as well as other townships of the county. In 1843 came John Dennis, Orrin G. Greely; in 1844, John Jacoby, John Fisher, Bethuel Borton, Peter Hagerman ; in 1845, James S. Riddle, Adam Andre, Nathan Oliver, Philip R. Fisher, John Mason, Josiah Mason, Reuben Mason, J. C. Mason, John Arch, Ezekiel Masters, Jacob Cox and his son, John Cox, Benjamin Persing and Lucius N. Chatfield; in 1846, John McGowen, George Kibler, David Carr and families, Daniel Thomas; in 1847, John Gype and large family in 1848, John Hardin, Gideon Long, Joshua Conaway, Obediah Barton and Chockley Harlan; in 1849, Richard Rider, Harvey Miller, John Jacoby was born in Seneca county, New York, March 5, 1822, and settled in Franklin township in 1844. His parents, John and Sallie Jacoby, who were natives of Pennsylvania, came into Fulton County, in 1835, and his father died here in 1842. Adam Andre was one of the pioneers of Franklin township, and was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, in 1815. He moved with his parents to Seneca county, Ohio, in 1834, and he re- mained there until 1845, when he came to Franklin township and purchased a farm of eighty acres, for which he paid four hundred and fifty dollars. He became a leading man in the township, and filled all of the offices at different times; was justice of the peace for six years, treasurer, trustee, supervisor, etc. He was a grower of pure-blooded stock and made a specialty of registered hogs. He was an early carpenter and builder, but farming interests engrossed his attention to such an extent that he followed his trade but very little. Phillip R. Fisher was a native of Pennsylvania, and settled in Franklin township in 1845, where he was successful as a stock raiser and farmer. Lucius N. Chatfield was born in Derby, Connecticut, April 8, 1807. At the age of twelve years he was brought by his parents to Geauga county, Ohio, and there he grew to manhood receiving a very fair education under the direction of his father, FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP - 233 who was a teacher as well as a farmer. The grandfather of Mr. Chatfield was a very wealthy man in Connecticut at the time of the Revolutionary war, owning 800 acres of land and two grist-mills. These mills were worked night and day to furnish food for Washinton's Soldiers. Joshua Conoway was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, February 17, 1819, and settled in Franklin township in 1848. He was a carpenter by trade, but devoted the major portion of his time to farming. He filled the position of justice of the peace and also clerk of Franklin township. The first house built for school purposes was erected by Samuel B. Darby. Samantha Crandall, Jane Brundridge and Samuel B. Darby were early teachers. As the inhabitants increased, schools were opened from time to time, and there are now eight buildings devoted to school purposes within the bounds of the township. These are good brick or frame structures, equipped with modern appliances and the schools therein are conducted by well qualified teachers. 234 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY, OHIO CHAPTER XXIII FULTON TOWNSHIP 0N March 1, 1841, the commissioners of Lucas county organized the township of Fulton by taking from Amboy township fractional township number ten south, range four east and from Swan Creek township fractional township eight north, range eight east, and the north tier of sections from township seven north, range eight east ; and the township so existed until the year 1846. Then, at a meeting of the board of commissioner of Lucas county, held at Maumee, June 2, 1846, upon the petition of many residents of Fulton township, it was ordered that the south tier of sections in township nine south, range four east, be taken from Amboy and attached to Fulton township, so that Fulton township at present contains thirty sections, including the six fractional sections of town ten south, range four east, north of the Fulton line. The great water drainage of this township is to the south and southeast by the way of Swan creek, which stream receives nearly all the tributary streams of the entire township, and are emptied by said creek into the Maumee at the city of Toledo. Swan creek has its rise from the low prairie lands in the extreme northwest corner of the township, and running in an easterly by southeasterly course across the township, south some few rods west of Swanton; and at this place it becomes quite a stream of water, which in the days before Steam, was utilized as the motive power for machinery. Fulton township is an unusually level tract with, in the north part clay, and in the south part sand slightly mixed with gravel, and the whole underlaid with a clay subsoil. The average depth of the deposit upon this territory is about eighty feet, perhaps less in the southeast. Water is generally obtained from a gravel bed resting directly on the rock. From the northeastern part of the township crossing from Amboy township is what in geology is termed second beach, composed of a coarse sand and, in some places, gravel deposit good for roads. Its course is southwest, passing through the a small village, and out of the township just north of Delta on the Lake Shore railroad in York township. The township was originally covered with excellent timber, and was one of the finest hunting grounds in the county. Game of all kinds known in the country was here to be found in almost exhaustless supply. The heavy growth of timber afforded ample cover and protection, and many are the "bear stories" and daring feats of frontier life remembered of the early pioneers of Fulton. They were brought in daily contact with bears, wolves, wild cats and pan- 235 - FULTON TOWNSHIP thers, and these were formidable enemies to the young domestic animals about the settlers' cabins, as well as dangerous companions in the lonely wilderness. Deer and wild turkeys were also to be found in great numbers, and these, with an occasional "bear steak," furnished the principal meat supply, to which the epicurean of to-day would have no occasion to object. Venomous reptiles, and especially the dreaded rattlesnake, were among the enemies of modern civilization, and these added their share to the discomforts and perils of pioneer life. The settlement of the township began under the same discouraging circumstances which prevails everywhere in districts remote from the natural thoroughfares. The meager supplies of actual necessities had to be brought long distances, through trackless , forest infested with dangerous opponents of civilization. The packhorse was the faithful friend who was the means of connecting the horse with the outside world, carrying to them the few articles of commerce which this simple mode of living demanded. Ammunition meal and salt were the three articles most required, but the first was always an absolute necessity. The periodical trips to the “base of supplies" were always fraught with peril, both to the travelers who made them and to the helpless and defenseless ones who were left behind. Several days were ofttimes required to go and return with a cargo of supplies. The first settler of the township was John W. Hatter, who located with his family of five members in the southeastern part, in May, 1834, and established his home about two miles from the present site of Swanton. The Harters came from Huron county, Ohio, and built a rude log cabin in the Fulton township wilds, chinking the same with mortar of mud, and covering it with a roof of bark. The cabin was probably not larger than 18x20 feet; was built in such a hurry and with such a lack of assistance that the logs were but little better than poles; and was graced with a very large chimney made of sticks and clay, that was peculiarly ornamental as well as useful. The architectural design is thus mentioned in detail, as the building was the finest in the township; and it is reasonable to conclude, judging from ordinary human emotion and character, that Mr. Harter was the proudest, as well as the wealthiest resident. A well populated temporary encampment of native North Americans was standing on the west bank of Swan creek at this time; and these nomadic people were, perhaps, Mr. Harter's nearest neighbors— nearest, in that they visited his humble abode more than occasionally, and remained with him longer than necessary, as the wants of these humble denizens of the woods led their natures to covet almost everything of value in the white man's possession. They were mild, but importunate, and took evasion or negation to their demands with all the admirable imperturbability that is usually ascribed as a mental endowment of that product of modern civilization—the tramp. But, withal, they were interesting, if not pleasant, neighbors, as the family of Mr. Harter had ample proof. HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY - 236 In the fall of 1834 and spring of 1835, there was a large immigration to the Six Mile Woods, or now in Fulton township. Among those who came during that fall were John J. Teachworth and his family; Henry Lake and his family, a wife and five children; Alexander Boyd, who died in 1837, and the first person laid in Ai cemetery; he left a widow, two sons and one daughter. Charles Welch came with a wife and large family of boys, and the forest by them was soon converted into splendid wheat fields. Welch was successful, and died in 1878, in Amboy township. Daniel Q. Berry settled here in 1836, with his wife and seven boys. He was a native of New Jersey, but came from New York to Fulton township, and settled in town ten south, range four east, where he died in 1844 his widow surviving him some sixteen years only. Abraham W. Willcox came from the State of Connecticut in 1835, and settled in township ten south, range four east (Michigan survey), where he continued to reside until his death, in 1852. Ezra A. Willcox came about the same time as his brother, and was the first peddler in the township supplying the early settlers with clocks made in Connecticut. Rev. John Shaw came in 1834, and settled on the east half of the northeast quarter of section ten, town ten south, range four east; but he left in the latter part of 1835. George Black came in 1834. It but in 1844 moved to Stone Ridge (now Whitehouse), Lucas county. Judge Thatcher settled here in the fall of 1834, and served several years as trustee; but he moved back to Connecticut in 1866, and died there. Alexander Vaughn moved from Holmes county, Ohio, in the spring of 1835, on section three, in town ten south, range four east He was a Pennsylvanian by birth, being a native of Westmoreland county, but, at the age of eighteen years, he tame to Holmes county, this State, and from thence to Fulton, as stated above. He died it the year 1847. Jacob Hamp moved from Holmes county, Ohio? it 1835, with a wife and five boys, two of the latter being soldiers is the Civil war. Jacob Hamp died in 1850, and his wife survived him until she was one hundred and seven years old. Peter Broadsword settled here in 1834, on section ten, town tea south, range four east. Gideon W. Raymond settled on section thirty-two, town et north, range eight east, in 1834. He was justice of the peace several years, and taught school in the first schoolhouse in the Clark district in 1837, afterwards teaching the Ai school some four years. Isaac Day was living in the city of Utica, State of New York, and having lost by death his wife and infant son, he determined on trying his fortune in the wilds of Ohio. On September i4, 1834, leaving his only daughter with his deceased wife's most intimate friends, he started for Ohio, and on his arrival bought a piece of land on section fifteen, in the present Swan Creek township. That fall he put up a log cabin, and with his hoe planted one-half acre of wheat. He remained there that winter, and in the spring of 1835 he planted his garden and put in other crops, so that in August he was able to FULTON TOWNSHIP - 237 have ripe melons, green corn, cabbage and cucumbers. On October 10, following, John Nobbs, with his wife and three children, started for Ohio, bringing with them Isaac Day's daughter; also John Day, his wife and three sons and one daughter. They arrived at the cabin of Isaac Day, October 20, 1835, a glad day for father and child. Isaac Day soon left the place he first settled upon and located on section thirty-three, town nine South, range four east. John Nobbs and John Day settled upon the same section. John Day’s family being the largest, they put up his cabin first, then the cabin of John Nobbs, but, in November, death entered the latter's family and claimed a son. On January 25, 1836, John Nobbs and family moved into their log house, Isaac Day and daughter with them. In September, 1837, John Day sickened and died, and there being no undertaker within a long distance, kind neighbors united and made a coffin, and near and dear ones kindly laid him away. William Stair settled on section thirty-five, and continued to reside there till his death, in 1850. Ami Richards came from the State of Connecticut, in 1836, and settled on section nine, town ten south, range four east. He served as treasurer of the township for many years. Mr. Richards was a lover of books, and his library was always well supplied with the best of the age. He died in 1883, at his homestead, leaving a widow, two sons and four daughters, one of the latter being the wife of James Harrison, Jr. Shubal Nixon settled here in 1835, and Joseph Babcock came the year same year. The latter was a school teacher of extraordinary ability and taught in the first schoolhouse built in the township. He died in 1868. Samuel Durgin, with his family, consisting of a wife and two daughters, came from the State of New Hampshire, in 1837, and settled upon section six, town ten South. range four east. He was justice of the peace up to 1850, when he was appointed clerk of Fulton county at its organization, and was afterwards elected by the people for a term of three years. In 1853, he was elected to the legislature of Ohio, and was a member of the lower house for two years, taking his seat in January, 1854. He taught the Ai school for a series of years, and for a long time was county school examiner. In 1863, he was again elected clerk of the court, and at the end of a three years' term he moved to Wauseon, where he died, about 1873. Samuel Dowling came from Trumbull county, this State, formerly from Ireland, and settled on section three, town ten south, range four east, in 1838. He continued to reside there until his death, in 1883. Martin and Emery Wilson, brothers, settled in this township in 1843. Charles V. Merrill and family came from the State of Maine, in 1837, and settled on section four, town ten south, range four east. He was a minister of the Christian Church, the first in the township, and was very zealous, holding meetings at the different cabins of HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY - 238 the early settlers, and at log schoolhouses. His work extend into the different townships and so continued until his death. Jonathan Wood, with his family, settled here in 1838. He was a great educator among the young pioneers and a strong adherent of the Presbyterian church, being a fine Sabbath school organizer also. Mr. Wood was clerk of the township from its organization until 1854. He rendered good service as nurse in the hospitals of the army, carefully attending the sick and wounded. He died in 1879. David Springer also came from the State of Maine to Maumee, in 1836, and settled on section four, town ten south, four east, were he died in 1866. Robert Fennel settled here in 1836. Levi Merrill, with his family, came from the State of Maine, in 1838, and settled on section four, town ten south, four east, and there lived until his death, in 1881, his wife dying some nine years before. Clement Canfield settled here in 1838. Hartman Canfield and family settled here in 1838, on section thirty-three, in town eight north, range eight east. He was a very useful man in the community—always a good nurse and caring for the wants of the sick. He died in 1871, and left four children, two boys and two girls. John Viers, with his family, settled on Section five, town seven, north, range eight east (Ohio survey), in 1834, and continued to reside there till his death? July 2, 1873. Mr. Viers was a native of Jefferson county, Ohio. Robert Watkins settled on section three, town seven north, range eight east, in 1835, and died in 1881. He was a native of Maine. Isaac Fauble settled on section five, town seven north, range eight east, in 1841, and died there many years ago. He was born in Wayne county, Ohio. Joseph Dennis settled on section one, town ten south, range four east, in 1835, and died at his daughter's, Mrs. Russell Bartlett, in Amboy township, in 1885. Africa Spaulding settled on section two, town seven north, range eight east, in 1835, and died in 1881. He was a native of Maine. William H. Harris settled on section four, town seven north, range eight east, in 1835. He is supposed to have been murdered in 1837. Hiram Clark settled here in 1835, and in 1843, sold to Thomas Watkins. Cyrus Clark settled here about the same time as his brother Hiram. Luther Dodge settled here on section number eleven, town ten south, range four east, at a very early day, on the farm afterwards owned by Horatio Witt. Mr. Witt was born in Dayton, Ohio, November 6, 1824, and came with his parents to Fulton county, in 1844. In 1852, he went to California, rounded Cape Horn and visited Brazil and Chili. He was wrecked on the home-bound trip. The FULTON TOWNSHIP - 239 Witt family is of German extraction, and the story of their migration to America is quite interesting. John Witt, father of Horatio, embarked from Hamburg, Germany, with his parents and a large company of relatives, for the United States. The relatives were separated, embarking on different vessels, both bound for Philadelphia but they were separated in a storm at sea, and one landed in that city and the other at Charleston, South Carolina. Two brothers and their families were all that landed at Philadelphia, and the grandfather of Horatio was one of these. He and his wife died, soon after landing, of yellow fever, leaving two sons, Frederick and John the latter being five years old and the former four. These children were taken to the "Big Valley," Chester county, Pennsylvania and bound out, their father's property was squandered and they were entirely severed from all knowledge of their relatives. John Witt grew to manhood in Pennsylvania, then came to Ohio, and with his family settled in Fulton county, in 1844. Horatio Witt belonged to the One Hundred and Thirtieth regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for 100 days during the war of 1861-5. George W. Thompson settled here in 1836, but soon thereafter died. Josiah W. Bartlett settled here in 1843, on the land afterwards owned by J. W. Deck; but he sold to Calvin Quiggle, in 1853. The latter engaged in the drug business and died in 1873. James Fenton, a prominent and successful farmer, came into this township at a still later period of its history, 1847. John Fenton, a brother of James, came about the same time, and soon became the owner of the property, originally the homestead of Alexander Boyd. The pioneer schools were early established in Fulton township, in 1836, the first schoolhouse—a rude log structure—being erected two or three miles northwest of the present site of Swanton, on land afterwards owned by L. Blake. This was before the township was organized and it was located where it was thought it would do the most good. The probability is that Miss Julia Chamberlain taught the first term of school in the township, though this is not certain. It is known that she taught in 1837, though it may be that she was not the first teacher. The township was divided into districts as it become more settled, and Miss Harriet O'Brien was an early teacher in them. Among the early teachers of the township were Miss Huldah Merrill, Luther Dodge, Miss Almeda Doughty, A. Sawyer, and others. There are eleven schools in the township at the present and they are in charge of a corps of specially qualified teachers, whose tenure of office is dependent upon their success in their chosen calling. The primitive saw-mills of pioneer days were erected as necessity demanded, and, being inexpensive in construction, they were abandoned when neighborhood needs were supplied. In 1835, Nicholas Q. Berry built a saw-mill on Swan creek, a short distance from the HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY - 240 present site of Swanton, securing a fall of sufficient depth by extending the race across a bend of the stream. In 1853, Michael Cline built a steam saw-mill, but after it had been in operation some three years it was destroyed by fire. Iram Strong built a steam saw-mill in 1852, about one mile north of Luke's Corners. Michael Krieger built another steam saw-mill in 1856, and Miles Hays another, about 1860, a short distance north of Swanton. The village of Swanton was laid out soon after the construction of the railroad through this section, but this was nearly twenty years after the first settlement on its site, and although it has never enjoyed or been cursed with a "boom," its growth has been steady and the population should be judged by its quality rather than quantity. There are several well-stocked mercantile houses, hotels, liveries and mechanical shops. Swanton is a desirable trading point, and is sustained by an excellent farming community in Fulton and Lucas counties. The first religious organization in Fulton township, which had been than a nominal existence, was of the Presbyterian denomination, and was organized at the schoolhouse in Ai, not far from 1842. Rev. Gideon Johnson was the officiating clergyman. He soon formed a circuit, holding religious services at the Ai and Dodge schoolhouses in this, and at the Bartlett schoolhouse in Amboy township, also at the Parcher School house in Pike township Jonathan Wood organized the first Sabbath School, and for a number of years superintended the same, at Ai. PIKE TOWNSHIP - 241 CHAPTER XXIV PIKE TOWNSHIP PREVIOUS to 1841, the territory of this township was a part of the townships of Royalton and York. It was then organized as a separate township in conformity with the prayer of certain petitioners. In 1846, another tier of sections was taken from Royalton and added to Pike, thus giving the latter the territory which it exercises jurisdiction alter today. The township comprises thirty-six sections, but twelve of these are fractional, and the territory actually contained would probably measure about twenty-eight full Sections. Bad creek flows through the central and southeastern portions of the township, and bordering on it is a rich and valuable territory, the natural drainage enhancing the value of the lands traversed, and rendering them available for grazing purposes as well as farming Pike township has some evidences of the prehistoric race within her boundaries. Three large mounds are located, on the land owned by the late D. W. H. Howard, near Bad creek, each circular in form, some six or seven feet in height and fifty or sixty feet in diameter. On digging into them human skeletons were found, some, large and others of ordinary size. But the mounds have doubtless been leveled considerably by the successive plowings of seventy years, aided by climatic erosion, and the casual server would Scarcely notice anything unusual in the conformation of the land. The soil of this township is decidedly varying. The extreme eastern and Southern part is referable entirely to the drift deposits and is what may be denominated clay and sand mixed. The center is largely modified from the western part by the overlapping of the finer sands of the second beach formation upon its western boundary. The whole township has a very gentle inclination east, and with these sand spurs makes the surface gently undulating at various points. The township has a rich soil, susceptible of high cultivation, and some fine farms and excellent improvements attest the truth of this statement. Part of the township was originally covered with a heavy growth of excellent timber, embracing the varieties usually found in this Section of the State. These were white-oak, black-oak, hickory, walnut, wild cherry, beech, sugar maple, elm, ash, poplar, buckeye and sycamore. While some valuable timber is still preserved, by far the greater part of it was destroyed in fitting the land for cultivation. That which survived the pioneer log heaps, has submitted to oft-repeated culling for market purposes, or the personal needs of 242 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY the owners, until at thiS time the territory where it grew thickest more resembles the treeless prairies of the west than the original home of a dense forest. There are no villages in Pike township and no railway invades her confines, yet in times past there have been good trading points notably Aetna, where considerable business was transacted. Lyman Parcher was the first postmaster in the township. The territory now embraced in the township was first occupied in 1833, some time during that year, Valentine Winslow built a small log shanty on section three, town ten South, range three east, and continued to occupy it until 1835, when he, located east about one mile, on the east side of the same section, where he died about 1885. The circumstances of his death led some people to believe it that came by foul play, but a coroner's examination resulted in but little information of how he came to his death. The second settler upon the soil of this township was David Hobart. He came with his family, near the end of the year 1833 or the beginning of 1834, and resided here until 1841, when he died and was buried in the Salsbury cemetery. Early in 1834, other families began to appear in the township and among them were the following: Arvetus Knight, Nathan Wilson, Daniel Knowles, John Sindel, George Wiers, and Whitfield Tappan, who was then a young man, and a few others whose time of settlement is uncertain. In fact, Mr. Tappan, who was born in New Jersey, in 1804, settled in Fulton county, in the latter part of 1833. In 1835, a larger accession of colonists was added than in the two former years, to-wit: Peter Lott, Sewall Gunn, Thomas Silsby, Robert A. Howard and Jack Hobart. Peter Lott, however, left the township in June, 1836, and settled in Dover township, near Spring Hill. Thomas Silsby located on section thirty-three, town seven north, range seven east. Peter Salsbury came in 1836, and located a large tract of land in the southeast part of the township, where a large number of his relatives reside today. He came from Harrison county, Ohio, with his patent deed signed by Andrew Jackson, president of the United States. Many others came that year, but the dates of their several arrivals are not satisfactorily known. The year 1837 was eventful to the earlier settlers by a large immigration than usual to the township; and this soon brought a change, for instead of poverty and hard times, comfort and plenty came—another illustration of the fact that "in union there is strength," and the further fact that the soil in any community is indebted for its commercial value to the extent of the population of the district in which it lies. The new arrivals in 1837 were Alva Wilson, Henry Slaigle, Joseph. Walters, John Walters, Emery Wilson, Martin Wilson, Peola Allwood, Thomas Cole, George Megarah, Andrew Falor, George McQuillin, Jacob McQuillin, David Salsbury, Joseph Salsbury, James Viers, Adam Kline, William Cox, Samuel Allen, and two other families by the PIKE TOWNSHIP - 243 names of Graham and Thompson. All of the gentlemen named brought families with them, and as some were large in numbers the population was increased considerably. Joseph Walters lived in Pike until 1864, when he moved into Dover township, and some of his descendants are still residents there. He was born in Harrison county, Ohio, March 19, 1813. After coming to Fulton county, he cleared three farms. built four houses and as many barns, set three orchards and lived to eat fruit from each of them. James Viers died in Fulton county, in March, 1875. Ephraim K. and Joseph Allwood also came tins year, bringing their families with them. From 1837 to 1840 Came still greater acquisitions to the prospering colonists, and requiring more room they stepped further into the wilderness parts. Among the families who came to the township about this time were Davtd McQuillin, George Galligher, David Zimmerman, John W. Miller, Chester Herrick, William Fewlass, Thomas Hoxie, David Pelton, Boyd Dunbar, Robert Dunbar, and Michael Handy and family who came in January, 1840. Chester Herrick was a native of Massachusetts, but the date of his settlement in Fulton county was a little later than the. Years named above, the time of his arrival being 1843. Mr. Handy came here from the northern part of Michigan. Moses Tappan and Samuel Dennis were here about that time, but they drifted about and changed from other localities or townships in the county. In 1843, Dr. William Holland settled here, coming from New Hampshire, a physician with age and experience, who soon gaind a prominent position in the county. Alfred R. Shute and his wife, who was a daughter of Dr. Holland, came at the same date and settled on section two, town .ten south, range three east. Simon Elliott, a Protestant Methodist minister, William Mullen, James Dickason, Orrin Taylor, and family, Joshua Shaffer, John Whitaker, Sherman; Marshall and David Fairchilds with families, came at about this time these make up the principal part of the early pioneers of Pike, who braved the dangers and hardships incident to the settlement of a wilderness, and carved out of it for themselves and their growing families a home, a comfortable home which they left as legacies to those who followed them on earth's stage of action. Simon Elliott was born in Pennsylvania, January 10, 1809, and the year of his location in Fulton county was 1855. William Mullen settled here in 1849. James Dickason was a native of Pennsylvania. Pike township was prolific in early industries, there being a number of saw-mills, grist-mills and asheries, constructed and operated at different times from the first settlement, according to the needs of the various communities which they served. These, for the most part were of brief existence, and, in fact, most of them were quickly and cheaply built with no idea of permanence, beyond the demands of the day. Among others was a saw-mill, 244 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY built about 1835, in the Southern part of the township, by Peter Salsbury, who conducted it for some time, furnishing lumber to the early settlers for miles around. It was afterwards owned and run by James Viers successfully for a number of years, as long as it could be furnished with water power, but it was abandoned nearly fifty years ago. Orrin Taylor built and run a steam saw-mill for three or four years, about 1876, and connected with it was a cider press. Mr. Taylor lost his life in this mill and it was soon after abandoned and moved to the SoutheaSt corner of Chesterfield and run by Peter Stukey. Robert A. Howard kept the first public house in the township opening his doors to the public not far from the year 1835. Miss Caroline Trowbridge taught a school, in 1835, in an old log but Standing at a very early day upon the knob where the Salsbury cemetery is now located. Michael Handy was another early teacher. The log house in which the first term was taught to was afterwards removed to Thomas Silsby's corner, and Mr. Handy taught there the first winter he came, in 1840. This the pioneer School district, from which has grown a most complete educational system, with six modern School houses, located at convenient distances from all of the pupils. The first church built was on the farm of William Mullin, in 1846, and it was dedicated by the Presbyterians. It was burned about 1868 or 1869, and never rebuilt. The Poplar Grove church was built about 1848, and was dedicated to the United Brethren Beulah Church, of the United Brethren faith, was built in 1881under the labors of Henry Barclay, who afterwards removed to the State of Oregon and has since become quite prominent in political life there. He has served two terms in the Oregon State Senate. St. Paul's church, of the Evangelical faith, was built in 1881. A church of the Disciples was erected for purposes of worship, in 1881, located in school district number five, called the Trowbridge district: A church of the Seventh Day Adventists was built in 1881, upon lands in district number three, called the Whitcomb district, under the labors of A. Bigelow. DOVER TOWNSHIP - 245 CHAPTER XXV DOVER TOWNSHIP THIS township was established by order of the county commissioners of Lucas county on the 5th day of June, 1843. Its boundaries are regular, on the north by Chesterfield, on the east by the township of Pike, on the south by Clinton and on the west by Franklin. It was the last township to be organized of the twelve that comprise Fulton county. The township was formed by taking from Chesterfield township all of the fractional township ten south, range two east, of the Michigan survey ; and all of the fractional township eight north, range six east, of Clinton township in the Ohio survey, added to which so one tier of sections off the north side of town seven north, range six east. This is recognized as the center township in the county. The first election was held at the house of Mortimer D. Hibbard, on August 7, 1843, by order of the commissioners, and the officers chosen were Moses Ayers, Alonzo H. Butler and Willard Church, trustees; Joseph Jewell, clerk ; William Jewell, treasurer; Elijah Bennett and John G. Tiffany, constables; Elijah Bennett and Newell Newton, overseers of the poor. Dover as a whole may be characterized as level and unbroken land. What valleys there are, are narrow and bounded by small hillsides. The Soil is generally not of the greatest natural fertility, not as fertile as elsewhere in the county, but there are some fine farms in the township. All the inclinations of the township are very gentle, with whatever course the streamlets take, running obliquely across the slopes of the country, generally denominated as "sand dunes." These Sand dunes, or ridges, were formed by the action and force of winds and water at some ancient day. They form the summit of the township and are supposed by some to be the first outcroppings of land in the decline of water from an ancient lake here existing, anterior to the glacial period. But this supposition is not entirely correct. It is reasonable to suppose that the body of water mentioned was once a part of Lake Erie, draining westward into a branch of the Wabash which rises within a few miles of Fort Wayne, Indiana, where the St. Joseph and St. Mary's rivers unite to form the Maumee. At that time the land about western New York was higher than it is now ; but it settled, and when low enough the water broke over into what is now Niagara river, and finally lowered the level of the lake to what it is at the present time. As to being previous to the glacial period, it could not have been, as all this tract is underlaid with the clay 246 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY that was scooped out of where Lake Erie now is, and which was deposited here by the movement of the ice. The streamlets in Dover, in the northwest part, flow west across the corner of the township of Franklin and empty into Bean Creek, sometimes called Tiffin river, while in the south and southwestern part they flow southwest, reaching the Maumee at Defiance. In like manner the waters of the east and northeast flow east by southeast into Bad creek and reach the Maumee river soon after passing the southeast corner of the county, near Whitehouse. Dover is as well adapted to grazing purposes as it is to farming, and the industry receives careful attention with favorable results. Fruit culture is also carried on very profitably, apples being the staple in that line, though all kinds of small fruits succeed admirably. The extreme west end of the township touches closely upon the timber lands of the Bean Creek valley, which is composed principally oak and some elm, with here and there whitewood and hickory. From there eastward and over the remainder of the township. In the region of sand and sand dunes, a large part of the surface is denominated prairie, covered with a wild grass in summer. Dover township was settled a few years before the township, was organized, the territory then being attached to other jurisdictions. During the summer or autumn of 1836, William Jones, known as "Long Bill," came with his family to the southwest part of the township, where he began to prepare a home in the woods. The first cabin erected in the township was for Jones, and it is said that at this raising there were only two men, one boy and two Indians. William Jones sometimes preached for the Disciples, there then being a few of that faith in Clinton township on the south. Mr. Jones was a man of considerable ability, and unquestionably, the first religious exercises, in the township were conducted by either him at his own home or at the cabin of a neighbor. The early settlers often met during the severe winters for the purpose of worship, and to talk over the means of meeting successfully the difficult problems of pioneer life. Upon their arrival in the township the members of the Jones family at first lived in their wagon and under the shelter of rude temporary abodes, built of poles, brush and blankets, while the father went to work to construct a rough cabin of round logs. Pleasant was the task of removing to their cabin humble though it was. These were probably the only person residing in Dover during the year 1836. In the spring of 1837, Alonzo H. Butler and wife settled upon section seven, town ten south, range two east, upon lands afterward owned by Charles B. Carter, just north of the "Fulton line." During the summer and fall of the same year quite a large accession was made to the little band of settlers in the arrival of Peter Lott and wife and three children; Salathiel Bennett and family; Elijah Bennett and family ; Michael Ferguson, James Gould and Pearl Smith, all with families. Following thereafter, in the spring of 1838, were William Hoff- DOVER TOWNSHIP - 247 mire, John J. Schnall, Adam Poorman, Nathan Gay, Eben French, Mortimer D. Hibbard and family, with his father and mother, also Randolf Hibbard. John J. Schnall was born in Northampton county Pennsylvania, January 24, 1805. He participated in the border war and was also a soldier in the Black Hawk war. He purchased land and commenced building in Fulton county, in 1837, and at that time there were but three white residents in what was then York township, and wild animals were abundant. Mr. Schnall filled of the office of county surveyor for twenty-one years and also occupied other official positions. From 1838 to 1846 came Moses Ayers and family, Joseph Shadle, Jacob Nolan, William Fuller John G. Tiffany, Henry Herreman, William Jones, Jr., Oscar A. :Cobb, Richard Marks, Alonzo Knapp, William W. Hodge and family, Comfort Marks and wife Betsy, Archie and Betsy Knapp, Elisha Cobb and mother, and John Atkinson and family. A greater portion of these settled near Ottokee, at the east end of the township. In the west end, William Waid, E. H. Patterson, Burdick Burtch, Jasper Dowell and mother, William Brierly, Joseph Jewell, William Jewell, James Wells, William J. Coss, Chandler Tiffany, George Tiffany and John Meader, the last three in the east. William Waid was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, April 18, 1818 and settled in Dover township in September, 1845, on the far, which he improved and lived upon until his death, April 25, 1880. He was widely known as an enterprising, industrious, honest farmer. Edwin H. Patterson was a pioneer farmer of Dover township, and settled in Chesterfield with his parents, in 1838. He was born in Allegheny county, New York, in 1823, and the family settled in Fulton county, in 1838, as stated above. Mr. Patterson attended the common schools when an opportunity favored him, but he was reared on a farm, chose farming for an occupation, and in 1844, became engaged in that pursuit. William J. Coss settled in Fulton county, in 1841. He was born in Essex county, New Jersey, June 3, 1806, the son of William Coss, also of New Jersey, who was a sailor by occupation. When William J. Was five years old his father went on a voyage and was never after heard from, undoubtedly being shipwrecked. Later were Thomas Walters and Robert C. Shepherd, and so continued the settlement until the "Congress lands" were nearly all taken up, and the frontier was no more. Robert C. Shepherd, who is mentioned here, was born in Berkeley county, Virginia, April 13, 1813, and was one of the early preachers in Fulton county, holding religious services among the pioneers, fifty years ago. Church associations and schools were formed as soon as the settlement of Dover township began, as early as in 1836. It is a question which of the two societies, the Disciples or United Brethren, bad the first organization in the township. The Disciples, however, furnish data from their church record of their organization, which 248 - HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY was March 1, 1841, held at the residence of Moses Ayers and that Benjamin Alton was the officiating minister. The society has maintained an uninterrupted organization up to the present date. They have a fine brick church edifice, built in 1882, at Spring Hill, now their present place of worship, and the largest membership of any society. The United Brethren organization was made at a very early date, under the labors of John Bowser and Alonzo H. Butler. They were organized and have continued until the present time without an interruption. The Society has a small chapel, built at Spring Hill in 1860, and have quite a large membership. of the United Brethrn was organized at North Dover about 1882, by Rev. Bartlett, and built a small chapel for their meetings. The Methodist Episcopal church has two classes—one organized at Spring Hill as early as 1842, under the labors of James Gay, with Samuel Warren and wife, Ebenezer Fuller and wife, Newell Newton, and wife, Isaac Tedrow and wife, and Peter Lott and wife as leading members, and for a long time held their meetings in an old log schoolhouse, just east of Spring Hill. After holding, their services in various places, in 1887, they built for themselves a very fine wooden chapel. In the eastern part of the township, the Methodist Episcopal society was organized by W W. Winters, in 1857, and in 1876 they built a chapel for their use at Ottokee, and hold a fair membership to this date. In 1847, Elder Hosea Day organized a Christian Church at Ottokee, with a fair membership, which in later years, for want pastoral service, lost their identity and finally consolidated with the Disciples, who were quite prominent over the whole township. In 1858, the Disciples, under the labors of Elder L. L. Carpenter, formed an organization at Ottokee, which in after years, like the Christian denomination, became disintegrated and was, merged into the Wauseon and Spring Hill Societies. Dover is an exclusively agricultural township. There are no towns or villages of importance, and no manufacturing industries aside from a few shops. Ottokee is a little village in the eastern portion of the township, and Spring Hill is in the western. Each contains a store or two, a church, mechanical shops and a residences. The population has remained stationary for many years since Wauseon, with her better market facilities, has cut off the trade.