530 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

VILLAGE OF FINDLAY.

BEGINNING OF THE TOWN - SITE OF THE ORIGINAL AL PLAT ENTERED, AND COMING OF WILSON VANCE - SURVEY OF THE TOWN PLAT-SELECTION OF FINDLAY AS THE; SEAT OF' JUSTICE OF HANCOCK COUNTY - DERIVATION OF ITS NAME, AND CORRECT ORTHOGRAPHY OF THE; WORD - BRIEF SKETCH OR COL. JAMES FINDLAY-Till: PLAT AS ACKNOWLEDGED AND RECORDED AMBIGUITY IN THE ACKNOWLEDGMENT REGARDING THE PUBLIC SQUARE CLEARED UP - LOTS DONATED BY THE: PROPRIETORS TO ERECT COUNTY BUILDINGS, AND FIRST PUBLIC SALE OF THE SAME - BUSINESS MEN OF FINDLAY 1N 18'29-30. AND APPEARANCE OF THE VILLAGE AT THAT PERIOD -NAMES OF THOSE WHO HAVE LAID OUT ADDITIONS TO THE ORIGINAL PLAT, AND DATES OF SURVEYS-THE PRESENT STREETS OF THE TOWN - SKETCHES OF ITS PIONEER BUSINESS MEN-FIRST WHITE MALE CHILD BORN ON THE SITE OF FINDLAY-EARLY PHYSICIANS OF THE VILLAGE, AND THE DIFFICULTIES OF MEDICAL PRACTICE DURING PIONEER DAYS.

THE history of Findlay goes back Over a period of sixty-five years, for though Benjamin Cog, the first white settler in Hancock County, located on its site in 181, the town was not contemplated for six years afterward. On the 3d of July, 1821, Joseph Vance, William Neill and Elnathan Cory entered the east part of the southeast quarter of Section 13, Township 1 north, Range 10, and On the following day the same gentlemen entered the south half of Section 18, Township 1 north, Range 11. These were the first entries made in the county. and embrace all of the original town plat with which the history of Findlay, as a village, begins, and upon which most of its earliest settlers located. Joseph Vance lived in Urbana, William Neill in Columbus, and Elnathan Cory at New Carlisle, Ohio; but Vance & Cory subsequently purchased Neill's interest in these lands, and were the Original proprietors of the town. In November, 1821, Wilson Vance, a younger brother Of the Governor, took up his residence in the hewed-log house previously occupied by Benjamin J. Cox, which stood On the south bank of the Blanchard River, immediately east of the old fort. He came from the Maumee, as the agent of his brother Joseph, and soon afterward laid out a town on a part of the land entered the previous summer, which he named Findlay.

Though the plat was not recorded until nearly eight years afterward there is no doubt that the town was laid out in 1821, as Mr. Vance always asserted that was the year the survey was made. Squire Carlin gives the following testimony in support of this tradition: "Prior to my settlement at Findlay, in November, 1826, a survey had been made, the lots numbered and the streets designated; but I do not know what year the plat was made, though 1821 has always been claimed as the date. Mr. Vance had a plat of the town at his tavern, where I boarded for a time after my coming, from which I and other pioneers of the village selected our lots. I built my first log store-room in 1826, On the same corner I have ever since occupied, which I purchased as a corner lot; but I did not pay for the lot or receive a deed

VILLAGE OF FINDLAY. - 531

until November 2, 1831." An impression prevails that the town was re-surveyed in 1829, but Mr. Carlin says he does not remember of a survey being made at that time, and claims that the plat of the original town, from which he selected his lot in 1826, is identical with the one recorded by Vance & Cory three years later. Another strong fact in support of Mr. Carlin's recollections on this subject is, that Lot 141, on the northwest corner of Crawford and East Streets, was donated by the proprietors for a school site, upon which a hewed-log schoolhouse was built in 1827. This lot was occupied by a school building from that time up to the completion of the large brick schoolhouse on East Sandusky Street, in the fall of 1868, when it was moved to the west end of Crawford Street, and the lot sold. This at least proves that no material change has ever been made in the original town plat as surveyed by Wilson Vance in 1821; and if it was re-platted in 1829, it was done for the propose of re-establishing a few lines or corners which had become indistinct or uncertain through the ravages of time during the eight. years that had elapsed since the town was first laid out.

In February, 1824, the General Assembly of Ohio appointed John Owens, of Champaign County, Alexander Long, of Logan County and Forest Meeker, of Delaware County " commissioners to locate and fix the seat of justice in and for the county of Hancock." At the following October term of the court of common pleas of Wood County, these commissioners reported that they had selected " the town of Findlay, in said county of Hancock, as the most suitable site for the seat of justice of said county." This of itself shows that Findlay was then recognized as a town, and being the only one then laid out in the county, -and also centrally located, was readily selected as the seat of justice by the State Commissioners.

The town derives its name from a fort erected on its site in 1812, which was commenced by Col. James Findlay and named in honor of that officer. Considerable divergence of opinion has existed since pioneer days as to the correct spelling of the word, "Finley" and "Findley" being the two modes in general use among the early settlers, the name of the postoffice, established in 1823, being first spelled "Finley," then Findley, and in 1870 changed to " Findlay." There was no authority for either of the first two modes of orthography, as the gallant officer after whom the fort was named always spelled his name "Findlay," which the official records in Columbus fully attest. This should be conclusive evidence on the subject, and should satisfy every reason able person that the old modes of spelling the word were erroneous. Some of the pioneers., however, adopted the correct orthography, among whom was Jacob Rosenberg, founder of the Courier. This paper was established in the fall of 1836, as The Findlay Courier, and the same orthography was followed by his successor, Henry Bishop, up to July, 1845, when the Courier passed into the hands of William Mungen, who changed the title to the Democratic Courier. Feeling that some knowledge of the man whose name is so prominently associated with the history of the county, but more especially with its seat of justice and principal town, Will be welcome to a large class of our readers, a brief sketch of him is here appended.

Col. James Findlay was born in Franklin County, Penn., in 1770. His parents were Samuel and Jane (Smith) Findlay, who reared a family of six sons, viz.: John, William, James, Jonathan, Thomas and Nathan, all of whom became prominent and distinguished men. In politics they were Democrats, and held offices of distinction under that party, but in after

532 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

years James became a Whig. John was a member of Congress from Pennsylvania. William was in Congress from 1803 to 1817; Governor of Pennsylvania from 1817 to 1820, and United States senator from 1821 to 1827. James married Miss Jane Irwin, and about 1795 removed to Ohio, traveling or horseback by way of Virginia and Kentucky, and settling in Cincinnati, then a small village. Here for a number of years he filled the position of receiver of public moneys in the land office. In 1805-06 he served as mayor of Cincinnati, and again in 1810-11. When the war of 1812 broke out he was commissioned as colonel of a regiment, Which was the advanced guard of Gem. William Hull's army on its march from the Scioto River to the Maumee. On this march he began the erection of Fort Findlay, named in his honor, and from which the city of Findlay derives its name. For meritorious conduct in the war of 1812, Col. Findlay was afterward promoted to the rank of brigadier-general of the State militia, in which capacity he served for a considerable period. Col. Findlay was the member of Congress from Hamilton County from 1825 to 1833. In 1834 he was the Whig and anti-Masonic candidate for Governor of Ohio, but was defeated by Rob ert Lucas, and died the following year. Naturally reserved in his manner, he presented to strangers an air of austerity; but to those who knew him he was the soul of kindness and geniality. Col. Findlay possessed great decision of character, was just in all his dealings, and maintained through life an unsullied reputation.

September 26, 1829, the original plat of Findlay, containing 156 lots, was acknowledged before Robert McKinnis, one of the associate judges, by Joseph Vance and Elnathan Cory, and recorded October 12, following. It embraces that portion of the town bounded by Front Street on the north, Sandusky (then called Back Street) on the south, and by East and West Streets on the east and west, respectively. In the center of the plat a small square was reserved upon which to erect public buildings, and certain lots donated to the county for that purpose. No changes have since occurred in the names of the streets as designated on the original plat except Back Street (now called Sandusky), West Crawford (then called Putnam), and Broadway, which has been converted into a park, wherein a handsome monument has been erected to perpetuate the memory of the patriots who fell in the great Rebellion. Main Street was laid out 100 feet wide, Broadway, 115 1/2 feet; Main Cross, 82 1/2 feet, and Front, Crawford, Sandusky, East and West Streets, each 66 feet wide.

In the acknowledgment of the plat the following language occurs: "And that the lots, public ground, streets and alleys are to the best of their knowledge correctly designated by the notes attached, and are to be appropriated as public ways for the benefit of said town and to no other use whatever." A certain ambiguity in the wording of the foregoing quotation has led a few persons to assert that the public square was donated for the use of the town. But applying a similar construction to the whole quotation, which is here given verbatim, would also give the lots to the town, and appropriate both square and lots as "public ways for the benefit of said town and to no other use whatever." The words " public ways," are italicized to draw the reader's attention to the fact that, the construction of the acknowledgment which gives the public square to the town also gives every lot in the original plat to the same corporation, and makes the lots, square, streets and alleys "public ways," which every one will readily admit the two first

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VILLAGE OF FINDLAY. -535

mentioned were not intended for. From the fact, too, that the proprietors gave to the county thirty-nine lots "for the purpose of erecting public buildings in said town," and that the square was designated as "public ground," together with the fact that the latter has never been used for any other purpose than county buildings, and the evidence of Judge D. J. Cory who says his father told him they gave it for a court house site, is unanswerable proof that the proprietors intended the public square for that purpose only, and for which it has been used continuously during a period of fifty-six ,years.

As already stated, thirty-nine lots of the 156 embraced in the original plat were given by Vance & Cory, "in trust to the commissioners of said county of Hancock, for the purpose of erecting public buildings in said town." These lots were as follows: 2, 8, 9, 13, 17, 20, 26, 29, 32, 39, 43, 46, 51, 56, 61, 64, 69, 72, 73, 79, 86, 89, 92, 95, 98, 100, 104, 105, 108, 111, 116, 123, 127, 135, 137, 142, 146, 148 and 156. On the 10th of October, 1829, the following action was taken in regard to these lots: "The commissioners of Hancock County met for the purpose of taking into their care the proportion of the town lots of Findlay which were deeded to said commissioners by Joseph Vance and Elnathan Cory, and said Charles McKinnis and John P. Hamilton, present, ordered that the aforesaid lots be offered at public sale on the 9th of November next. It is further ordered that the county auditor advertise said sale." The sale took place on the date designated, and twenty-seven of the thirty-nine lots were sold to the following purchasers, some of whom, however, did not pay up, and the lots reverted to the county, and were again sold.

Lot. Purchaser. Price paid.

2 Squire Carlin . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . $43 00

8 William Taylor . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . 101 00

9 Josiah Hedges .. ... .. .. .... .. . . .. . . .. .... .. .. . . . 200 00

13 Frederick Frutchey . . . .. . . .. . . . . .. . . .. . . . 68 00

17 George Bishop.......................................... . . .. . 12 00

28 Joseph Johnson. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . . . . .. . . .. . 35 18

29 Wilson Vance............................................ . . . .. . 50 00

32 Squire Carlin . . . ... . .. . . .. .. .. . . .. . . .. . . .... .... .35 25

43 Enoch Thompson. .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . . . 13 00

48 Don Alonzo Hamlin. . . . . . . .. . . .. . . ... . .. . . .. . 11 50

51 Joseph A. Sargent.. . . .. . . .... .. . . .. .... .. .. . . .. . . . 6 50

61 Squire Carlin . .. .. . . ... . .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . . . 5 00

79 Abel Rawson. .. .... ..... .... . . .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . . .... . 70 00

86 Squire Carlin . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . 82 02

89 Bass Rawson.. .. .. .... .. . . .... .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .... 78 50

92 Joshua Hedges.. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .... .. .. .. .51 50

95 James Coats. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . .20 00

98 Philip Strohl.. ... .................................. .... . . . . . . . 10 00

104 Don Alonzo Hamlin. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. .. . 16 00

105 John McIntire . . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . ..38 25

108 John C. Wickham .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. 20 00

111 William Moreland. . . . . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .20 00

116 Wilson Vance. . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . 10 00

142 Thomas Slight .. .. .. .. ... . .. .. ... . .. . . .. . . .. .. .. .. ..10 00

146 Thomas Slight, Jr. .. . . ...: .. . . .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 25

148 John McIntire . .. .. ...... .. .. . . .... .. .. .. . . ... .... . .. 5 00

156 William Taylor . . . .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . 8 00

Total amount of sales. . . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. $1, 025 40

At this time (1829-30), Findlay was a straggling hamlet, made up mainly of log cabins, and a large portion of the original town plat was

536 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

covered with forest. Wilson Vance was county recorder and clerk of the court of common pleas, and kept a tavern in a hewed-log building which stood on the east side of Main Street near the river. This house was built by a man named Thorp, an army sutler in the war of 1812, and afterward occupied by Benjamin J. Cox till the coming of Mr. Vance. The latter also had charge of the grist and saw-mills across the Blanchard, which were completed in 1824. Squire and Parlee Carlin carried on one of the two stores of the village in a story and a half frame building, on the southwest corner of Main and Front Streets. William Taylor was county surveyor, and kept the other store, and also a tavern, in a small log and frame structure still farther south on the west side of Main Street, where Rothchild's liquor store now is. His brother, James, lived with him at that time. John C. Wickham, the second school teacher in Findlay, was then postmaster and also sheriff of the county. His cabin was on east brain Cross Street, and his son, Minor T., lived with him. Edwin S. Jones was county treasurer, and operated a tanyard on Front Street, east of Main. The cabin and blacksmith shop of Joseph DeWitt stood on the west side of Broadway (now the Park), north of the site of the old brick jail. Dr.Bass Rawson was the only physician then living here, and his cabin was on the alley near East Street, directly east of where he yet lives. It was built by Joshua Powell, who rented it to the doctor and removed to Marion Township. William Hackney was county auditor, and lived in the southeast part of the village. William L. Henderson was deputy surveyor under William Taylor, and lived in a cabin north of the site of the Patterson Block. Thomas F. Johnston lived on the south bank of the river, west of the old fort, and followed farming. John Bashore was keeping tavern in a two-story hewed-log building where the Carnahan Block now stands. His brother-in-law, Philip Strohl, lived with him. Matthew Reighly was the carpenter of the village; James B. Moore, the brick-mason ; Reuben Hale, the miller of Vance & Cory's grist-mill, and John George Flenner the village tailor. All of these were then single and boarded at the taverns. James Pettier worked for the Carlins, and Thomas Chester had been in the employ of Wilson Vance since 1821. Henry and Peter Shaw came in the fall of 1829, and lived for a time in the old log schoolhouse on the northwest corner of Crawforn and East Streets, but soon moved across the river to the farm of Robert L. Strother, whence, in 1830, Henry returned to the village and followed carpentering. The foregoing are believed to have constituted the business interests and population of Findlay daring the years 1829 and 1830, though several other families came soon afterward.

The town was not then, nor for years afterward, very inviting as a place of residence, and some families who lived here would have gladly returned to their previous homes but could not raise the means to do so. At a meeting of the Pioneer Association held in May, 1876, Jonathan Parker, in detailing the circumstances of his removal to Findlay in October, 1831, says: "When I came here I found the first swats at Main Cross Street and I think it extended to Chamberlin's Hill without a break. When we landed we wanted to get to the house of William L. Henderson, who then lived on the lot now occupied by Kunz & Morrison. We could not get along the street, but had to `coon it' on logs across the public square. Old logs were plenty then all over the town plat. I think the water was at least one foot deep between Drain Cross Street and Crawford Street."

VILLAGE OF FINDLAY. - 537

The first addition to the original town was made by William Byal, February 19, 1834, on the southeast corner of Main and Sandusky Streets. Since that time the following additions (together with the dates of survey) have been made: Vance & Cory, June 13, 18:37; Gist & Morrison, August 19, 1837; John C. Howard, May 4, 1843; James H. Wilson (East Findlay), August 11, 1847; Vance & Cory, September 24, 1.847 ; William H. Baldwin, April 15, 1848; Vance & Cory, in May, 1848; Jesse George, April 5, 1849; Squire and Parlee Carlin, April and June, 1849, September 1.0, 1852 and May 5, 1854; Nathan Miller, June 20, 1854; Wilson Vance, July 3, 1854; James M. Coffinberry, July 12, 1854; William Taylor (North Findlay), in July, 1854; western addition by William H. Baldwin. Simon Yerger, Jonathan Parker, David Patton, Samuel A. Spear, Simon Wilhelm and Jesse Wolf, August 11, 1854; Amos Nye, August 11, 1854; George Biggs, August 21, 1854; Robert B. Hurd, July 2, 1855; William Detwiler, October 6, 1855; David W. Naill, October 31, 1855; extension of town limits, September 2, 1856; :D. M. & A. F. Vance (North Findlay), in February, 1857, and in September, 1858; William Vance (North Findlay), September 14, 1859; Byal's Second Addition, in September, 1859; D. J. Cory (North Findlay), March 21, 1860; Wilson Vance, May 29, 1860; Edson Goit (North Findlay), October 10, 1860; James H. Wilson (East Findlay), November 2, 1860; D. J. Cory, October 15, 1863; D. J. Cory (East Findlay), October 10, 1863; Edson Goit (North Findlay), June 10, 1864; Taylor & Hall (North Findlay), May 28, 1866; D. J. Cory (East Findlay), June 20, 1866; D. J. Cory, June 20, 18G6; Elijah Barnd, April 16 and November 24, 1868; extension of town limits, September 9, 1869; Jones &; Adams, June 6, 1.873; D. J. Cory (East Findlay). November 15, 1873; Alexander Witherill (North Findlay), in January, 1874; Absalom P. Byal, May 25 and July 20, 1874; D. J. Cory, November 4, 1874; D. J. Cory (North Findlay), November 4, 1874; Daniel George, November 11, 1874; Louis Adams, November 16, 1874; Parlee Carlin, April 21, 1875; Samuel Howard (North Findlay), July 26, 1877 ; P. & M. Taylor (North Findlay), in February, 1878; Gage & Carlin, in May, 1878; Parlee Carlin, in May, 1878; Peter Hosler (Barnd's Addition), May 29, 1879; Davis &, Bope, in January, 1881; Gray & Patterson (North Findlay), September 1, 1881; William L. Carlin (Rawson's Addition), April 15, 1882; Gray & Patterson (North Findlay), in June, 1883; extension of corporation limits in December, 1884; D. J. Cory (North Findlay), June 15, 1885. Findlay is now two miles and a quarter from its northern to its southern boundary, and two miles from east to west, and thus covers an area of about 2,880 acres.

Main is the principal business street of Findlay, and the only continuous one from the north to the south limits of the town. Commencing at the bridge spanning the Blanchard and going south, the streets running east and west are named Front, Main Cross, Crawford, Sandusky, Hardin, Lincoln and Lima. South of Lima the east and west streets are not continuous. On the east side of Main are Hancock, First. Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth; and on the west side are two short streets, Elm and Locust. Washington and Findlay are two short streets in the bend of the river West of Slain, and north of and parallel with Front Street; and the continuation of Crawford Street from Liberty westward is called Putnam. Between Main Street and Eagle Creek the parallel streets are Mechanic's Alley and East, with Rawson Street, Washington Avenue and Park Street running south

538 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

from Lima Street, also a couple of short, unnamed streets parallel with them. West of Main we find Farmer's Alley, W est, Liberty, Western and several streets south of Sandusky in Carlin's addition of out-lots with no names given on the maps. Main Cross, Crawford, Sandusky and Lincoln Streets continue eastward through East Findlay, which lies east of Eagle Creek. In that part of the city the east and west streets beginning at the river are Main Cross, Crawford, Sandusky, South, Lincoln and Walnut; while Blanchard, High and East run north and south. On the Lima road, in the southwest suburbs of the city, are Hurd Avenue and Summit Street. North Findlay lies on each side of Main Street north of the Blanchard. East of Main the parallel streets are Clinton, Taylor and North, and Cory on the west. From the river northward the east and West streets east of Main are Center, Cherry, Walnut and two or three+ unnamed; and on the west side Fair, High. Donleson, Corwin, Fillmore and Howard, none of which extend across Main.

The pioneers of Findlay deserve more than a passing notice, for to them, in a large measure, the town owes its present prosperity. The first white settler on the site of Findlay was Benjamin J. Cox, but it has been thought more appropriate to give a brief sketch of him in the history of the township. He left the county in 1823, and was never in any way connected with the founding or growth of the town, the history of which properly begins with the coming of Wilson Vance in 1821, whose subsequent life was mainly spent within its limits.

Mr. Vance was born in Mason County, Ky., January 19, 1706, his parents, Joseph C. and Sarah (Wilson] Vance being natives of Loudoun County, Va., of Irish ancestry. The family removed from Virginia to Kentucky in 1788, and thence to Greene County, Ohio, in 1800. Four years later they left Greene County, and took up their abode in Urbana, Champaign County, and here Wilson grew to maturity. In 1816 he went to Fort Meigs, where his brother Joseph was carrying on a store, and he remained there till his removal to Fort Findlay. On the 14th of March, 1820, he was married in Champaign County, to Miss Sarah Wilson, by the Rev. John Thomas. She was a native of Pennsylvania, born June 28, 1801. Mr. Vance returned with his young wife to the Maumee, where a son, Joseph C., was born December 14, 1820. In November, 1821, with his wife and child he started from Fort Meigs for Fort Findlay to look after the large landed interests of his brother Joseph at this point and lay out a town at the fort. He walked the whole distance, his wife riding on an Indian pony and carrying her babe in her arms. Upon reaching Fort Findlay Mr. Vance took possession of a story and a half hewed-log house, then occupied by Benjamin J. Cox, the latter moving into a smaller cabin which stood a little farther southeast. In the spring of 1822 Mr. Vance opened a tavern, his license being issued by the court of common pleas of Wood County May 20 of that year, for which he was charged $5. This old log tavern stood on the site of the present two-story brick (which he erected in after years), on the east side of Main Street, near the bridge. His second child, Mary L., was born in Urbana, September 11, 1822, and the third, Miles W., at Findlay, September 27, 1824, the latter being the first white male child born on the site of Findlay as well as in the county. The first grist and saw-mill Was built under the supervision of Mr. Vance, in 1824. It stood on the site of Carlin's mill and was a small log structure

VILLAGE OF FINDLAY. - 539

of primitive construction and the machinery operated by water-power, but it was a great boon to the first settlers. In 1832 he put up a one-story frame south of the log structure, and in the south room of this building, now the residence of G. C. Barnd, on Front Street, Vance & Baldwin opened a general dry goods store that year. Mr. Baldwin removed to New York in 1837, and Mr. Vance continued in the mercantile trade in Findlay till 1852, when he sold out and retired from business, though still retaining an interest in his son's store at Bluffton, Allen County. Besides merchandising he was engaged quite extensively in farming for many years. Mr. Vance and his wife were the parents of eight sons and four daughters, all of whom were born in Findlay, except the two eldest previously mentioned, and Horace M., of Findlay, is the sole survivor of the family. The official life of Mr. Vance began May 4, 1820, when he was appointed surveyor of Wood County, and he filled that office until his removal to Findlay. He was appointed the first postmaster of Findlay February 8, 1823, and held that position until July, 1829. At the first election held in Findlay Township, July 1, 1823, he was chosen one of the two justices of the peace; and at the second election, April 5, 1824, he was elected township trustee and lister. In discharging the duties of the latter office he made the first assessment of taxable property in Hancock County, and has himself assessed for one horse and four head of cattle. Mr. Vance was clerk of the court of common pleas from March, 1828, to March, 1835; county recorder from the spring of 1828 to June. 1835, and from October, 1835, to October, 1838; and county treasurer from June, 1845, to June, 1847. He was generally recognized as an upright man and a kind, good neighbor, but like all other men of strong individuality, sometimes awoke hostility in the hearts of his fellow men by his unswerving determination, bluff manner and stubborn adhesion to his own opinions. He was dignified in character, and possessed a fine personal appearance. Both he and his wife were life-long adherents of the Presbyterian faith, and the Findlay Church was organized at their house. Mr. Vance died at the home of his son in Orange Township September 30, 1862, and his widow survived him till March 10, 1866, leaving behind them an example in many things highly worthy of imitation.

The same fall in which Mr. Vance located at Fort Findlay a Kentuckian named Smith took possession of an old Indian cabin which stood immediately west of the fort. He cultivated a small patch of ground in the neighbor hood, and spent considerable time in hunting, while his wife looked after the household duties. Smith claimed to understand the use of drugs, and kept a small stock of medicines on hand. When Mrs. Matthew Reighly, who lived on the John P. Hamilton farm, was taken sick with malarial fever in 1822, Smith was called on to attend her, but she died so suddenly soon afterward that suspicion fell upon the medicine Smith had administered as the direct cause of her death. In defense Smith claimed that he positively forbade the patient the use of cold water, but she disobeyed his instructions and drank copiously, from the effects of which she died. As he was the only doctor (?) in the settlement his statement had to be accepted, as none could dispute its correctness. After a residence in Findlay of two or three years Smith and his wife left the county, and are supposed to have returned to Kentucky.

Matthew Reighly was the next to cast his fortunes with the embryo village. In the spring of .1822 he and his wife accompanied John P. Hamilton

540 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

to this county, and occupied a cabin built the previous year by Jacob Moreland on the southwest quarter of Section 17, up the river from the fort. Mrs. Reighly died the same year (being the first white person who died in Hancock County) and was buried in the old cemetery east of town. After his wife's death Mr. Reighly, who was a carpenter and possessed a fair education for that day, removed to Findlay and boarded at Wilson Vance's tavern. He assisted in building the first grist and saw mill, also most of the first log and frame houses erected in Findlay. He was one of the clerks at the first two elections held in the township in 1823 and 1824, and was chosen township clerk at the latter. At the first county election in April, 1828, Mr. Reighly was elected county auditor, and served until the follow ing October, when his successor was chosen. He subsequently married Betsy, daughter of Isaac Johnson, and sister of the venerable Joseph Johnson, of Portage Township, and finally removed to the West.

Squire Carlin is the oldest continuous resident now living in either the village or county who had reached the age of manhood before locating within its limits. He was born near Auburn, N. Y., December 25, 1801, and is a son of James and Susan (Davis) Carlin, the former a native of New Jersey and his Wife of New York State. They were married near Auburn, and were the parents of four children ere leaving New York, viz.: Nancy, Squire, Zada and Parlee. In the winter of 1806-07 they left New York in a sled, and traveled westward to Erie, Penn., and there spent the latter part of the winter. In the spring of 1807 the family left Erie in a sail-boat, and came up the lake to the mouth of Huron River, settling on the shore of Lake Erie, a short distance west of that point. The Carlins were the second white family to locate in what is now Huron County, but they remained there only one year, removing to the River Raisin in the spring of 1808. They settled on the opposite side of that stream from Frenchtown, about two miles and a half east of the site of Monroe, Mich. Here they lived until the summer of 1809, during which time another child, Caroline, was born. They next located on the site of Maumee City, on the north bank of the Maumee, in what is now Lucas County, Ohio, and continued peacefully tilling the soil until after Hull's surrender in August, 1812, when the reported coming of hostile Indians caused the family to flee southward over Hull's Trace. The mother, with her children, mounted on two horses and, carrying provisions for the journey and a few household articles, accompanied a band of refugees to Urbana, her husband remaining behind' with the hope of saving his stock, etc.; but his efforts proved futile, as they fell a prey to the Indians and their English allies. The family passed by Fort Findlay on the route, and our subject, who was then in his eleventh year, says the soldiers were still working on the fort, which was commenced the previous June. After stopping in Urbana a couple of months the Canine located on Buck Creek, east of the village, where a son, James, was soon afterward born. Here they lived till 1814, when the father and son, Squire, returned to the Maumee, built a cabin near Fort Meigs, and raised a crop on the island below the fort. In 1815 the balance of the family joined them, and they reoccupied the old homestead north of the river, though the buildings had been burned by the enemy, and new ones had to be erected. The parents spent the remainder of their lives on the Maumee, and there Squire grew to manhood, receiving no education whatever, what he now possesses having been acquired after locating in Findlay. He mar-

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ried Miss Sarah Wolcott, April 17. 1821, and settled in a cabin on the old homestead. She was born in Toronto, Canada, and her parents settled on the Maumee after the close of the war of 1812. Mrs. Carlin was the mother of ten children, only three of whom lived to maturity, viz.: William D., Elliott and Sarah, the last mentioned being Mrs. George W. Myers, of Findlay. William D. was for many years one of the county's leading physicians, and died December 26, 1862, while serving as surgeon of the Fifty-Seventh Regiment. Mr. Carlin had been to Fort Findlay several times before and after the settlement of Wilson Vance, and in November, 1826, purchased a lot on the southwest corner of Main and Front Streets, built a small log house, and opened the first store in the village. He boarded through the winter of 1826-27 at the tavern of Wilson Vance, but in the latter year his wife and son, William D., joined him. In 1828 his brother, Parlee, came from the Maumee, and the firm became S. & P. Carlin, and in 1831 their brother James obtained an interest, but remained only about a year. During this period a large part of Mr. Carlin's time was spent in traveling through the forest buying furs from the Indians, white hunters and small traders, and in this way he laid the foundation of his subsequent fortune. While engaged in the fur trade he suffered many privations and hardships, which he loves to relate. In the winter of 1827-28, while out on a trip and very hungry, he came to an Indian camp in the forest where several dressed animals were roasting along a log fire, and jumping from his horse cut off a large slice of the roasting meat. One of the Indians present, seeing the avidity with which he ate, said: "You like um fox :" "Yes," said Mr. Carlin, " don't you?" The Indian shook his head. " Then why do you roast them ? " asked his guest. " For my dogs," replied the Indian, who seemed mach amused over the incident. The meat, however, tasted good to the hungry trader, who first supposed the animals were coons, a much prized dish among the pioneers. The Carlin Bros. carried on a mercantile business on the old corner until 1852, when they sold their stock, but still continued to operate the grist and saw mills on the river, which they had owned since 1837. They were also largely engaged in the real estate and banking business from 1854 until their failure in 1878. Mr. Carlin was the third postmaster of Findlay, which position he held from Jane, 1831, to March. 1849, a period of nearly eighteen years. He was also treasurer of the county from June, 1831, to June, 1839. His wife died in October, 1850, and June 16, 1853, he was married to Mrs. Delis B. Gardner, nee Briggs, a daughter of James Briggs, Esq., of Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Three children have been born to this union, only one, Frederick P. , now living. Few men in this part of the State have led such an active business life as the now venerable Squire Carlin, the brothers being at one time among the wealthiest firms in northwestern Ohio, and the second largest land owners of Hancock County. The building of the Lake Erie & Western Railroad was the direct cause of Mr. Carlin's financial misfortune, for, though it has proven a blessing to the county, it was an unfortunate enterprise for him; yet he takes his reverses philosophically, and seems as happy as if they had never occurred.

Joseph White located in Findlay, in 1826, and taught the first school in the village in the winter of 1826-27. This school was held in a small log cabin east of the Sherman House site. White first settled in Liberty Township, in 1823, whence he removed to Findlay. He left the county in 1827,

542 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY,

and Squire Carlin is doubtless the only man now living in the county who remembers him, as he attended the school taught by White in Findlay.

Joseph DeWitt came to Findlay early in the spring of 1827, with his wife and nine children, and opened a blacksmith shop north of the site of the old brick jail facing the park. This was the first blacksmith shop opened in the village. Mr. DeWitt was a native of New Jersey, thence removed to Pennsylvania, where he married Catherine Hunt, a native of that State. About 1809, with his wife and two children, Elizabeth and William, he re-moved to Hamilton County, Ohio, settling near Cincinnati, where Sarah, the widow of Parlee Carlin, Esq., was born. He subsequently lived in Fairfield and Pike Counties, whence he came to Hancock, some of his children being then full grown. Mr. DeWitt carried on blacksmithing in Findlay till his removal to Wood County, in 1832. In the fall of 1830 he was elected coroner of the county; being the second incumbent of that office. From Wood County he went to Indiana, and there died.

John C. Wickham, his wife, Barbara, son Minor T. and daughter, Lucy, came from Ross County, Ohio, in the spring of 1827, his son, William, coming out a few years afterward. Wickham built a cabin on east Main Cross Street, and in the winter of 1827-28, taught school in the old hewed-log schoolhouse, erected the former year on the northwest corner of East and Crawford Streets. In October, 1828, he was elected sheriff, and served two years; and he was also postmaster of Findlay, from July, 1829 to June, 1831, being the second postmaster of the village. In 1832 his son William located in Blanchard Township, and the next year the parents and Minor T. also removed to that subdivision. The daughter, Lucy, married James McKinnis. Mr. Wickham taught school there, and in 1835 was elected justice of the peace, but died soon after, while on a business trip to Wayne County, Ohio.

Reuben Hale was a pioneer of 1827, in which year he was hired by Wilson Vance, to attend to the Vance & Cory grist-mill. He was a brother of Alfred Hale, who settled at Ft. McArthur, on the Scioto River, about 1818, where Reuben also lived till coming to Findlay, nine years afterward. At the first county election in April, 1828, he ran for sheriff, against Don Alonzo Hamlin, but was defeated. He married Emeline, daughter of Asher Wickham, and subsequently removed into Marion Township, thence to Union County, Ohio, where the declining years of his life were passed.

Edwin S. Jones, started the first tanyard in the village on East Front Street. He visited Findlay in May, 1827, and purchased a lot on Front Street, and the following autumn, erected thereon a hewed-log house with shingle roof, the first shingles used in the village, the few other cabins then here being covered with clap boards. He subsequently erected a tannery close to his house. Mr. Jones was clerk of elections in April, 1828, and in October, 1828, was elected county treasurer, which office he filled two years. In 1831 he sold his tannery to Edward Bright, and removed to a farm in Marion Township, whence he afterward went to Chillicothe, IIl., where he died a few years ago.

William Taylor was one of the most prominent pioneers of Findlay, where he settled permanently in June, 1828. He was born in Mifflin County, Penn. , May 12, 1798, and there grew to manhood, receiving a very limited education. He was married, in Bedford County, Penn., April 25, 1826, to Miss Margaret Patterson, and the following July removed to Richland County, Ohio, where he engaged in farming about eight miles from

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Mansfield. In the spring of 1828 Mr. Taylor came to Findlay and engaged Matthew Reighly to build him a log house, 18 x 32 feet in dimensions, and complete the same for about $350. He then returned for his family, with whom he arrived June 8, 1828. Mr. Taylor brought along a small stock of dry goods, groceries, etc., and opened the second store of the village in one end of the house, which stood on the west side of Main Street, where Roth child's liquor store now is. He soon afterward weather-boarded the building, and put up a frame addition adjoining, and opened a tavern called the "Findlay Inn." His brother, James, came out soon after and lived With him several years, subsequently residing in Putnam and Allen Counties, and thence removing to Oregon, where he is now living. In 1834-35 Mr. Taylor built the front part of the brick storeroom now owned by Frank Karst, Sr., on the northwest corner of Main and Main Cross Streets, and removed his business and residence to that building. Besides attending to his store and tavern Mr. Taylor carried on a very profitable trade in peltry with the hunters and Indians who frequented the village. By judicious management, good judgment and strict attention to business he accumulated a large estate, and at the time of his decease he Was regarded as one of the wealthy citizens of the town. He Was the first surveyor of Hancock County, and filled that office froth April, 1828, to April, 1832. In 1835 he was elected county commissioner, and again in 1845. He served in the Ohio Legislature in 1838-39, and in 1856 was the presidential elector from this district on the Fremont and Day ton ticket. In December, 1849, he was appointed postmaster of Findlay, and held the office till April, 1853. Mr. Taylor Was one of the organizers of the Presbyterian Church of Findlay, and a ruling elder of the society until his death, which occurred September 13, 1867, in the seventieth year of his age. His widow survived him only eleven months, dying August 12, 1868, she being also in her seventieth year when called from the scares of life. Four children survive the parents, viz. : Patterson, of Missouri; Milton, of Toledo, and Mrs. Milton Gray and Mrs. J. S. Patterson, of Findlay, all prominent in the material and social interests of their respective homes.

Parlee Carlin was a pioneer of the fall of 1828, coming to Findlay from the Maumee River, and forming a partnership with his brother Squire. He was born in New York State October 11, 1806, and followed the fortunes of the family, which have been related in his brother's sketch. July 29, 1830, he married Miss Sarah De Witt, daughter of Joseph De Witt, the pioneer blacksmith of the village, who still survives him. Mr. Carlin was prominently associated with his brother in all his business enterprises, but at the time of their failure he was more fortunate in saving something from the financial disaster which swept away his brother's fortune. He served as county recorder from June, 1835, to October, 1835, and served three terms in the State Legislature, viz. : 1837-38, 1856-58 and 1864-66, and also one term in the State Senate, to Which body he was elected in 1866. Mr. Carlin and wife reared a family of nine children, all of whom are living. He cued July 7, 1883, in his seventy-seventh year, and is still kindly remembered by a large circle of friends.

James B. Moore and James Peltier came to the village in the summer of 1828, both being single. The former was a brick-mason and a native of Virginia. After several years' residence in town he settled in the southeast corner of Findlay Township, and thence removed to Jackson, where he died in the winter of 1845-46. Mr. Moore was twice married, and four of his children

546 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

are living, two of whom are residents of Findlay. Pettier was a Frenchman, who entered the employ of Squire Carlin, and traveled over the country buying furs. In 1830 the Canine set him up in business in Allen County, where he married and spent the balance of his life. Moore and Pettier voted at the October election of 1828.

John George Flenner was the pioneer tailor of Findlay, where he located in the spring of 1829. He was a native of Frederick County, Md., born in April, 1776, and there grew to maturity. In his twenty-fourth year he enlisted in the United States Army and served two years. He then entered the navy and did service under Capt. John Rodgers, crossing the Atlantic four times during his term of one year. Quitting the navy he repaired to his early home, and was soon afterward married to Miss Elizabeth Yantiss. After several years spent in Alleghany and Frederick Counties, Md., he removed to Ohio, and settled near Cadiz, Harrison County, soon afterward removing to the Pickaway Plains, near the Scioto River. Here his wife died early in 1826, and three years afterward he came to Findlay. Mr. Flenner married again and followed his trade from the time of his settlement up to within a few years ears of his death, which occurred November 17, 1861, in the eighty-sixth year of his age.

Joshua Powell and family came in the spring of 1829, and built a log cabin on the alley north of Crawford Street and near East. He cleared and cultivated a small patch of ground about where the residence of E. P. Jones now stands, but the crop of corn which he put in proved a failure, because of the very dry weather which prevailed that season. In the fall of 1829 he rented his cabin to Dr. Bass Rawson, and removed to a tract of land in Marion Township, in the history of which township further mention of him will be found.

Thomas F. Johnston removed from Crawford County, Ohio, to Findlay in the spring of 1829, and took possession of a small cabin immediately west of the fort. He entered 214 acres of land in Sections 11 and 14 the same year, and during his residence here did some farming. In October, 1830, he was elected auditor of the county, and served from March, 1831, until June 4, 1832, when he resigned the office. He owned the lot on which the Humphrey House stands, and erected a two-story frame upon it, but ere its completion, in 1832, he sold it to James H. Wilson, who finished the building. Soon after selling this property he went back to Crawford County.

John Bashore was the third pioneer tavern-keeper of the village. He came here early in 1829, and erected a two-story hewed-log building on the northeast corner of Main and Crawford Streets, and opened "a place of entertainment for man and beast." His brother-in-law, Philip Strohl, came with him and died a year or two afterward. Rev. Thomas Thompson preached the funeral sermon, and Strohl was interred in the old cemetery on Eagle Creek. In May, 1832, Bashore so ldout to Maj. John Patterson, and removed to Lima.

William L. Henderson was one of the few pioneers of Findlay who possessed what was then a rare accomplishment, viz. : a good education. At the time of his settlement, in 1829, he was doubtless the best informed man in the village. He was a native of the County Donegal, Ireland, born May 12, 1800, and in 1818 immigrated to New Brunswick, soon afterward removing to Mt. Eaton, Wayne Co., Ohio, where he married Miss Phoebe

VILLAGE OF FINDLAY. - 547

Patterson. In 1829 he came to Findlay and erected a log house on the west side of Main Street immediately north of Patterson's corner. Mr. Henderson was a practical surveyor, and first served as deputy under William Taylor, who then held the office of county surveyor. In April, 1832, he succeeded Mr. Taylor and served until October, 1838. In October, 1831, he was elected justice of the peace of Findlay Township, and reelected in 1834. In October, 1838, Mr. Henderson was elected auditor of Hancock County, and re-elected to the same office, but resigned September 29, 1842, to accept the office of clerk of the court of common pleas, which he filled until July, 1848, when he resigned. Mr. Henderson was also one of the first, if not the first notary public appointed in the village. He was an honest, capable official, and recognized as a man of strong convictions and very decided opinions. He possessed that combination of pride and generosity so characteristic of the Irish race, and was ever ready to extend a helping hand in assisting suffering humanity. In the spring of 1855 Mr. Henderson removed to Guthrie County, Iowa, and in 1858 located in Linn County, Kas., where he died May 15, 1863, his widow surviving him about two years. They reared a family of five children. viz. Mrs. Sarah A. Whiteley, Mrs. Ellen E. Benedict, Mrs. Clara J. Carson, Mrs. Kate M. Selkirk and Patterson. Only two of these are now living, Mrs. Benedict. and Mrs. Selkirk, both residents of Dixon County, Neb. Mrs. Whiteley, the deceased wife of Judge M. C. Whiteley. is, perhaps, the best remembered of any of Mr. Henderson's children, as she spent more than fifty years of her life in Findlay and died here only a few years ago.

Henry and Peter Shaw came to Findlay in September, 1829, the former having a wife and five children, and the latter a Wife only. They were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they had removed to Richland County, Ohio, in 1812, and seventeen years afterward to Hancock. They lived for a short time in the old log schoolhouse and then took a contract from Rob: ert L. Strother to clear off a piece of land north of the river, where both families spent the winter of 1829-30, and then returned to the village. Peter subsequently located southeast of the town on Lye Creek. Henry was something of a carpenter, and in 1830 built the old log jail that once stood upon the public square. In 1832 he erected a horse-mill on Front Street, on the south end of the lot now occupied by the " Church of God," which he operated a few years. This old grist-mill is yet well remembered by many of the inhabitants of Findlay. In 1836 Henry removed to a farm near Van Buren, and in 1842 to Marshall County, Ind., Where he died in 1872.

Frederick Henderson was one of the pioneer merchants of Findlay, Where he settled in the fall of 1831. He was a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, and first visited Findlay in the summer of 1831, at which time he decided to locate here. Returning to Muskingum County for his family, which then consisted of his Wife, Margaret, and one child, he was there joined by Jonathan Parker, Who accompanied Mr. Henderson to this village, the trip being made in a wagon drawn by four horses. Mr. Henderson was a cabinet-maker, and followed his trade in Findlay for several years after coming, a portion of the time in connection with Hugh Newell. In 1840 he and Mr. Newell purchased the stock of William Taylor, and for a short time carried on a store in Mr. Taylor's building, now owned and occupied by Frank Karst, Sr. They soon afterward erected a frame storeroom on the east side of Main Street, a little south of Crawford, to which

548 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

they removed their stock. This partnership lasted till 1846, when it Was dissolved, Mr. Henderson retaining possession of the business. In 1849 he took in J. S. Patterson, who continued as one of the firm until 1857. Mr. Henderson erected the three-story brick block on the southeast corner of Main and Crawford Streets, which he occupied at the time of his death. He was a very successful merchant, and did a large share of the business in his line. Courteous and affable at all times, he won and retained the good will of all with whom he came in contact. He was one of the pioneer Presbyterians of Findlay, and died in that faith August 21, 1866, in his sixty-first year. His widow survived him till January 13, 1870, leaving a family of four children, none of whom are noW residents of the county.

Jonathan Parker accompanied Mr. Henderson to Findlay, where they arrived toward the close of October, 1831. He was born in Loudoun County, Va. , in 1808, and in the spring of 1814 removed With his parents to Morgan County, Ohio, where he learned the carpenter trade, afterward removing to Muskingum County, whence he came to Findlay. Mr. Parker followed his trade of carpenter and builder in this county for many years. He built a steam saw-mill on the north bank of the river in 1846, which was in successful operation till March 10, 1874, when it was completely wrecked by its boiler exploding. It was then the property of J. C. Powell, and has not been rebuilt. In 1857 Mr. Parker erected a steam planing-mill in the southwest part of the village, to which he added a grrist-mill, which began operations in the spring of 1858. These were known as the " Hancock Mills," and the flouring-mill is still operated~by his son John. Mr. Parker took for his first wife Miss Elizabeth Hamilton, who died, leaving no issue. He then married Miss Lucinda Workman, who bore him three children (two of whom are living), and died May 15, 1844. In 1846 he was married to Miss Nancy A. Workman, to which union three children Were born, two of whom, with the mother, survive, the father having died September 27, 1879. Mr. Parker was one of the most enterprising citizens that Findlay has ever possessed. He also took a deep interest in pioneer matters, and his reminiscences delivered at the meetings of the Pioneer Association, of which he was a leading member, have been of much assistance in compiling this history of the village. Upright, straightforward, industrious and enterprising, he was highly respected by a very wide circle of the best people of Hancock County. He carried his Christian character into every-day life, and was a prominent example of practical Christianity.

Joseph C. Shannon is said to have been a native of Ireland, who at an early day immigrated to Fairfield County, Ohio, and thence removed to the Tymochtee, in what is now Wyandot County. His first wife was a sister of George F. Algire, of Pleasant Township, whom he married in Fairfield County. Upon her death he was married to Vesta, daughter of Job Chamberlin, Sr., who also died after a brief married life. In 1831 he came to Findlay, and June 4, 1832, he was appointed auditor of Hancock County, vice Thomas F. Johnston (resigned). He was elected as his own successor in October, 1832, and re-elected to the same office. W While holding the auditorship he was married to Miss Malinda V. Strother, sister of Judge Robert L. Strother, and died in May, 1836, ere the expiration of his second term.

E. D. Nightengale located in the village in 1831, and resided here many years. He was a clock repairer and a sort of " jack of all trades," and

VILLAGE OF FINDLAY. - 549

never amounted to much. In fact he was one of those peculiar characters found in every town, who in some way manage to eke out a living. Nightengale's name appears among the voters of Findlay in October, 1831, and his card can be found in the Courier of different years up to 1848, about which time he is believed to have left the county.

Christian Barnd, though a pioneer of 1831, did not settle in Findlay until the following year, his first residence being near Van Buren. He opened a small tavern and soon afterward a tannery on the site of the old brick jail west of the park, and carried on business there for several years. In 1834 he Was elected sheriff and re-elected in 1836. About 1839 he started a small grocery store on Main Street north of Main Cross, which he carried on about eight years. Mr. Barnd died November 3, 1847. Three of his sons, John, Gamaliel C. and Elijah, are residents of the county, the last two mentioned having lived in Findlay for more than half a century.

John W. Baldwin was a cousin of Dr. William H. Baldwin and came to Findlay from Champaign County, Ohio, in the spring of 1832. He opened a general store in partnership with Wilson Vance, which continued some time after he left the village. In March, 1835, Mr. Baldwin was elected associate judge, but resigned the office in July of the same year. He soon afterward went to New York, and subsequently sold his interest in the store to Mr. Vance. After many years spent in the great Eastern metropolis Mr. Baldwin returned to Springfield, Ohio, and there died a few years ago. He is best remembered in Findlay because of his gigantic size, being the largest man that ever lived in Hancock County.

James H. Wilson, a native of Pennsylvania, is one of the few pioneer business men of Findlay who are yet living. He first came to the village in the summer of 1832, and purchased of Thomas I''. Johnston the corner on which the "Humphrey House" now stands, and on which an unfinished two story frame was in process of erection. In 1833 Mr. Wilson settled permanently, and being a carpenter worked at his trade for a short time. He then began clerking for the Carlins and afterward for B. L. Caples, also one of Findlay's early merchants. Having finished the building on his lot he rented the property to Jeremiah Case, who kept a tavern in it one year. In the spring of 1834 he traded it to Maj. John Patterson for the Carnahan Corner and 160 acres of land, and the following year put up a frame storeroom on the former. In 1838 he opened a general store in that building, where he continued in business for ten years, the frame being replaced in 1848 by a three-story brick known as the `` Melodeon Building," then the most imposing business block in Findlay, as its successor, the Carnahan Block, also is. Mr. Wilson conducted a mercantile business in his new building until retiring in 1854. He subsequently engaged in farming and has been a stockholder and director of the first National Bank of Findlay since 1866. Mr. Wilson has been a very successful business man, and is now enjoying the fruits of his early industry, inherent courtesy and business integrity.

John Ewing Was for many years one of the leading merchants of Findlay. He came here from Pennsylvania in 1833, and at once engaged in merchandising. At quite an early day he erected the three-story brick long known as the " White Corner," and was a man of considerable wealth. In March, 1842. Mr. Ewing Was elected associate judge and served on the bench seven years. He was the member Who represented this senatorial

550 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

district in the constitutional convention of 1850-51. Judge Ewing was dignified and exclusive in his habits, and not very popular in the social circles of the village. In 1860 he removed to Springfield, Ohio, and after ward to Wisconsin, dying in Milwaukee in 1880. He united with the Presbyterian Church of Findlay in 1835, and remained a member of that denomination during the balance of his life. The people of Findlay claim if it had not been for Judge Ewing's opposition and influence in favor of the Findlay Branch, the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad world have been located through the town, which ever since world have been enjoying the advantages of that great trunk line.

Abraham Daughenbaugh and wife came to tire village in the sluing of 1833. He was born at or near Williamsport, Penn., December 29, 1799, and there grew to manhood thence removed to Canton, Ohio, and learned the carpenter trade. In the Spring of 1833 he married Miss Mary Dewalt, of Canton, and soon after marriage came to Findlay and purchased William Taylor's tavern, which he ran a few years. He also followed carpentering and building. Three children were years. born to him, viz. : Ann, Dewalt and Harriet, the last two mentioned being residents of Findlay. Mr. Daughenbaugh died in 1866, and his widow the following year.

Garrett D. and James Teatsorth came from eastern Ohio to Findlay in the fall of 1833. Their father, Isaac. an old Revolutionary soldier, came with them, and died December 25, 1834. James Teatsorth ran the old Shaw horse-mill on Front Street for some years, and in 1849 he went to California, whence in two or three years he returned to Findlay. He afterward purchased the mills erected by Edson Goit, in Union Township, where he resided until his death. Garrett D. started a blacksmith shop soon after coming to Findlay, north of Main Cross Street. In 1837 he purchased the Rising Sun Hotel, built by Mr. Erb, the tailor, on east Main Cross, and turned over the blacksmith shop to his son-in-law, David Webster. He carried on the tavern for many years, but finally gave up the business, and died in Findlay September 8, 1872. The brothers each have a couple of children living in the county.

Joseph D. Ford came to the village from Virginia with his mother in 1832, but was then only a boy of sixteen. He learned the tailors' trade with Mr. Erb after coming, and abort 1836 opened a shop. In 1839 he married Miss Mary Parker. sister of Jonathan Parker, who survives him. Mr. Ford continued to follow his business till his death in March, 1875.

Peter Byal was born in Huntington County, Penn., July 8, 1806, and four years afterward his parents removed to Stark County, Ohio, In 1821 he went to Cleveland and learned the hatter's trade, which he followed for twenty-seven years. He Was married in Wooster, Ohio, in 1828, to Eliza McFall, and in December, 1833, located in Findlay, following his brother, John, and father, William, to this county. Mr. Byal made the first hat that was manufactured in Findlay. In October, 1836, he was elected coroner, but served only one year, as he did not Want the office. He removed to a farm south of town, but after several years came back to the village, and has been janitor of the high school building for the past sixteen years. Mr. Byal and wife reared a family of ten children, all of whom are living, but the mother died September 22, 1879.

Maj. John Patterson, though dead over thirty-three ,years, is one of the well remembered pioneers of the town. He was born in Maryland, November

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9, 1784, and removed when quite young with his parents to Pennsylvania, and subsequently to what is now Jefferson County, Ohio, where they settled soon after the organization of the Northwest Territory. He there grew to manhood, and August 17, 1809, was married to Miss Elizabeth Alban. He served in the war of 1812, and at the close of that struggle removed to Harrison County. In May, 1832, he visited Findlay and purchased the log tavern of John Bashore, which stood on the Carnahan corner. He did not settle here, however, till the spring of 1834, when he brought out his family, consisting of his wife and nine children-four sons and five daughters. He at once traded the property he had purchased of Bashore and 160 acres of land to James H. Wilson, for the "Humphrey House" corner. upon which a two-story frame was standing, and opened the " Findlay Caravansary," then the only tavern in the village where no intoxicating drink was sold. Whenever a thirsty traveler would call for something to drink, which of course generally meant whisky, Mr. Patterson would point to the pump near the door and answer: "There's plenty of pump-water, sir, I do not, sell whisky." He soon got the nickname of "old pump-water," which stuck to him through life. In September, 1840, he traded the tavern to Samuel Leard for a farm in Washington Township, upon which he settled and lived abort two years, and then returned to Findlay. In 1843 he was elected justice of the peace of Findlay Township, and served one term. From that time until his death, March 8, 1853, he lived retired from the active duties of life. His widow survived him until October, 1877, and of his children only one son, Milton B. , and two daughters are living, all residents of the county.

James Robinson was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1809, and learned the carpenter's trade in Maryland. In March, 1834, he located in Findlay, and the following spring (1835) was married to Miss Delilah Bohart, a native of Carroll County, Ohio, who came to the village with her brother Jacob the previous fall. Of this union six children were born, four of whom are yet living, two, with the mother, being residents of Findlay. Mr. Robinson was elected sheriff in 1852, and served one term. He died April 8, 1884.

Price Blackford was also a pioneer of 1834. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1803, whence he removed with his parents to Columbiana County, Ohio, and subsequently to Stark County. Price learned the hatter's trade of his father, and upon reaching early manhood married Miss Abigal Slater, also a resident of Stark. They came to Findlay in 1834, where he engaged in the manufacture of hats, in which line he did quite a business for that day. In 1837 Mr. Blackford was elected justice of the peace, and re-elected four times, serving fifteen consecutive years. He was a man of good judgment and strong common sense, and his decisions usually gave good satisfaction. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and assisted in organizing the first society of that faith in the county, which took place on Ten Mile Creek, about 1836. His wife bore him six children, four of whom are living, and two, Aaron and Jason, are leading attorneys of the county. She died in 1845, and on the 6th of April, 1851, he, too, passed away, leaving a record for sterling honesty that was proverbial.

N. H. Ward was the second tailor who settled in the town. He was born in the Keystone State in 1812, and in 1815 his parents removed to Columbiana County, Ohio. He learned the tailor's trade, and in 1834 came to Findlay and opened a shop in a little log cabin near the residence of

552 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

Wilson Vance, where he followed tailoring several years. In 1844 he moved to his present residence in Big Lick Township, where he continued to work at his trade for some years afterward. Though coming to Findlay with less than $100, he has accumulated through the passing years one of the finest farms in the township where he now lives.

Paul Soars. and .john Campbell both located in Findlay in 1834. The former was a native of Adams County. Penn., and manufactured furniture here for several years after coming. In 1835 he was married to Miss Leah Guise, and in 1837 united with the Presbyterian Church of Findlay. He served two terms as justice of the peace, and six years as county recorder. In 1855 he became cashier of the Citizen's Bank, which position he held until his death, which occurrecl January 21, 1873, living and dying an up right Christian man. Mr. Campbell purchased the Vance & Cory grist and saw mills. In the winter of 1834-35 he tore down the old log structure, and replaced it by a frame. He ran these mills until 1871, when he sold them to S. & P Carlin, and subsequently removed to Richland County. In 1836 he was elected justice of the peace, of Findlay Township, but is said to have left the county before the expiration of his term.

John Adams was one of the early cabinet and chair-makers of the village, where he came from Pennsylvania in 1835. Ten years after that date is found his advertisement in the Courier. He was also a wheelwright, and sometimes did jobs of painting. Mr. Adams was the first mayor of Findlay, elected in April, 1838, and in 1844 he was elected recorder of the county, and served one term. He was a very worthy man and died in Texas, whither he had gone for the purpose of seeking a new field of labor. His family still reside in Findlay.

The name of Capt. Hiram Smith is closely interwoven with the early history of Findlay, where he located in 1835. He was one of the most enterprising, adventurous and generous men of his time, and was the first to manufacture fanning-mills in western Ohio, first at Waterville, on the Maumee River, and afterward at Findlay, where he was subsequently engaged in mercantile business. In 1851 he removed to Oregon, being one of the pioneers of that State. Capt. Smith was eminently practical, and was always ready to lend assistance to the needy. In the summers of 1862-63 he went far out upon the plains to meet and succor immigrants to Oregon, and no privation or sacrifice was too great in order to assist and encourage the weary and often disheartened settlers. In October, 1863, while on a visit to Findlay, he sold a farm which he owned in Hancock County, and donated $1,000 of the amount received in trust to the town, the interest to be annually expended in puurhasing fuel for the widows, wives or mothers of volunteers living within the corporation limits. After ten years, one-third of the interest was to be annually added to the principal and the remaining two-thirds used in purchasing fuel dur ing thirty years. But in case all of the said persons, for whose benefit the bequest was made. should die or move away before the expiration of said thirty years, all of the interest is to be yearly added to the principal as a permanent fund. At the end of that time the interest on the whole fund is to be annually distributed among "the indigent widows and sewing-girls, who keep house or keep shop, and who are under the necessity of using the needle as a support," within the bounds of the village. For this bequest alone the memory of Hiram Smith should forever be revered by the people

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of Hancock County. He died in San Francisco, Cal. , January 17, 1870, leaving a large estate to his loved and venerated widow. Mrs. Hannah Smith, who now resides in Portland, Oregon. Her farm of 1,300 acres, a few miles from Portland, is carried on through a tenant. It is situated near the Columbia River, and in full view of Mount Hood and much more of the grandest and most picturesque scenery of the State.

William Porterfield came here from Knog County, Ohio, in 1835, and in 1839, in partnership with his brother-in-law, Samuel Honn, began merchandising. The latter did not remain long in Findlay, but Mr. Porterfield was the second mayor of Findlay and carried on business in the village a good many years. He then removed to Williamstown, thence to Dunkirk and Gallion, Ohio, and subsequently to Council Bluffs, Iowa. He is now a resident of Fremont, Neb.

A. H. Hyatt located in Findlay in the spring of 1836, coming here from Brownsville, Penn. He opened a store in a frame building, which he erected on the east side of Main Street, where Jacob M. Huber's drug store now is, and conducted business at that corner until his death, in the spring of 1859. Mr. Hyatt married a sister of Dr. William H. Baldwin, who bore him two children, one of whom, Benjamin F., survives and is a post trader in the West, but still calls Findlay his home. Few men of his day were more highly respected by the people of the county than A. H. Hyatt. Upright and honest in all his dealings, he was one of the most successful merchants of the village during his residence here of twenty-three years.

B. L. Caples also began business in Findlay in the spring of 1836, coming from Ashland, Ohio, and establishing a store on the site of Totten's grocery. He, however, remained here only a few years, and is now a resident of Fostoria.

John Engelman and Joshua Baldwin were pioneers of 1836. The former was born in Union County, Penn. September 16, 1810, there grew up and learned the carpenter's trade. In 1832 he came to Ohio; finally locating in Tiffin, where he was married to Miss Margaret M. J. Julien, a native of Maryland, in July, 1835. In August, 1836, he removed to Findlay, where he has ever since resided, following his trade the greater portion of the time, and assisting in putting up many of the first buildings in the village. He was one of the builders and first proprietors of the Eagle Mills. His wife bore him thirteen children, eleven of whom are living, and died in 1876. Mr. Baldwin came from Zanesville, Ohio, in October, 1836, with his wife Eleanor and three daughters: Sarah A.. Eleanor and Melinda B. Mrs. Baldwin died in 1837 and he in 1853. His object in coming to Findlay was to be near his sons, Dr. William H. and A. C. Baldwin, and daughter, Mrs. Charles W. O'Neal. Mrs. Sarah A. Strother, of Findlay, is the only member of the family now living in the county.

Hugh Newell was born in Washington County, Penn. , April 8, 1804, and his, early boyhood days were spent on the old homestead. His father was a veteran of the Revolution, and died in Pennsylvania. In 1814 the family removed to Mount Vernon, Knog Co., Ohio, where Hugh subsequently learned the trade of a fanning-mill maker. He afterward clerked in the postoffice and kept a tavern, and subsequently removed to Belleville, Rich land County, where he sold goods. December 26, 1826, he was married to Miss Sallie Thrift, and in the fall of 1836 brought his family to Findlay. Mr. Newell entered the store of Green & Reed, for whom he clerked about

556 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

one year, and then began the manufacture of furniture with Frederick Henderson. In 1838 he opened a store, and in 1840 he and Mr. Henderson purchased the stock of William Taylor and for a short time conducted business on the Karst corner, then the property of Mr. Taylor. They afterward erected a frame building on the east side of Main Street, south of Crawford, where they carried on business until 1840, when the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Newell removed to a building he put up on the west side of Main, north of Patterson's corner. Here he continued merchandising till November 1, 1859, when he sold out to Henry Greer and retired from business. Mr. Newell was an honest, industrious, economical business man, and by judicious management during his mercantile career accumulated a handsome estate. He was a life-long Methodist, and a leading member of the Findlay society until his death April 10, 1883. Mrs. Newell survived him over two years and died October 16, 1885, leaving three children, viz.: Mrs. Henry Brown, of Findlay, Mrs. Rev. Samuel Mower, of Cleveland, Ohio, and Sterling, of Indianapolis, Ind.

Henry Lamb was also one of the early business men of Findlay. He was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, August 16, 1807, there grew to manhood, and in 1830 married Miss Mary Lefler. Removing to Hancock County the same year, he settled on a farm northwest of Findlay; but in 1837 he bought out the stock of the Carlins and began merchandising. In October, 1837, he was elected coroner and served one term. He purchased from John McCurdy, in December, 1840, a two-story frame building, which the latter had just completed on the site of the Joy House, and opened the "White Hall" tavern. He ran this tavern till March, 1849, and it was burned down immediately after he moved out. Mr. Lamb neat engaged in farming, and subsequently in the grocery trade for several years. He died May 7, 1882, and his widow December 27 following. Of their six children five are living, and two of them residents of Findlay.

Among other early business men of the town whose names might be mentioned in this connection are Green & Reed, Dewalt & Rappee, Mark Delaney and Burger & Kling, merchants; John S. Julien, plasterer; Jesse Wheeler, George Plotner and John McCurdy. carpenters; John Boyd, Peter Cogley, Garnet Whitlock, David Webster and Z. Surles, blacksmiths; Philip Shockey and John Schneyer, wagon and plow-makers; M. M. Nigh and Alonzo D. Wing, successive proprietors of the Findlay House; Daniel Erb, Jacob Bohart, Isaac J. Baldwin and Abraham Younkin, tailors; Abraham W. Schwab and Elijah Ash, shoe-makers, and Isaac Vail, tanner, all of whom were here prior to 1840. A few other names might be given. but little would be gained by extending the list, as Findlay was by this time quite a bustling little village with a population of between 500 and 600 inhabitants.

In the general history of the county, the chapter on the judiciary contains biographies of the pioneer lawyers of Findlay, and it only remains to mention briefly the early physicians of the village. The now aged and venerable Dr. Bass Rawson was the first member of the medical profession why settled in Findlay. The Doctor was born in Orange, Franklin Co. , Mass., April 17, 1799, and is now in his eighty-eighth year. He read medicine in New York State and Massachusetts, and in the spring of 1828 removed to what is now Summit County, Ohio, where he began practice with his brother, Secretary. In September, 1829, he came to Findlay and com-

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menced the practice of his profession in Hancock County, which he followed until his eightieth anniversary, in April, 1879, a period of nearly half a century. Findlay, at the time of his coming, was a small hamlet flanked by forest on every side, while the whole county contained a population of only about 800. In 1831 he and his brother La Quino were taxed on an income of $250. With the passing years Dr. Rawson grew into a large and lucrative practice, his professional circuit embracing a wide scope of country extending for many miles in every direction. By the judicious management of his annual income derived from his professional labors, the Doctor has accumulated quite a large fortune. Though the infirmities of old age are weighing heavily upon him, he nevertheless enjoys good health and bids fair to turn his four score years and ten.

Dr. La Quino Rawson was the second resident physician of Findlay, where he located in the spring of 1831. He was born on "Irvin's Grant," now the town of Irvin, Franklin Co., Mass., September 14, 1804, and in 1824 came to Ohio and began the study of medicine. In July, 1826, he commenced practice on the Tymochtee, in what is now Wyandot County, and five years afterward joined, his brother Bass in Findlay. Here he remained two years and five months, and then removed to Lower Sandusky (now Fremont), where he followed his profession until 1855. From 1836 to 1858 he was clerk of the common pleas court of Sandusky County, and was one of the prime movers in the construction of the Lake Erie & Western Railroad. He is yet a resident of Fremont.

Dr. William H. Baldwin located in Findlay in the fall of 1832, coming from Fort Harmar, opposite Marrietta, Ohio. Dr. Baldwin read medicine with Dr. Flenner, of Zanesville, Ohio, where he was born January 16, 1810, and was a graduate of the Cincinnati Medical College. In March, 1835. he was appointed clerk of the common pleas court, and served in that capacity seven years. Dr. Baldwin continued in the enjoyment of a large and successful practice up to within a short time of his death, when failing health compelled him to relinquish the active duties of his profession. He died December 14, 1868, mourned by a large circle of friends, who regarded him not only as a good physician, but a warm and generous companion.

Dr. Charles Osterlen was the next physician to open an office in the village, and the first of the homeopathic school of medicine. He was born in Germany, October 5, 1807, and is a graduate of the U niversity of Stuttgart. Coming to the United States in 1832, he located in Ashland, Ohio, two years afterward, and in September, 1836, took up his residence in Findlay. Since that time up to the present he has continued in active and successful practice. He served one term in the Legislature, and has always taken a prominent part in furthering the best interests of his adopted county. To Dr. Osterlen, more than any other man, is due the credit of the first development of natural gas, which he has believed in and advocated during the past fifty years.

Dr. David Patton came to Findlay in October, 1836, and soon succeeded in obtaining a fair share of patronage. He was born in Steubenville, Ohio, December 14, 1799, of Irish ancestry; read medicine in Cadiz, Ohio, and began practice in Carrollton, whence he removed to Fairfield County, and then to Hancock. The Doctor was a good physician, and after several years' residence in Findlay removed to Delaware, Ohio, but soon returned and resumed practice in this village. He subsequently went to Iowa, but

558 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.

came back to Ohio and died near Cleveland, August 30, 1874. During his residence in Findlay he purchased the Findlay Herald of James M. Coffinberiy, but did not publish the paper. Dr. Patton was a whole-souled, jovial man, possessing considerable mother wit, and was very popular with the people of the county.

Dr. William D. Carlin was a son of the venerable Squire Carlin, and was born on the Maumee River, April 27, 1822. He read medicine with Dr. Bass Rawson, graduated from the Cincinnati Medical College in March, 1843, and at once began practice in Findlay. Dr. Carlin served as surgeon in the Mexican war, and at the close of hostilities resumed his practice in Hancock County. He married Miss Harriet E. A. Rawson, daughter of his old preceptor, of which union two children survive. In the spring of 1862 Dr. Carlin was appointed surgeon of the Fifty-seventh Regiment, in which capacity he served until his death at Milliken's Bend, December 26, 1862. He was a man of 'fine education, and a superior surgeon, and at the time he entered the army he had a large and well-paying practice .

Dr. Lorenzo Firmin, who is still a resident of Findlay, came to the village in 1841, and read medicine with Dr. Bass Rawson. In July, 1845. he opened an office, but in the spring of 1846 removed to Benton, where he practiced until July, 1847, and then returned to Findlay. Dr. Firmin continued in practice until 1865, when he finally retired, though for a few years prior to that time he had been gradually giving up the more active duties of the profession.

Dr. William Stiles began practice in Findlay in the spring of 1846. He was a native of Franklin County, Ohio, read medicine in Fairfield, Huron County, and graduated from Willoughby Medical College and the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati. He commenced practice in Huron County, whence he came to Findlay and opened a drug store, and formed a professional partnership with Dr. Patton. In January 1849, he married Miss Hannah E., daughter of Hugh Newell, a leading merchant of the village. Dr. Stiles enjoyed a good practice up to the time of his death, in 1852. His only child, Harry N., resides in Colorado, and his widow is now the wife of Henry Brown, Esq., a leading member of the Findlay bar.

Dr. James Spayth located in Findlay in June, 1847, and continued in practice here until the sickness came on which ended in his death July 28, 1871. Dr. Spayth was born in Greensburg, Westmoreland Co., Penn., April 30, 1824, and when quite young his parents located on the site of Madison, Penn., which was afterward laid out by his father. In 1834 the family removed to Columbus, Ohio, and subsequently to Tiffin. Here James grew to manhood and read medicine, and in the spring of 1847 graduated at the Philadelphia Medical College, locating in Findlay soon afterward. Dr. Spayth was a highly educated, respected and successful physician, and enjoyed a good practice up to his decease. His widow and family still occupy the same old home where he spent the closing years of his life.

Dr. Belizur Beach was one of the old time pioneer physicians of the county, though he did not locate in Findlay until the spring of 1856. The Doctor was born in Northford, Conn. , April 17, 1798, and read medicine in his native State. In 1822, with his Wife. Rachel, he located near Ravenna, Ohio, and there practiced until September, 1844, when he removed to Arlington, nine miles south of Findlay. Here he followed his profession near-

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ly twelve years ere his removal to Findlay, where he died in May, 1869. Dr. Beach was a kind and attentive physician, and left many warm friends among the families in Which he practiced.

Several other physicians came to the village prior to 1858, among whom were Drs. Crow, Sprague, Beall, Armstrong, Green, Sorber, Turner, Rogers and F. W. Entrikin, none of whom remained long except the last one mentioned, who opened an office in 1855, and is yet one of the leading physicians of the town. Later comers can not be called pioneer physicians, if indeed, some of those given can be classed as such, but they were among the earliest and for that reason their names are mentioned. The practice of the earlier physicians encompassed a wide scope of country, necessitating long, lonely rides through the forest. In many places there Were no roads, and those that existed were in a very primitive condition, many of them mere bridle paths. The pioneer medical practitioner was compelled to ford nearly every stream, as few bridges were built in this county prior to 1850. The younger physicians of to-day can scarcely realize the difficulties and ceaseless toil of their predecessors, for their's is a life of ease in comparison with that led by those veteran fathers of medical practice in Hancock County.