(RETURN TO THE HENRY & FULTON COUNTY INDEX) 150 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. James G. Haly— Although now practically retired from the active work of his profession, Judge Haly still remains a member of the present bar, and is, in fact, its senior member. Mr. Haly was born in Holmes county, Ohio, on the 6th of December, 1816. He was born of parents in quite modest circumstances, his father being a farmer in that county. James received a common school education, but on account of the need of his service on the farm his education was quite limited. When about twenty years of age he came to Napoleon, following to that place Alexander Craig, to whom he was well known and with whom he afterward, for a time, lived. While in Napoleon he attended school and received a fair elementary education, after which he read law under the instruction of Curtis Bates, esq., of Defiance. After a course of study Mr. Haly was admitted to practice in July, 1840, and soon afterward came permanently to Napoleon and engaged in practice. At the second regular county election he was chosen to fill the office of prosecuting attorney, and served four years by election and one year by appointment. He then resumed the practice, but was soon elected to the position of justice of the peace, serving in that capacity six years. In 1845 he was elected county auditor and held that office four years. Still later Mr. Halv was elected to the Lower House of the State Legislature, representing the counties of Henry and Putnam at the session of that body commencing in January, 1852. This was the first session under the new constitution. During the years 1853-4-5 he held the position of collector of tolls at the junction of the Wabash and Miami Canals, in Paulding county, and during his incumbency of this trust Mr. Haly received, by way of collections, and paid over to the State treasurer, the gross sum of a quarter of a million dollars, After his duties at the junction had ceased Mr. Haly returned to Napoleon and his profession, and formed a law partnership with Edward Sheffield, which relation was maintained until the fall of 1861 when our subject enlisted in Company D, Sixty-eighth 0. V. Inf , which company he was chiefly instrumental in raising and to the command of which he was entitled, but, giving the command to others, he accepted the office of regimental quartermaster and at once proceeded to Columbus, where he obtained the complete equipments of the regiment for field duty. Mr. Haly's service with the regiment continued for something over a year, when failing health compelled his resignation and return home. He then resumed the practice of law alone for a time, but later, in partnership with John M. Haag and William Sheffield, under the name and style of Sheffield, Haly and Haag. Mr. Haly continued in the successful practice of the law until the year 1869, at which time he was elected to the office of probate judge of the county. In this capacity he served for a term of twelve years, and in 1881 was succeeded by David Meekison, the present incumbent, From that time Judge Haly has been retired from the active arduous duties of the profession and devotes his attention to his farming interests. HENRY COUNTY - 151 Justin H. Tyler. Inasmuch as the life, social, political and professional, of Mr. Tyler is made the subject of a more extended sketch elsewhere in the work, it will be necessary to produce here only the briefest outline of his career in connection with his profession. Mr. Tyler was born in Franklin county, Mass, November 15, 1815, but during his infancy his father moved to Oswego county, N. Y. At this place Justin received an education at the common schools, and also the academy, after which he taught school in Oswego county. In the year 1839 Mr. Tyler came to Circleville, O., where he engaged in teaching, and during the same time read law under the direction of D. Lord Smith, esq., a practicing attorney of that place. After a course of study of about two years Mr. Tyler was admitted to the bar at Mt. Vernon, O., in the year 1841. Three years later he went to Huron county where he established himself in the general practice of the law. About this time he visited Napoleon with a view to permanent location, but did not come here until 1852. In the year 1854, after a residence in this county of but two years, Mr. Tyler was elected prosecuting attorney of the county and was re-elected at the expiration of the first term. From that time to the present Justin H. Tyler has occupied a position of prominence and importance in the affairs of Henry county. In 1881 he was elected a member of the Legislature, representing his county in the sixty-fifth General Assembly of the State. Although now retired from active practice, and devoting his attention to private interests, Mr. Tyler is still frequently in attendance at court when cases of importance arise. His legal business, in the main, has been given into the hands of his son, Julian H. Tyler, and his partner, Michael Donnelly, both of whom are young and active practitioners at Napoleon. Sinclair M. Hague. The subject of this sketeh was born at Leesville, O., July 6, 1834. During youth he acquired only a common school educa tion, but became sufficiently proficient to enable him to teach school, which he commenced in 1851. In the year 1855 he went to New Philadelphia, this State, and entered the law office of Hon. G. W. McIlvaine as a student at law, and two years later, September 24, 1854, was admitted to the bar. During his two years of study Mr. Hague supported himself by performing clerical work in the public offices of the county. In April, 1858, he opened an office in New Philadelphia for the practice of the law and here he remained until the month of December, 1859, when he came to Henry county, where he has since resided and engaged in a successful practice, except during the first four months of his residence in the county, winch time was employed in teaching school at Florida. Mr. Hague has always enjoyed a fair share of the professional business in the county ; a man of quiet, unassuming manners, popular in the community and having no desire for political preferment. He has outlived a majority of those who constituted the Henry county bar in 1860, which then consisted of Justin H. Tyler, James G. Haly, Edward Sheffield, Sanford R. Mc- 152 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. Bane, William A. Choate, Thomas S. C. Morrison and H. H. Poe, all of whom, except Mr. Tyler and Judge Haly, have been dead for many years. John J. Haag. The life of John Marion Haag is elsewhere made the subject of a special sketch, but any reference to the bar of the county and its magistrates and practitioners, without some allusion to Judge Haag would be indeed incomplete. Judge Haag was a native of Pennsylvania, born at Mifffinsburg, Union county, on the 16th day of August, 1836, but during his early childhood the family moved to York county, and soon thereafter to Lancaster county, Penn. In the last named county Mr. Haag continued to reside until arriving at the age of seventeen years, when he left home, crossed the mountains and entered the office of the Free Press at Millersburg, O., where he learned the printer's trade, but subsequently took a position on the editorial staff of that paper. After about a year he went to New Philadelphia, Tuscarawas county, whither his parents had removed, and here his time was passed in the office of the Ohio Democrat and in part in reading law in the office of Belden & Haag. Other than this he received legal instruction from Judge McIivaine, late justice of the Supreme Court of the State. In 1859, Mr. Haag was admitted to the bar and commenced practice at Canal Dover, Tuscarawas County. Three years later, 1862, he came to Napoleon and formed a law partnership with S. R. McBane, under the name of McBane & Haag. This partnership continued until 1863, when the senior partner died, after which he became a member of the law firm of Sheffield, Haly & Haag, but which firm was soon thereafter dissolved by Mr. Sheffield's accepting a government appointment. Mr. Haag then purchased and edited the Northwest, a leading Democratic newspaper of this section of the State. In the fall of the same year, 1864, Mr. Haag was elected probate judge of Henry County, after which he retired from active law practice and gave his attention to his judicial duties, still retaining, however, his editorial connection with the Northwest. In 1866 he was re-elected for another term of office as probate judge. At the expiration of his second term he sold his interest in the paper and resumed the practice of the law in partnership with I. L. Robertson. In the fall of 1871 Judge Haag was elected to the State Legislature, and at the expiration of his first term, was re-elected for a second term. During his second term in the Legislature, Judge Haag was made chairman of the judiciary committee. Returning from the Legislature, he has since devoted himself to professional work, engaging no further in political life than naturally became a man of his prominence and experience. In 1880 he formed a law partnership with James P. Ragan, a young and rising lawyer of the county. This relation has since continued and the firm is now looked upon as one of the leading law firms of Henry county. David Meekison. The subject of this sketch was born in Dundee, Scotland, n: center">HENRY COUNTY - 153 on the 14th day of November, 1849. When David was but five years old his parents came to this country and located in the Genessee Valley, in New York State. Here the family resided until 1853, when the father, attracted by the offer of cheap lands in the Maumee Valley, came to this place, and two years later, brought his family here. Young Meekison attended the common school at Napoleon for a time, and in 1865 entered the office of the Northwest, a newspaper published by Judge Haag, where he remained about one year, learning the printer's trade. He was then away from Napoleon for four years, three years of which he served in the regular army of the United States, two years at Dementroit and one year in the South, after which he returned home. In 1871 he entered the office of Justin H. Tyler, esq., for a course of law study, and after two years was admitted to the bar. He then engaged in practice as a partner with Mr. Tyler, which relation was continued about a year, when Mr. Meekison received an appointment from Judge Latty, as prosecuting attorney of the county, in order to fill a vacancy in that office. At the next election Mr. Meekison was elected to the same position, and at the expiration of his first term was re-elected for a second, serving in all, in that capacity, five years. After the expiration of his second term as public prosecutor of the county, Mr. Meekison resumed practice, and so continued until the year 1881, when he was elected to the office of probate judge of Henry county, and, at the expiration of his first term, was re-elected for another. Judge Meekison is known as a careful, shrewd lawyer, having a good understanding of the law, and strong before the court and jury. In 1886 Judge Meekison established a banking house in Napoleon, in which he is doing a safe and successful business. His time is now divided between the duties of his office as probate judge, and his banking business, the regular law practice having been allowed to decline. Martin Knupp was born at Tiffin, Seneca county, Ohio, August 4, 1841. He received a common school education, and afterward attended Heidelburg College at Tiffin for about two years, but did not graduate from that institution. He read law in the office of Judge James Pillars, of Tiffin, and, after two years, was admitted to the bar at Bryan, in September, 1863. From that time until 1867 he practiced at Tiffin, and then went to Ottawa, Putnam county, where he remained in practice until 1876, when he came to Deshler, this county, but two years later, 1878, he came to the county seat, having been elected to the office of prosecuting attorney of the county. This office Mr. Knupp held two terms, commencing in January, 1879, and continuing four years. In August, 1884, the law partnership of Stephenson & Knupp was formed. Walter Stephenson, the senior member of the law firm of Stephenson & Knupp, was born near Greenville, Darke county, 0., on the 19th day of November, 1843. Up to the age of about eighteen years he lived on a farm, receiving in the mean time a common school education. Then for three years he attended Wittenburg College, but did not graduate therefrom. In the 154 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. summer of 1864 Mr. Stephenson enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Fifty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for the four months service, holding a commission as second lieutenant. At the expiration of his term of enlistment Mr. Stephenson returned to Ohio and engaged in teaching school, and reading law at Greenville with Judge McKenry, and was so employed until the latter part of the year 1868, when he entered the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and from which he was graduated in March, 1870. In May following he came to Napoleon and opened an office for the general practice of the law. During the fall of the same year he formed a law partnership with S. M. Hague, esq., which firm relation continued until 1874, and then ceased. For ten years following Mr. Stephenson practiced without a partner, but, in 1884, the present firm of Stephenson & Knupp was formed, which firm has ever since ranked among the leaders at the Henry county bar. Richard Wallace Cahill, the present prosecuting attorney of Henry oounty, was born at De Kalb, Crawford county, this State, on the 22d day of April, 1853. He was educated at Wittenburg College, and graduated therefrom after a regular four years course of study, on the 28th day of June, 1878. Prior to his collegiate course Mr. Cahill had taken a preparatory course of study at the University at Wooster. After graduating from college he read law one year in the office of Griffin & Williamson, at Norwalk, and came to Napoleon in November, 1879. After another year of study at the latter place, in the office of S. M. Hague, esq., he was admitted to practice October 8, 1880. In 1881 the law partnership of Haly & Cahill was formed, and so continued until January 1, 1883, at which time Mr. Cahill retired to assume the duties of the office of prosecuting attorney of the county, a position he has since held. James Patrick Ragan, the junior member of the law firm of Haag & Ragan, was born at Gilead (now Grand Rapids), Wood county, O., on the 17th of March, 1852. When James was but three years old his father's family moved to Damascus township, in this county. Young Ragan attended the school at Grand Rapids, taking an academic course, and was graduated in the year 1871. Prior to this time of graduating he began teaching school, and taught in all twenty-one terms. For one year he was principal of the Whitehouse school, and for the same length of time filled the same position in the school at Milton Center. In May, 1875, Mr. Ragan commenced a course of law study in the office of Justin H. Tyler, esq., of Napoleon, and was admitted to practice in March, 1879. The law partnership of Haag & Ragan was formed in March, 1880, and has since continued. James Donovan, the clerk of the courts of Henry county, was born in the township of Washington, this county, on the 8th day of July, 1855. At the age of eighteen he commenced teaching school in Washington township, and afterward continued his pedagogical course at the Texas and Colton schools. He was educated at Lebanon, O., where he pursued an academic course of HENRY COUNTY - 155 study for four years. In 1877 Mr. Donovan commenced a course of law study in the office of J. H. Tyler, esq., and in October, 1880, was admitted to practice. For the year next following he practiced in Laclede county, Mo., but returned to this county in 1881. In 1882 he was elected justice of the peace, serving in that capacity two and one-half years. In February, 1885, his term of office as clerk of the courts commenced, he having been elected to that position during the fall of 1884. John V Cuff. The subject of this sketch was born in Fulton county, 0., August 25, 1851. He received an education at the district and high schools, after which, at the age of sixteen years, he entered the profession of teacher, and taught his first term in Hillsdale county, Mich. He was a successful teacher for sixteen years, after which he was admitted to the bar. During the last few years he has figured prominently in politics ; was defeated as a candidate for county auditor of Fulton county in 1880, and during the same year removed with his family to Henry county, locating at Liberty Center, where he has since resided. In 1883 he was elected to the House of Representatives of Ohio, and re-elected in 1885. Michael Donnelly was born in Washington township, this county, on the 18th day of August, 1856. He was educated at the common schools of the county, after which he took a scientific course of study at the Normal School at Lebanon, 0., from which institution he was graduated in 1878. In the month of August, following, he commenced a course of law study, under the instruction and direction of Justin H. Tyler, esq., and was admitted to practice in the month of December, 1880. He remained in Mr. Tyler's office until the following spring, when, in April, a partnership was formed with his late instructor, which continued up to November, 1886, at which time Mr. Tyler retired, yielding his practice to his son, then recently admitted. The firm thereupon became Donnelly & Tyler, and has so since continued. William W. Campbell was born in Windsor county, Vt., April 2, 1853. He received a good common school education in his native county, and afterwards entered Goddard Seminary, a preparatory school, at Barre, Vt. From here he entered Tufft's College, at Bedford, Mass., in 1874, but left during his senior year. He then read iaw and was admitted to the bar in Massachusetts, in 1879. In the year 1881 Mr. Campbell came to Napoleon and commenced practice, and, two years later, 1883, formed a law partnership with Hiram Van Campen, which firm still exists. In connection with their general law practice, this firm have established an abstract office. Hiram Van Campen, the junior partner of the law firm of Campbell & Van Campen, was a native of Massachusetts, born at New Bedford, on the loth day of February, 1859. Having received a common school education, and taking a preparatory course, he entered Tufft's College, from which he was graduated in 1880. He then came to Findlay, 0., where he' remained two 156 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. years, teaching and reading law with Colonel Bope and Henry Brown, after which he went to Toledo and read about one year with Haines & Potter. He was admitted to the bar in October, 1882, but continued some months afterward in the office of his instructors. Mr. Van Campen came to Napoleon in July, 1883, and formed a law partnership with William W. Campbell, under the firm name of Campbell & Van Campen. Julian H. Tyler, the junior member of the law firm of Donnelly & Tyler, and the youngest member of the legal fraternity of Henry county, was born at Napoleon, January 2, 1862. He was educated at the Union school, of this place, after which he entered the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, for a regular classical course, and from which institution he was graduated in 1874. He read law, for a time, in the office of his father, Hon. Justin H. Tyler, at Napoleon, and later, with John N. Jewett, of Chicago, Ill., at which city he was admitted to the bar in March, 1886. He then returned to Ohio and was admitted to practice in this State, after an examination at Columbus, in October, 1886. Returning to Napoleon he formed a law partnership in November, 1886, with Michael Donnelly, succeeding to the practice of his father, Justin H. Tyler. Earnest N. Worden was born February 9, 1859. He graduated from Oberlin in 1880, and read law with Albert Lawrence, of Cleveland. He was admitted to the bar in May, 1883, and after a brief time in practice at Norwalk, O., came to Deshler, this county, where he is now established. There are a few other attorneys in practice in the county, of whom no sketch has been obtained, although requested of them. Of these James M. Patterson is at Deshler, in Bartlow township, while the other, E. L. Hartman, practices at Holgate, in Pleasant township. CHAPTER XIV. THE HENRY COUNTY PRESS. EDUCATION is the great civilizer, and printing is the greatest auxiliary. Were it not for the aid furnished by the press the great mass of the people would still be groping in the darkness of the middle ages, and knowledge would still remain confined within the limits of the cloister. It is surprising, when searching our libraries, to discover how little has been written of the "Art preservative of all Arts," and the educator of all educators. While printing has been the chronicler of all arts, professions and learning, it has recorded so little of its own history and progress as to leave HENRY COUNTY - 157 even the story of its first invention and application wrapped in mystery and doubt. We only know that from the old Ramage press which Faust and Franklin used, capable of producing a hundred impressions per hour, we have now the ponderous machine which turns out one thousand copies per minute. In glancing over the pages of history, we discover the gradual developments in the arts and sciences. We notice that they go hand in hand— one discovery points to another, one improvement in the arts leads to others continually, and the results of the last few centuries show that observations of no apparent use lead to the most important discoveries and developments. The falling of an apple led Newton to unfold the theory of gravitation and its relations to the solar system ; the discovery of the polarity of the loadstone lead to the construction of the mariner's compass ; the observation of the muscular contraction of a frog lead to the numerous applications of galvanic electricity ; the observation of the expansive force of steam lead to the construction and application of the steam engine ; the observation of the influence of light on the chloride of silver lead to the art of photography ; the observations of the communication of sound by the connected rails of a railroad lead to the invention of the telephone ; the impressions taken from letters .cut in the smooth bark of the beech tree lead to the art of printing—the art which transmits to posterity a record of all which is valuable to the world. Thus is progress discernible in every successive generation of man. Gradually has he advanced from a state of rude barbarism and total ignorance to a degree of perfection which gives him almost absolute dominion over all elements, and in the pride of glorious and enlightened manhood he can exclaim with Cowper : "I am monarch of all I survey, My right there is none to dispute ; From the center all round to the sea I am lord of the fowl and the brute !" So long as mind shall occupy its seat, so long will progress be the watchword of man, and onward and upward will be his march to an endless and limitless ascent—where all the hidden and occult secrets of creation will unfold their mysteries to his comprehension and crown him master of them all. The printing office has well been called the " Poor Boy's College," and has proven a better school to many ; has graduated more intellect and turned it into useful, practical channels; awakened more active, devoted thought, titan any alma mater on the earth. Many a dunce has passed through the universities with no tangible proof of fitness other than his insensible piece of parchment—himself more sheepish, if possible, than his "sheep-skin." There is something in the very atmosphere of a printing office calculated to awaken the mind to activity and inspire a thirst for knowledge. Franklin, Stanhope, Beranger, Thiers, Greeley, Taylor, and a host of other names illustrious in the world of letters and science have been gems in the diadem of typography and owe their success to the influence of a printing office. 158 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTY. The newspaper has become one of the chief indexes of the intelligence, civilization and progress of the community in which it is published, and its files are the foot-prints, of the advancement and refinement of the period of its publication ; and the printing office is now deemed as essential as the schoolhouse or church. It has taken the place of the rostrum and the professor's chair, and become the great teacher. No party, organization, enterprise or calling is considered perfect without its " organ "—the newspaper—as a mouth piece. Tradition, we have no record, says that in 1845 there was a sickly paper, Whig in politics, printed in Napoleon by one Martin Shrenk. It was about the size of the Newsletter, the first paper printed in America, i. e., the size of a sheet of letter paper. It was named The Journal, and died " a bornin'." On the 8th day of September, 1852, the newspaper, in fact, uttered its natal cry in Henry county. It was born in Napoleon and was christened the Northwest. It entered life with " high hopes for a low heaven," praying God to " grant it patience." Alpheas M. Hollabaugh was the venturesome knight who acknowledged its paternity and assumed its support. It was an unassuming folio of five columns, and as a visible means of support contained less than one column of advertisements and a circulation resembling the shadows in the gloamings. Sickly as the infant was, it grew in strength, and the first volume \vas enlarged to a six column folio. It remained under the parental control of Mr. Hollabaugh until April 19, 1854, when he disposed of his offspring to Thomas S. C. Morrison, who saluted its readers on the 26th day of the same month, with an increased circulation and nine columns of advertising patronage. Mr. Morrison continued in the editorial management and ownership of the paper until his death, which occurred on the 31st day of March, 1864. After the death of Mr. Morrison the publication of the paper and its editorial management was conducted by John M. Haag until the 4th of May of the same year, when a temporary suspension was had. On the 28th of the same month the office was sold at administrator's sale, and purchased by Mr. Haag, who resumed the publication of the paper on the 16th day of June, 1864, and on the 24th of August, 1865, enlarged it to a seven column folio. On November 16, 1865, the business management passed into the hands of Messrs. Adams and Pomeroy, Mr. Haag remaining in editorial control. Mr. Adams retired December 28, 1865, when a co-partnership was formed between John M. Haag and Samuel Pomeroy, under the firm name of Haag & Pomeroy, by whom the paper was published until the 26th day of July, 1866, when Rensselaer Hudson, who purchased the interest of Mr. Pomeroy, associated himself with Mr. Haag, and the publication was continued by Haag & Hudson until May 16, 1867, at which time Mr. Hudson retired and Mr. Haag again became the sole proprietor and editor, and so continued until March 25, 1869, when he was succeeded by E. W. Trift. On the 22d of April, 1869, the paper passed HENRY COUNTY - I59 into the hands of Coughlin & Hubbard, the latter, William H., became the editor. On the 8th of May of that year the paper was enlarged and converted into a five column quarto. June 1, 1871, the paper was again enlarged and became a six column quarto, and so remained and was so conducted until the death of Mr. Hubbard, which occurred May 11, 1872. After the death of Mr. Hubbard the paper passed into the management of Thomas Coughlin, who had been associated with Mr. Hubbard, and his brother Michael, by whom it was conducted until the 5th of December, 1872, when the office was sold to Messrs. Orwig & Wisler. Mr. Wisler retired in 1875, at which time the senior partner, Luther L. Orwig, became sole editor and proprietor and so remains. The Northwest has well earned its present position — one of the leading country journals in the State, and an accredited mouthpiece of its party. It has had its trials and tribulations and passed through all the vicissitudes of childhood and manhood. It has had measles, whooping cough and the scarlet fever. On March 25, 1859, it first passed through that destructive element to which sinners are finally consigned, and on the morning of the next day everything consumable was found converted into ashes. The metal of the old Smith press, upon which the paper was printed, was picked up and drayed to the foundry, where it was cast into a cannon and became a campaign and Fourth of July thunderer. After having killed and mutilated five or six men, it exploded at a political meeting held at Chroninger's school- house, in Liberty township, in the fall of 1872, fortunately causing no serious injury. The office was again destroyed by the fire of 1869, and a complete new outfit was required. These fiery ordeals proved a benefit to the office, and it always came forth much improved. Mr. Haag introduced the first " jobber "—a small " Alligator " press, and soon followed with a full sized " Gordon." After the fire of 1869 Messrs. Coughlin & Hubbard brought on a Potter cylinder and much improved the office, both for news and job printing. But to Mr. Orwig is due the credit of planting in Napoleon one of the best appointed printing offices in the State. He has added steam power and stereotyping, and is prepared to compete in fine job work with any office outside of the big cities. Evanescent Papers.—The Democratic party being in the majority in the county, it was difficult for the opposition, with the sparse population, to maintain a paper ; it, however, had the pluck to make effort after effort until it finally succeeded. The Star was started as a Whig paper, in 1854, and was published by George Weimer. It glimmered for a year or so when it disappeared from the firmament. In 1865 one L. H. Bigelow, then a druggist in Napoleon, started a Republican paper called the Republican. It was printed in Toledo and had an existence of only a few months, being in tact nothing but a campaign paper. It was not until the l0th of September, 1865, that a Republican organ was estab- 160 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. lished. At that date the publication of the Signal was commenced by George W. Redway. It was a seven column quarto and started out with about 650 subscribers. After publishing it eight weeks Mr. Redway sold the office to J. S. Fouke and D. B. Ainger, who continued its publication with varying success until January, 1870, when J. S. Fouke sold his interest to D. B. Ainger, who became sole proprietor and editor. In 1872 Mr. Ainger enlarged the paper to nine columns, and its circulation ran up to about 900 copies. About October 1, 1873, Mr. Fouke, who had been foreman of the office for the two previous years, bought the office of Mr. Anger, paying him $3,50o for the same. Mr. Fouke continued its publication for eleven years, when he sold the concern to H. M. Wisler, who published it sixteen months, when he resold it to Mr. Fouke. The latter retained the office only seven months, when he sold it to J. P. Belknap, its present proprietor. It cost Mr. Redway about $1,500 for the material and expenses in establishing the Signal. Mr. Fouke assisted Mr. Redway in getting out the two first numbers of the Signal and of the twenty-two years of its existence he was connected with it as editor and proprietor sixteen years and about two years as foreman. Mr. Redway is now, and for a number of years has been, a department clerk in Washington. Mr. Ainger is at present editor and proprietor of the Charlotte (Mich.) Republican, and is also adjutant-general of Michigan. Mr. Wisler has removed to Kansas, and Mr. Fouke still remains in Napoleon. The Signal office is, with the possible exception of the Northwest, as well equipped as any in the county. The columns of the paper contain the latest local and general news, while its editorial department faithfully and ably guards the interests of the Republican party in the county, the organ of which party the paper is, and for many years has been. The Signal is established on a safe paying basis, and is considered as one of the leading papers of the northwestern territory of the State. The Deshler Flag. The initial number of the Flag made its appearance in October, 1876, under the proprietorship of J. P. Lockhart. After about six months the office and paper were sold to W. H. Mitchell. The latter continued its publication and sole editorial management until the month of June, 1885, when it passed into the hands of George W. Wilkinson, by whom it was conducted about one year, when he retired and bought the Weekly Beacon, of North Baltimore, of which paper he is still editor and proprietor. L. S. Smith next succeeded to the proprietorship of the Flag and remained one year, after which he accepted a position on the Canton Advance, a paper published in the interest of the Prohibition party. In June, 1887, M. G. Marron, of Wood county, leased the paper, changed its tone from neutrality to independence, and still fills its editorial chair. The Flag is a five-column quarto, enjoys a liberal advertising patronage and fair circulation. During the eleven years of its existence it has been a five, six HENRY COUNTY - 161 and seven column folio and a five, six and seven column quarto. From the Flag office, which is remarkably well equipped, several papers have been started, notably the Wood county Herald, the Hicksville, Independent, the Payne Star, the Tiffin Dail;- Courier and others. The last two are not now in existence. The Holgate Times. This is the name of a five-column quarto with patent sides, published in the incorporated village of Holgate, at the crossing of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad with the "Clover Leaf" route, in the township of Pleasant. The paper was established in 1881 by William J. Johnson, and published by him for about three years, when it was purchased by William Kaufman and William E. Decker and by them published about six months, when Mr. Decker became the sole proprietor and editor. He still continues so. The Times has a circulation of about five hundred and enjoys a healthy advertising patronage. The Liberty Press is a six column folio, published at Liberty Center, in Liberty township. It was established and its publication commenced by Rev. J. L. Bushbridge, Nov. 17, 1881. It was by him sold August 31, 1832, and passing into the hands of N. W. Emery, who, in May, 1886, was succeeded by J. H. Russell. A few numbers were issued by Mr. Russell under the name of "Trissotin." The paper was then suspended for several weeks, when its pub. lication was resumed by J. H. Smith and D. S. Mires, under the firm name of Smith & Mires, and restored to its maiden name of Liberty Press, and is still published by them. It is neutral in politics and religion. The German Press. The first German paper published in the county was the Dcmocratischer Wegweiser. It was established by J. M. Haag, then of the Northwest, in 1867, was a six column folio, Democratic in politics, and was edited by Dr. John M. Evers. Its publication was continued about one year, when Mr, Evers purchased the office and removed it to Toledo. Der Henry County Demokrat was started June 26, 1885, by C. W. Bente & Co. (M. R. Voll & F. Howe, of Wauseon), C. W. Bente, editor. About October 1 Henry Holterman bought out the company and printed the inside in Napoleon, which had previously been printed in Wauseon altogether. The circulation at that time was about 450, and did not increase much until May 14, when Mr. Holterman also bought out C. W. Bente and engaged C. F. Clement as editor. From this time on Mr. Holterman, who had formerly been treasurer of the county, also gave more attention to the paper and it commenced to boom. On June 24, 1886, Mr. Holterman also bought out the Fulton and Williams county Gazette, consolidating the three papers, thereby adding greatly to the already large circulation. On Jan. 1, 1887, C. F. Clement bought one-half interest. 162 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. CHAPTER XV THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. IT is a common remark that Henry county possesses as strong an array of medical practitioners, as any of the northwestern counties of the State, that holds no greater population than does this county. This, it is said, has characterized the county for many years. And it seems, too, that there has been a noticeable freedom from that branch of the profession that infests nearly every community, pretending and assuming a knowledge of the healing art, without possessing a single honest qualification therefor. This class in Henry county is noticeable for its absence. There seems to have been a commendable desire on the part of each of the past and present physicians of the county, to fit themselves at the best and most thorough medical institutions of the country, and in looking over the brief sketches of practitioners of the county, in this chapter, it will be found that nearly every one of them has taken a •course of medical study at some well-established college for the instruction of physicians and surgeons. Of the pioneer physicians of the county, there is but a single record, the duplicate for the year 1837, the only valuable document that was saved from the disastrous fire of 1847, by which the court-house was entirely destroyed, It is found that, in that year, the practicing physicians of the county were William D. Barry, Harris Howey, Lorenzo L. Patrick and Jonathan F. Evans; at least, they were the only persons at that time assessed as physicians. Dr. William D. Barry was, undoubtedly, the first and pioneer physician in the vicinity of Napoleon, and he is well remembered by the old residents. After having practiced medicine for a time he engaged in the legal profession, and became quite a personage in the community, holding various positions of trust. He left here many years ago and went to Illinois, where, it is understood, he still lives. Dr. Harris Howey came to this locality from the State of New York, and was in practice for some years. While a resident of Napoleon, he married a daughter of General Leonard. In later years he emigrated west. Dr. Gibbs came to the place at an early day, and remained here until the time of his death. The name of Dr. Lorenzo L. Patrick, recalls one of the early families of the Maumee Valley. He was practicing here as early as 1836, and continued for many years after. He was prominent in all of the affairs of the town and county, and did much toward building up and improving the county seat, He was one of the leading spirits in the movement looking to the incorporation of Napoleon, and acted as the agent of the petitioners for that purpose in the year 1853. HENRY COUNTY - 163 Dr. Jonathan F. Evans, who is also mentioned in the old duplicate of 1837, resided in Richland township, one of three townships that were set off to the erection of Defiance county, and by that act he thenceforth became a resident of the newly created county. He had a large practice in the county, and became extensively acquainted, frequently being called to the county seat in line of professional duty. At one time he held the office of county commissioner of Henry county. Dr. Bamber came to Napoleon about, or soon after, the year 1840. He is remembered as a good physician, and enjoyed a considerable practice, although he left and went to New York State. Among the other physicians, more recent corners to the county, some of whom are still living here, although not now actively engaged in practice, may be mentioned the names of Dr. D. M. McCann, Dr. Asa H. Tyler, Dr. 0. H. Tyler, Dr. Henry McHenry, Dr. Gibbons Parry, and perhaps others whose names have been forgotten. Dr. Asa H. Tyler still lives in the county, on a farm not far from Napoleon. Dr. Gibbons Parry resides in Flat Rock township, not far from the village of Florida. Present Physicians of the County. —As a matter of course there are more physicians residing at the county seat than in any other of the county's villages. At Napoleon there are at the present time nine persons engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery, while the village contains a population of less than four thousand souls. Those so engaged are Drs. Eugene B. Harrison, John M. Shoemaker, Hazael B. Powell, John Bloomfield, Alfred E. H. Maerker, James Haly, Morrison J. Marvin, Thomas C. Hunter and Mrs. Hulda H. Sheffield. Eugene B. Harrison was born at Dover, England, on the 21st day of May, 1831. When he was less than a year old his parents emigrated to America. Eugene read medicine with his father, who was a physician of Licking county, this State, and subsequently with Dr. M. McCann, then a resident of Martinsburg, Knox county, this State. Dr. Harrison took a course of medical lectures and study at the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, and commenced practice about the year 1853. In 1855 he came to Napoleon, where he has since resided, and been engaged actively in professional duty, except for a brief period of time spent in the west. In addition to his lecture course at Cincinnati, Dr. Harrison attended the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, Pa., from which he was graduated in 1857. He is a member of the American Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society, the Northwestern Ohio Medical Society, and the local Medical Society of Henry county. John M. Shoemaker was born in Columbiana county, O., February 1834. He read medicine in the office of Dr. R. J. Hagerty, of Mount Blanchard, O., and attended the medical department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, from which he was graduated in the year 1859. He practiced 164 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. for a short time at Mount Blanchard and at Van Buren, O., and came to Napoleon in 1861. In 1864 he entered the army as assistant-surgeon of the Seventy-first Infantry, but was detailed as acting surgeon of the First Illinois Light Artillery, which latter position he resigned in March, 1865. He then returned to Napoleon and resumed the practice of his profession. Dr. Shoemaker is a member of the American Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Society, the Northwestern Ohio Medical Society, the Toledo Medical Society, and was formerly a member of the Indiana Medical Society, and the Northeastern Medical Society, both of the State of Indiana. In the year 1863 Dr. Shoemaker was appointed, and has since held the position of examining surgeon for pensions. Hazael Benjamin Powell was born in Napoleon on the 24th day of February, 1837. He read medicine under the instruction of Dr. Henry McHenry, for about five years, devoting such time thereto as could he spared from his duties as clerk in his father's store. He attended the medical department of the University of Michigan during the winters of the years 1857 and 1858. He afterward attended the Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, and was graduated from that institution in the spring of 1861. He then commenced practice at Napoleon in partnership with Dr. McHenry, and so continued until August, 1861, when he enlisted as private in Company B, Thirty-eighth Infantry. The knowledge of his professional ability coming to the commanding officers, he was detailed to surgical duty in the hospitals at various places. He became a veteran at the expiration of his enlistment term, and was subsequently advanced to the rank of surgeon-in-chief of the Third Brigade, Third Division, Fourteenth Army Corps. At the close of the war he was mustered out of service and returned to his practice at Napoleon, where he has since continued. John Bloomfreld was born at Akron, O., January 1, 1842. At the age age of sixteen years he came to Damascus, in this county, where he engaged as clerk in a store. In November, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Sixty-eighth Volunteer Infantry, and served with that regiment throughout the war. On returning to this county he purchased a farm in Harrison township where he resided until the fall of 1873, when he removed to Napoleon. The next year he commenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Hazael B. Powell, and continued for a period of three and one-half years. He attended the Medical College of Ohio, at Cincinnati, and was graduated therefrom in the spring of 1879, since which time he has been engaged ill practice at Napoleon. James Haly was born at Napoleon on the 25th day of July, 1851. He commenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. E. B. Harrison, and afterward attended lectures at the University of Michigan, and also, at the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, Pa., graduating from the latter institution in the spring of 1862. From that until the present time Dr. Haly has been a resident practitioner at Napoleon. HENRY COUNTY - 165 Alfred E. H. Maerker was born at Posen, Germany, on the 25th day of May, 1857. At the age of fifteen years he came to this country, locating at Niles, Mich., but remained there only two years when he came to Napoleon. He read medicine with Dr. E. B. Harrison, and afterward took a medical college course at Cleveland, 0., graduating in 1882. From that date until the present he has practiced at Napoleon. Morrison J. Marvin, was a native of Ohio, born in Hancock county on August 4, 1844. His early life was spent on a farm. In 1862 he enlisted in Company E, Tenth Ohio Cavalry, and served two years, when he was wounded and placed in a hospital, and remained there until discharged from the service. He read medicine at Findlay, 0., and attended the Cleveland Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1870. Hulda Harrington Sheffield, widow of the late William Sheffield, and the only active resident practitioner in the field of homeopathy, was born in Erie county, 0., and began the study of medicine with Dr. Allen, of Defiance, some thirty years ago, not then, however, with an intention of practicing that branch of the profession. She subsequently continued her studies with Dr. Thomas C. Hunter, of Napoleon, after which she attended the Homeopathic Medical College at Cleveland, and was graduated therefrom in the spring of 1877. Since then Mrs. Sheffield has resided at Napoleon and practiced throughout the county. Of the physicians of the county, outside the county seat, very little information is at hand, although each has been requested to furnish data, and ample time granted therefor. Of such as have answered the request a record will be found in these pages, but those who have not responded must content themselves with a mention of their names and location of residence. The village of Holgate, in Pleasant township, has four resident physicians : Dr. J. Townsend, Dr. J. M. Stout, Dr. J. C. Becker and Dr. J. D. Archer. Dr. Townsend was born in Cattaraugus county, N. August 25, 1833, and emigrated to Ohio with his parents in 1844. He commenced the practice of medicine at Freeport, Wood County, in 1855, but moved to Maysville, Ind., in 1836. Ten years later he returned to Ohio and located at Edgerton, in Williams county, where he practiced until 1874, when he came to Holgate, this .county. J. Dall Archer was born October 30, 1858, in Wood county. He read medicine with Dr. W. F. Thomas, of North Baltimore, for three years, when he entered the Starling Medical College. After receiving the first degree he went to Dundee, Mich., for practice, and remained there until the year 1885, when he came to Holgate. The prosperous village of Deshler, Bartlow township, has three resident physicians: Dr. T. M. Garrett, Dr. J. C. Dunaway, and Dr. Slaughter. Hamler, in the south part of the county, has two physicians, Dr. Elmer Cowdrick, and Dr. C. M. Townsend. 166 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. Liberty Center, the central and trading point of Liberty township, has three resident members of the medical profession : Dr. E. T. Martin, Dr. D. E. Haag, and Dr. Viers. Daniel E. Haag, the twin brother to Hon. John M. Haag, of Napoleon, was born in Pennsylvania. He read medicine with Dr. Bull, of New Philadelphia, O. He first practiced in partnership with Prof. Pomeroy, and afterward moved to Mt. Eaton. He came to Henry county in the spring of 1863, practicing for a time at Texas, but soon found a better field for professional labor at Liberty Center. The enterprising village of Florida, in Flat Rock township, is the residence of four of the county's physicians, although all are not at present professionally engaged. The M.D.'s at this place are Dr. Gibbons Parry, Dr. George Parry, Dr. A. M. Pherson, and Dr. S. E. Miller. The last named, Dr. Miller, is a graduate of the Chicago Medical College. John W. Sharp, of McClure, was born at Simcoe, Ontario, Can., on the 15th day of June, 1858. He graduated from the Toronto University in 1874, after which he entered Trinity Medical College, and was graduated therefrom in March, 1879. He then spent a year at the different hospitals, and located for practice at Ridgeville, this county, in April, 1880. In October of the same year he moved to McClure where he now resides. At other points within the county are located practicing physicians as follows : At Malinta, Dr. E. B. Mauk; at Colton, Dr. A. J. Munn; at Ridgeville, Dr. Shaffer. The county, in former years, possessed a Medical Society, strong in point of numbers and productive of much good to the profession in general ; but owing to some cause, not susceptible of explanation, it has been allowed to decline and meetings are rarely held. CHAPTER XVI. HISTORY OF THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF NAPOLEON — THE SEAT OF JUSTICE OF HENRY COUNTY. WHEN the commissioners, appointed by the Legislature, to fix the seat of justice for the county of Henry, determined to, and by their act, did locate the same at the town of Napoleon, that place then had an existence, but hardly more. There were a few log houses scattered about that gave the place something of the appearance of a cross-roads settlement, with nothing to attract notice from the traveler except the natural beauty of its location. Of HENRY COUNTY - 167 the possibilities of a future, such reasoning was hardly indulged in before the county seat was fixed. Still Messrs. Phillips, Leave11 & Cory, the proprietors of the town, may have entertained the idea of future growth, but the idea was but crude and undeveloped. According to their original plan the town was laid out, or intended to be laid out, some distance further down the river, and on lower ground, at a point that, in after years, attained the characteristic and dignified name of " Goose- town," but a rise of the waters of the historic Maumee flooded this district, making it imprudent to attempt a settlement, much less the building up of a town at that point ; wherefore the proprietors moved the town to the higher and more desirable lands it, with its enlargements, now occupies. The proprietors, who were Horatio G. Phillips, Benjamin Leavell and Elnathan Cory, had a large amount of land along the river, not a solid tract lying in one body, but many sections at various places throughout the county, and even in the county west of this. They called this place " Napoleon," why, is a question not to be demonstrated or solved at this time. Nevertheless they named it so, and so it has since remained to this day, and undoubtedly will continue notwithstanding the fact that an effort was made some years ago to have it changed to represent something more American. Napoleon became the county seat in the year 1835, and from that date its history has been made, although that history, perhaps, belongs to the township of Napoleon, from which it was separated about a score or more of years later. Many important events occurred, each of which contributed to build up, improve and enlarge the town, and make it the neat, attractive and well-ordered village that it now is. The first of these events was the location of the county seat ; and while this was undoubtedly the most important occurrence, and gave a good start to the town, it was followed soon after by the surveying of the Miami and Erie Canal, the letting of contracts for which, in this vicinity, was done in the year 1837. But before this time the town had a few substantial residents ; substantial because they were thrifty, go-ahead, energetic, industrious and honest people, who worked hard for the town and its welfare; and inasmuch as the names of most of them can be recalled, it is fitting that some recollections of them be noted here. They were George Stout, " Gen." Henry Leonard, John Glass, John Mann, Alexander Craig, John Powell, Hazel Strong, James Magill, James B. Steedman, and perhaps a few others whose names cannot now he recalled. The first log house in the town was built either by Mr. Andrews or Huston. Hazel Strong worked on this house, and in speaking of the event he said that at their "feast" (for what was a raising without a feast?) they had biscuit made of wheat flour and " shortened " with " coon fat." Wheat flour in those days was considered a luxury rarely indulged in, in fact it was a commodity seldom to be had. 168 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. George Stout will be remembered as the tavern-keeper of the town, in whose house the first term of court was held ; and he, too, at the request of the county commissioners, built a log addition to his hostelry to be used for the purpose of a court-house. Terms of court were then great events, and their infrequency (two terms annually, and holding only two days), gave them additional importance, and were generally concluded with a genuine old-time country dance. Mine host Stout was quite a celebrity in the town, and generally master of ceremonies on all great occasions. He was, withal, a good and worthy citizen. He raised a large family, but they have all gone from the town, and the name has now but few, if any, living representatives in the county. Henry Leonard, or as he was commonly known, " General" Leonard, like his fellow-townsman, Stout, was a tavern-keeper, whose log house stood at the corner now occupied by John Higgins's store buildings, between the canal and the river. The town was then down near this "corners," and the extending toward the north was the work of after years. General Leonard was a prominent personage in early days ; a good citizen and neighbor, and whose tavern was a resort for all the worthies of the neighborhood. He died many years ago, leaving a family, but they are here no more. John Glass had a more pretentious home than most of his neighbors, being a frame structure, not large, but having sufficient room for the necessities of his family. He was a man of all work, a butcher, stone-mason, chimney builder, and in fact turned his hand to any kind of employment, and did everything well. He was one of the first county officers, having been elected treasurer to succeed Israel Waite. John Glass was a good, hard-working citizen, and an efficient pubhc servant. He died many years ago leaving a family, the descendants of whom still reside in the county, and are among its highly respected people. John Mann was another of the pioneers of the town. He was a blacksmith and gunsmith by trade, but could turn his hand to almost any kind of repair work. His shop stood on the bank of the river, east of Judge Craig's tavern. Around this shop, nearly every day, was from a half a dozen to ten Indians waiting to have their guns "fixed up." It seemed as if the gun of the average Indian was always getting out of repair, and the services of John Mann were in constant demand among them. John was popular among these natives and the whites as well, and a very useful person in the settlement. He had a good military record, having served at Fort Meigs under General Harrison, and elsewhere during the war, but his chief occupation in the army was that of gunsmith. Both he and his wife died here. They were respected residents. Alexander Craig, or, as he was afterward titled, "Judge " Craig, came here during the year 1835. He built a tavern east of General Leonard's. The building had a frame front, with a log kitchen in the rear. It was one of the HENRY COUNTY - 169 more pretentious houses of the town, and on this account, and the further fact that its landlord was a very genial person, it became a popular resort. The frame part of this old pioneer building is still standing, Craig was a tailor by trade, but did not follow the business in this locality. He was elected sheriff of the county in 1837, and served four years; was afterward appointed associate judge of the county, and held that office seven years. From this he received the title of " judge," by which he was known down to the time of his death, a few years ago. After his service as associate judge had ceased he was elected recorder of the county and held the office six years. When the town had increased in population Judge Craig built another public house further up the hill, toward the court-house. By honesty, industry and economy Judge Craig became possessed of a fair competency. His family was not large, but they were very highly respected people. John Powell came to the town in the year 1835, from Huron county, this State. He was the merchant of the town, and had a store and dwelling opposite Judge Craig's tavern, and on the bank of the river. Mr. Powell was one of the most enterprising men of the town, and took a prominent part in its affairs, and that of the county as well. He held the office of county auditor, and afterward associate judge ; the latter he held seven years. In after years he moved out of town and on a farm, where he died about a year ago. He had quite a family who grew up highly respected in the community. Dr. Powell, a leading physician of Napoleon, is a son of the pioneer, John Powell. Hazel Strong, a Vermont " Yankee," from the vicinity of Rutland, came, with his young wife, to this county about the year 1834. He located on a tract of land outside the town, about three miles east, where he cleared and improved a fine farm ; later he moved into town and built a residence. From the very first Hazel Strong occupied a position of prominence among the people of the county, and was soon called into its administrative department. He was the first auditor of the county, and afterwards was appointed clerk of the courts in place of J. M. Evans, resigned. The latter position he held nearly fifteen years. His penmanship was good, and in mathematics he was well versed. As a surveyor he was exceedingly well occupied, and there is no part of the county in which he was not, at some time, called to run lines. Every trust reposed in him was well executed, and he proved competent in every thing he undertook to accomplish. He helped build the first log-house in the town. Hazel Strong died a few years ago, leaving a wife, who is still living, although now past her eightieth year of life. James Magill was a brother-in-law to John Powell, and came to the town at or about the same time. He built a residence and lived here, although his occupation was farming. He is remembered as a man straightforward and honest in his business transactions, and possessing the respect of the people generally. He died about twenty years ago. Edward B. Magill is a son, and 170 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. the widow of Colonel William A. Choate a daughter, of the late pioneer, James Magill. Every one of the older residents of the town and vicinity well remember James B. Steedman, better known in after years as General Steedman, who came here during the infant days of the county in connection with the construction of the canal, in which work he was a contractor. General Steedman knew everybody, and everybody knew Steedman. If once a person met him it would always be remembered. He was a good business man, made money and many friends, and had the faculty of retaining the latter, but the former invariably slipped away from him. He married Sarah Miranda Stiles, niece of General Leonard. The ceremony was performed in the parlor of Leonard's log tavern. While a resident of this county General Steedman was elected to the Legislature, the district comprising eight counties. This was in 1841. After he left the town the general used frequently to come back and renew his old acquaintance. Although now some years dead, his memory is still fresh in the minds of the people. He made an excellent war record, and an elegant monument at Toledo keeps alive his memory and services as a citizen and soldier. Frederick Lord, a " Down-easter " from the State of Maine, is another person entitled to recognition among the pioneer residents of the town and county. Mr. Lord was an attorney by profession, and, so being, was appointed prosecuting attorney for the county in 1835, and afterward elected to the same position. Still later he was elected county surveyor. He was a highly educated person, and filled an important position among the people of the new county when good judgment and ability were required. After many years of residence here, Mr. Lord went to Michigan, and is said to be still living, although of advanced years. William D. Barry came from New York State and practiced medicine for a time. He then studied law and was admitted to practice at the courts.' He was subsequently chosen to fill the office of prosecuting attorney of the county, succeeding, in the incumbency of that office, Frederick Lord. From here Mr. Barry went to Illinois, and is thought to be still living. These, then, were they who laid the foundation in social, business, and professional life, for the town of Napoleon ; and of and concerning them there is no word of criticism and no word of reproof. There may have been others whose names are, by error, omitted. The town was then small, and had but few needs, but such things as were required seem to have been performed and done well. From this time, about 1837, new residents were constantly coming to the place, and its pioneer work, in a measure, became lost in the general progress of the town. From the tax duplicate for the year 1847, twelve years or thereabouts after the settlement commenced, the following names are taken showing land, or lot owners, but not necessarily residents. They were as follows: HENRY COUNTY - 171 Amos Andrews, John Amour, Brigham, Samuel Bowers, Benjamin Coffin, John Crist, James Cain, David I. Cory, Alexander Craig, David Cross, A. Daughinbaugh, I. N. Evans, David Edwards, Forman Evans, Daniel English, John Glasgon, John Glass, Hezekiah Hubbell, Frederick Koom, Solomon Kender, James S. Irwin, George R. Lewis, Henry Leonard, Frederick Lord, E. Lathrop, John Mann, McHaughey and heirs, Powell & Magill, Philips & Cory, Abel Rawson, R. W. Shawn, George Stout, Hazel Strong, John Taylor, John Warnox. These were taxpayers on town lots. Following this list appears others who were residents and were assessed as having chattels or taxable professions. They were : Alexander Craig, three horses, two cows ; William Dodd, one horse ; Samuel Dawson, one horse ; John Glass, one cow ; James G. Haly, law practice, $200; Henry Leonard, two horses, four cows ; E. Lathrop, law practice, $200 ; Jacob Mann, two cows ; James Magill, seven cattle ; John Powell, two horses, five cattle ; Andrew Peam, three cattle ; L. L. Patrick, medical practice, $200 ; Lucy Patrick, one cow ; John Rafferty, two cattle; Hazel Strong, one horse, two cattle ; George Stout, one cow ; William Sheffield, lawyer, $200 ; Jacob Shott, one cow ; Benjamin P. Smith, lawyer, $200; Michael Sherman, three horses, one cow. Original Plat of the Town. —It has been mentioned in this chapter that the proprietors of the land, or large tracts of land, Horatio G. Phillips, Benjamin Leavell and Elnathan Cory, laid out the same about the time the first settlements were commenced therein. This was in the year 1834, with the following description, notes and references made on the original draft ; " Each street is five rods wide, and each alley is one rod wide ; each lot is five rods in front, and ten rods back. Twelve feet is reserved along the streets in front of each lot for sidewalks. The streets intersecting the Maumee, run north thirty degrees west, and are crossed at right angles by streets running north, sixty degrees east. In the center of Main Cross street, and on the north line of Front street, and between lots numbers 24 and 25, is placed a stone with a cross cut upon the same, the center of which cross is precisely in the center of the stone aforesaid ; and ten rods north, in the center of Main Cross street, is a second stone, with a like cross upon it. " In the center of Front street, and directly in the east line of Monroe street, is a third stone ; and also ten rods east, in the center of Front street, is a fourtb stone, both of which contain a cross, the center of which is the precise center of said Front street. (Signed) H. G. Phillips, B. Leavell, Ern Cory. Witnesses present, William Leonard, A. Brancher." The certificate of the surveyor in charge of the work was as follows : " I, Miller Arrowsmith, deputy- surveyor of the county aforesaid, hereby certify the within to be a correct plat of the town of Napoleon, as surveyed and platted by me, at the instance of the proprietors, to-wit : Horatio G. Phillips, Benjamin Leavell and Elnathan Cory. "Given under my hand officially this loth day of October, in the year A. D. 1834.  Signed, MILLER ARROWSMITH." 172 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. This certificate was duly acknowledged before William Leonard, justice of the peace, on the 15th of October, of the same year. From the original draft it seems that Perry street, now the central thoroughfare of the village, then formed the west line, there being no lots platted on the west of it, and the whole town lying on the east. The north and south streets, naming them from the west, were Perry, Monroe, Main Cross, Jefferson and Wayne, with intermediate alleys. The east and west streets, naming them from the river toward the north, were, Front, Main, Washington and Clinton, with intervening alleys. Each block contained eight town lots, and these were divided into four smaller blocks of two lots each by the intersecting alleys in the center of each main block. The plat of the town contained twelve blocks bounded by streets, each having eight lots, while on the south side of Front street, and between it and the river, was a row of twelve lots, facing north on Front street. The whole number of lots in the town was one hundred and twelve. The first settlements made were in the vicinity of the intersection, or place of meeting, of Perry and Front streets, and it was in that locality that lived the persons of whom record is made in the early portion of this chapter. Under this arrangement and disposition of the lots of the town, it was built upon, and continued to grow and enlarge for a period of nearly twenty years. But there was not, as yet, any act or proceeding that made Napoleon a town or village, except as a part of the township of Napoleon. The town had no independent or separate organization, and was, in its government, attached to and subject to the jurisdiction of the officers of the township. The lots were rapidly taken, some for speculation, and others for regular building purposes, in making. residences and places of business, manufacture and trade ; and, as there was nothing to keep it within the limits of the plat made by the proprietors, it of course grew and extended beyond that limit, so that at this present time, the place retains nothing of its original conformation, except as to that portion originally platted, and its former area is but a small fractional part of the village within its present boundaries. Incorporation of the Village.—Soon after the year 1850, the residents of the town began to feel the necessity of a corporate organization separate and apart from the township, of which it had hitherto formed a part. The place had assumed proportions, and had acquired a population sufficient to warrant such procedure. The subject was agitated and discussed, but it was not until the early part of the year 1853, that any decided action was taken looking to the end sought.' In the mean time a feature of the case had developed that in the proceedings of the incorporation of the town, it was desired by many of the petitioners that the name should be changed from Napoleon to some other more expressive of "things American." The first step in the matter was the presen- HENRY COUNTY - 173 tation of a petition to the commissioners of the county, which petition was as follows: "To the commissioners of Henry county. The undersigned, legal voters of the town of Napoleon, respectfully ask your honorable body to incorporate the following territory, to 'wit: Northeast fractional quarter, containing 116.93 acres; northeast fractional south half, 82.24 ; east half northwest quarter, 80 acres; west fractional south half 75.44; west half, northwest quarter, 80; containing four hundred and thirty-four and sixty-one hundredths acres, and being all in section thirteen, in township number five, north of range number six east, (sec. 13, T. 5, R. 6, E.). Said territory to be incorporated into a village, and to be called 'Henry'; for a more particular description of which territory, and the relative position thereof, you are referred to the accompanying plat, showing that portion of section thirteen north of the Maumee River proposed to be included in said limits of incorporation. We also state that Dr. Lorenzo Patrick is fully authorized to act in behalf of the petitioners in prosecuting this petition. Napoleon, 0., Feb. 28, 1853. (Signed) W. J. Jackson, L. L. Patrick, Wm. C. Brownell, W. H. Moe, George Stebbins, John Glass, John Powell, Enoch L. Mann, J. P. Rowen, Isaac Lightcap, John McCartney, Paul P. Doud, Thomas Yarnell, A. Craig, D. M. McCann, Alph. M. Hollabaugh, William Dodd (out of the limit), \V. H. Mallory, Harrison V. Conway, James 0. Caldwell, Henry N. Low, Josiah Pearce, J. W. Stewart, James Armstrong, Thomas Barrett, G. C. Eastman, Adam Howk, Israel Strole (not a resident), J. H. Tyler, Jer, Glass, A. H. Tyler, S. R. McBane, Isaac Van Horn, H. D. Taylor, George McCann." This petition to the commissioners was followed by another, to wit: "We, the undersigned, citizens and taxpayers of the town of Napoleon, in said county, and vicinity, pray that your honorable body will, upon the incorporation of said town, change the name thereof, and, in the stead of 'Napoleon,' name the same 'Henry.' (Signed) Edward Sheffield, James G. Haly, William Dodd, George W. McCann, S. R. McBane, H. McHenry, David Hartman, G. Grim, Jeremiah Glass, A. H. Tyler, H. Allen, H. D. Taylor, William Halter, C. R. McWilliam, D. Yarnell, J. P. Rowan, James Armstrong, W. A. 'Pressler, G. C. Eastman, Thomas Yarnell, Jesse Frost." This proposition, so far as related to the changing of the name of the corporation, met with a decided opposition, led by Augustin Pilliod, a Frenchman, and then a prominent resident of the town, who preferred the name of Napoleon. There appears to be no preserved record of a remonstrance being presented against the petition, but there was, nevertheless, a strong opposition which ultimately prevailed, as will appear hereafter. The question came before the commissioners for hearing and action on June 7, 1853, at which time the following order was made: "This being the day appointed for the hearing of the petition and proposi- 174 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. tion to incorporate said territory, Loronzo L. Patrick, agent named in the said petition to act for the petitioners, personally appeared and asked leave to amend and change said petition by striking out the name 'Napoleon,' proposed for said town when incorporated, and inserting the name 'Henry' in lieu thereof, which was granted by the commissioners, whereupon said application was heard upon the petition herein filed, the affidavits, etc., and the commissioners being satisfied that more than fifty qualified voters actually reside within the limits described in the petition, and that said petition has been signed by a majority of them; that said limits have been accurately described, and an accurate map and plats thereof made and filed in said petition, and that the name proposed by said petition as amended, for said incorporated village, is proper and sufficient to distinguish it from others of the like kind in the State; and it being deemed right and proper in the judgment and discretion of the commissioners that the prayer of said petition be granted. It is therefore ordered that said territory described in said plat, attached to said petition, be incorporated and organized as a village, under the name of • Henry,' as named and described in said petition. June 7, 1853. (Signed) D. Harley, Charles Hornung, Matthew Reid, Commissioners of Henry county, O." Having been defeated in their endeavors to retain the name of Napoleon for the village, the friends and supporters of it were by no means wholly discouraged or disposed to let the fight drop. They renewed their opposition more earnestly, and, it is thought, gained some strength. The loth day of October, 1853, was the date fixed for the election of mayor and councilmen for the new incorporated village, and here the friends of "Napoleon" made such a demonstration that the election could not proceed. In the mean time the Northwest, the newspaper of the town, had dropped "Napoleon" from its head-line and substituted " Henry." No records appear to exist concerning the events of the day of election and such information as can be accurately derived is taken from the editorial columns of the Northwest. It seems that the friends of Napoleon were out in force, and when an attempt was made to choose officers to conduct the election they by some means managed to defeat it. After balloting several times, but without securing a board, the meeting was adjourned for one year. This was a decisive victory for the opponents to the petition over those who desired to change the name of the town, and from this time all effort, both as to changing the name, the incorporation of the village and the election of village officers as well, ell, was stopped. The next issue of the Northwest found the old name of "Napoleon" restored, and after a few days of discussion the excitement passed away and the incorporation of the county seat was delayed for ten years. The next attempt to effect the incorporation of the county seat was made in the early part of the year 1863, based upon a petition signed by nearly one HENRY COUNTY - 175 hundred and fifty persons, residents and taxpayers, residing within the limits of the territory affected. The petition, which contained a description of the lands proposed to be incorporated, was as follows : "To the Honorable, the Commissioners of Henry county, Ohio : "Your petitioners respectfully represent to your honorable body that they are inhabitants of a part of the said county of Henry, not embraced within the limits of any city or incorporated village; that they desire to be organized into an incorporated village, under the name and style of the ' incorporated village of Napoleon ;' that they desire to have the following described territory embraced in such incorporated village, to wit : Parts of sections thirteen (13) and fourteen (14) in township number five (5), north of range number six (6), east, and bounded and described as follows : Commencing at the northwest corner of the east half of the northeast quarter of section number fourteen (14); thence east to the township line ; thence south to the Maumee River ; thence southwesterly along said river to the west line of the east side of the north part of the northeast fractional quarter, section number twenty-three (23) of said township and range ; thence north along said line to the northwest corner of the east half of the southeast quarter of section number fourteen (14) of said township and range, and thence north along the west line of the east half of the southeast and northeast quarter of said section number fourteen (14) to the place of beginning. Your petitioners appoint and authorize S. M. Hague to act in their behalf in the prosecution of the petition ; they also ask that your honorable body will appoint a time and place for the hearing of this petition, the said time not to be less than sixty days from the date hereof. Napoleon, March 2, 1863." The question came before the commissioners for a hearing and final determination on the 2d day of June, 1863, whereupon the following order was made : " Ordered, that the incorporated village named and described in the within petition be organized. "GEORGE CRAWFORD, "LEVI SPANGLER, Commissioners. "JOHN POWELL, " Napoleon, Henry county, Ohio." It was, therefore, on the 2d day of June, 1863, that the county seat became an incorporated village, separate from the township of Napoleon, of which it had formerly formed a part. Its organization was complete and thorough ; authorized to elect its own offrcers and administer its own affairs, which it has done from that until the present time. This act of incorporation was unquestionably the most beneficial to the residents of the county seat that could have been performed. It not only gave 176 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. Napoleon a distinct organization, but gave it, moreover, the dignified title of " village." By the organization its officers and people could make such expenditures for public improvements as were deemed advisable, without being subject to the adverse opinion of the residents of the township, outside the town, who, not being directly benefitted by such improvements, were exceedingly inclined to oppose them on account of a slight increase in taxation. The village of Napoleon has frequently, by the action of its municipal authorities with the approval of other powers, been enlarged, so far as its corporate limits are concerned, so that at the present time it covers a much larger area than was included by the proceeding of 1863. These several extensions, a detail of each of which is not necessary in this chapter, have included a large tract of land with its occupying buildings, on the south side of the Maumee River. This enlargement brought to the village a considerable population, and some few unimportant business interests. This locality south of the river is known as South Napoleon. Napoleon proper occupies a pleasant location on the river, from which, to the center of the business portion of the village, is a gradual ascent. At a point not far from the court-house the greatest elevation of the place is reached ; and from this point there seems to be a gradual depression of the surface in each direction as the village limits are approached. This favorable situation affords excellent natural drainage, notwithstanding which trunk and lateral sewers are frequent for the better carrying off of surface water and sewage. The principal business street (Perry) has been substantially paved with stone, giving the locality a decidedly metropolitan appearance, and creating much favorable comment from visitors. The general substantial and attractive appearance of the business blocks, and the goodly number of them too, has much to do with favorable impression that is already gained for the place, and it is a questionable fact whether there can be found in Northwestern Ohio, a place having no greater population than this that can present a better or cleaner business center. Where, at the time of the incorporation of the village in 1863, there was not a single three-story brick business block, there now stands dozens of them. The first of them was the " Heller Block," built in the year 1865. Since that time there has been a general tendency to erect substantial and attractive brick buildings, and this has been done to such an extent that the objectionable " frame row " is the exception, not the rule. There are, to be sure, many frame business houses, but they are not found continuous, and such as are still standing are generally kept well painted and neat in exterior appearance. In the year 1863 there was hardly a dozen stores in the entire town, and but very few manufactories of any kind ; it is proper, therefore, that a mention should be made of the various business houses in the locality that now as well as then was known as the center of trade. HENRY COUNTY - 177 MERCANTILE AND OTHER BUSINESS INTERESTS. In making the following record classification has been found impossible, owing to the mixed character of the stock generally carried by merchants, and for that reason, they are arranged with reference to their street location in consecutive order, beginning with the west side of Perry street, from north to south, and showing such facts as may be of interest regarding the business conducted at each place. F. C. Fisk & Co., grocery and provision store, glass and queenware ; established by Clewell & Fisk in 1880 ; succeeded by F. C. Fisk, and in 1887, John Thiesen became a partner, and is one of the present firm. C. H. Suydam, boots and shoes, also manufacturing and repairing same; established in April, 1885, as successor to R. W. Suydam. R. Hudson, harness store and manufactory, horse and carriage goods ; L. H. Diehl, manager ; established 1883. Eggers & Son, restaurant and saloon ; established 1886. J. C. Saur & Co , bankers (the firm being J. C. Saur and F. 0. Blair) ; commenced business April 1, 1886, as successors to Heller & Saur, bankers. While this firm can hardly be considered as having succeeded the First National Bank of Napoleon, their business is the outgrowth of that commenced by the corporation named. The First National Bank was incorporated in 1872, with a capital stock of $50,000, which was afterwards increased to $100, 000. The first officers were, E. S. Blair, president ; J. W. Miller, vice-president, and A. D. Tourtillott, cashier. On July 1, 1877, E. S. Blair succeeded the banking corporation, and was, in turn, succeeded by Heller & Saur. Frease Brothers (D. W., J. H. and W. S. Frease constituting the firm) ; jewelers, also dealers in boots and shoes; established in 1879. A. J. Van DerBroek, merchant tailor, clothing and furnishing goods ; established in 1869, by Van Der Broek & Co., and succeeded in 1887 by A. J. Van Der Broek. D. & J. Wilson, dealers in dry goods, boots and shoes, hats and caps, and carpets ; established in 1866, succeeding in business the firm of Roach & Wilson, pioneers in the business at Napoleon. Gustav Kohler, groceries, provisions, crockery and saloon ; established in 1879 in copartnership with William Spengler ; the latter retired in 1880, since which the business has been conducted solely by Mr. Kohler. Isa Leist, drugs, books and stationery ; established in the year 1882. H. C. Groschner, general hardware, stores, carriages, wagons and plows ; the hardware branch of this business was established about 1862, by Henry Kahlo, who was succeeded by the firm of Imber & Gillis, and they in turn by Groschner & Heller, and subsequently the firm became Groschner & Redderson. In 1887 the present proprietor became sole owner and has since managed the business. 178 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. Saur & Balsley, drugs, books and stationery ; established April 1, 1865, by J. C. Saur, who in May, 1887, formed a partnership with Mr. Balsley. Shoemaker Brothers (Milton J., Frank C. and Charles W: Shoemaker constituting the firm). This business, general dry goods, notions, boots and shoes, hats and caps, clothing and carpets, was established by Scott & Heller, on March 4, 1861, but in May following Mr. Scott sold his interest to his partner, who managed it alone until 1866, when W. L. Heller became a partner, under the firm style of S. M. & W. L. Heller ; in 1871 W. L. Heller sold to Colonel S. A. Hissong, when the firm became Heller & Hissong ; in 1873 Colonel His- song sold to M. E. Heller, and the firm then became S. M. & M. E. Heller. This firm continued until 1886, when Shoemaker Brothers succeeded to the business. D. J. Humphrey, dealer in drugs and medicines, books, stationery, paints, oils, wall paper, and picture and other frames; Mr. Humphrey was the pioneer of the drug business in Napoleon, having started in 1859, on Washington street. About the year 1872, he established at his present location, corner of Perry and Washington streets. Henry Meyer, merchant tailoring, clothing, hats and caps, and gents' furnishings ; established in partnership with George Hahn, in 1870, under the firm name of Hahn & Meyer, and continued until 1886, when Henry Meyer succeeded the firm. H. A. Meyerholtz & Brother (H. A. & H. F. Meyerholtz composing the firm) ; established in 1866; dealers in groceries, provisions, crockery and glassware. This firm are also proprietors of the Napoleon Tile and Brick Works, Rensselaer Hudson & Co. (W. P. Hudson being the Co.); jewelry, watches, clocks, musical instruments and repairing; the business, except musical instruments, was established by G. W. Pardee, in 1855, but some years later R. Hudson became a partner, and in about the year 1870 sole owner ; still later W. P. Hudson, son of R. Hudson, became a partner. Multon & Fate, saloon. Ulrich & Co. (A. J. Ulrich and E. F. Weinland) ; general hardware, stoves and agricultural implements ; established 1886. J. B. Couch, general dry goods, boots and shoes ; Mr. Couch started in business in Napoleon in 1873, in partnership firm of Imber & Couch, and in 1876 sold to his partner. In 1878 he again commenced and has since continued as sole proprietor. S. M. Honeck, merchant tailoring, furnishing goods, and hats and caps; established in 1879 under firm of Honeck & Grosscup, but after five months the firm was succeeded by Mr, Honeck, who has since conducted the business. H. E. Cary, established 1860, but for four months during the war the proprietor was in the service, and the business left to a clerk's management; in 1873 T. R. Carroll purchased an interest but retired in 1880. Stock, grocery and queen's ware. HENRY COUNTY - 179 S. F. Shower, established 1862 ; harness store, horse goods, manufacturing and repairing. The proprietor has twice taken a partner, but for a very short time. Charles Polkea, saloon and restaurant. M. Reiser, boots, shoes and rubber goods ; established 1886. The proprietor has been engaged in business in Napoleon for many years, but in other branches. S. L. Curtis, established in business as dealer in furs, pelts and hides in 1862; about 1865 or '66 had Henry Tressler as partner for about six months. Recently Mr. Curtis has established an extensive variety store. As a dealer in furs he is one of the oldest in the region. John Keil, saloon and lunch room ; established 1887. William Hoffman, saloon and lunch room ; established 1887. The business interests on the east side of Perry street are as follows : Conrad Bitzer, furniture and undertaking ; Bitzer Block, corner of Perry and Clinton streets; established in 1873 ; three story brick block built in 1875. George Hahn, merchant tailoring, clothing, and furnishing goods. David Halter, bakery, confectionery, and shelf groceries ; business established about 1878 by Harmon Heber, who was succeeded in July, 1887, by the present proprietor. John Diemer, meat market ; established in Napoleon in 1859 ; prior to 1863 he had a partner, but since that time has conducted business alone. William Newman, saloon and pool-room ; established 1871. William Spengler, groceries, provisions, and saloon ; established in 1879, with Gustav Kohler, but sold to his partner in 1883, and started similar business at the last named date. Anthony Hahn, tobaccos, cigars, and saloon. David Meekison, banker ; established March, 1886, at the same location formerly occupied by the banking firm of Sheffield & Norton ; but in no manner can Mr. Meekison be said to have succeeded to the business of the former firm other than that his place of business is at the same location. J. M. Myers, tobacco, cigars, and confections ; established 1887. Jacob Sens, saloon ; established 1882. John Hahn, saloon ; established about 1870. Oliver Higgins, jeweler and watch repairer ; successor, in 1884, to the business that was established in 1883 by Higgins & Brother. The following are the leading business interests on the north side of Washington street : Halter & Gidley, marble and granite dealers, manufacturers of monuments; established 1875, as successors to K. W. Hartman. S. Bernstein, clothing and furnishing goods ; established 1873. W. G. Coover, general hardware; established 1868, by Groschner & Hell- 180 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. er, and in 1871 sold to Groschner ; in 1871 Hellers & Coover was established and continued to 1879, when W. L. Heller, the senior partner, sold to his son, R. B. Heller, whereupon the firm became Heller & Coover ; in March, 1886, Mr. Coover succeeded to the entire business. R. B. Shasteen, grocery, provisions, and queensware ; established 1884, succeeding the firm of Shasteen Brothers. Davison Sisters (C. L. and H. D. Davison), millinery and dressmaking; established 1886. A. Bradley, general grocery, crockery, and glassware ; established 1874. George Baum, harness manufacturing and repairing, horse goods and supplies ; established 1878. Pohlman Brothers (C. F. and H. F. Pohlman), meat market ; established 1881. Rohrs & Suhr (George H. Rohrs and Thomas H. Suhr), dry goods, notions, hats and caps, boots and shoes, carpets ; established 1884, succeeding the older firm of Rohrs & Vocke, which latter firm was established about 1879. J. W. Tietjen, tobacco, cigars, and saloon ; established 1870. S. E. French, art gallery and studio. Miss A. M. Weaver, millinery ; established 1883. F. W. Rohrs, saloon and pool room. George Curdes, bakery and confectionery ; established 1880. On the south side of Washington street is found these business houses: Frederick Schroeder, furniture dealer and manufacturer ; established 1884, as successor to Musser & Wilson. A. B. Scribner, general hardware and agricultural implements ; established 1880 (formerly proprietor of foundry and machine shops). Redderson & Westhoven, meat market ; established May 21, 1877, as successors to William Redderson. W. P. Stockman, grocery, provisions, and crockery ; established 1877. Norden & Bruns, dry goods, boots and shoes, hats and caps, furnishing goods ; established 1884, succeeding Henry Norden, who was established in 1879. The following are business interests not classified as above: Hotels. The village has two well appointed hotels—the " Miller House," a first-class hostelry, situate at the corner of Perry and Clinton streets, and the " Capitol," located near the Wabash depot ; the former under the proprietorship of Wallace Blair, and the latter managed by Harry Webb. General Insurance Agents. C. E. Reynolds (also real estate dealer), estab lished 1860 ; H. H. French, 1878 ; S. F. Long, 1886. Liverymen. Russell Jones, established 1859, formerly in mercantile business ; Charles Van Hyning, established 1876 ; J. B. Foster, established 1879; Ira Hayes. HENRY COUNTY - 181 Dentists, Ezra W. Talbott, established 1865 ; A. S. Condit, established 1878 ; William J. Pierepont, established 1884. MANUFACTURING INTERESTS. Napoleon Flouring Mill. This industry was commenced during the year 1856, by Augustin Pilliod, but it was not until some time later that the building was completed and in running order. Power was obtained from the canal and carried thence through the mill and discharged into the river. It was of the class commonly known as a "stone mill," having two run of stone—one for wheat and the other for buckwheat and feed, or chop. In the year 1864 the property was purchased by John H. Vocke, who rebuilt and otherwise improved it by enlarging its capacity. It was operated by his sons, Harmon H., Clement, Bernard, and John. They continued its management until 1882, when Bernard and Clement both died, after which its operation was continued by Harmon H. and John Vocke to the present time. In 1885 the mill underwent radical changes, and " roller process " machinery was placed therein ; there was also added two run of stone for producing chop and buckwheat flour. The size of the building is 48 by l00 feet, four stories high. It has a capacity of one hundred and twenty-five barrels of flour per day. It is located on Front street, west of Perry street. Vocke’s Distillery. The distillery building is located on the north side of and near the canal, east of Perry street. It was built in the year 1866, by John H. Vocke, and run for a number of years as a " high wine distillery," by the sons of the owner. In 1878 it was changed to an " alcohol and spirit " distillery. The manufacture of distilled spirits at this place was stopped in 1883, since which time the building has been idle. It had a capacity for producing daily from thirty-five to forty barrels of spirits, using therefor about five hundred bushels of grain. Koller's Flouring Mill. This is one of the oldest of the manufacturing industries of Napoleon, and bears no resemblance whatever to the original building of which the present substantial structure is the outgrowth. The mill on this site was built in the year 1850, by John Ritter, he taking power from the canal, and, by means of a conduit, conveying the same through the mill and discharging the waste, or utilized water, into the Maumee, on the bank of which the mill was erected. Originally the mill had but two run of stone. Mr. Ritter owned and operated it up to the time of his death, 1871, after which it passed, by purchase, into the ownership of Josiah Kohler. The latter at once substantially rebuilt the mill, and increased its capacity by adding two run of stone, making a total of four. In this manner it was operated until 1885, when the owner again made material improvements by changing its machinery from stone to the more .modern " roller process," placing therein fourteen sets of rollers, thus giving the mill a total producing capacity of one 182 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. hundred barrels of flour daily. Mr. Kohler continued in sole management until February, 1887, at which time Jacob B. Augenstein became a part owner. The mill in size is 42 by 50 feet, four stories in height, with a large addition on the south side. In connection with their business the proprietors have a large storage elevator near the Wabash depot, which was built in the year 1876 and has a storage capacity for thirty thousand bushels of grain. Napoleon Woolen Mill. The only manufacturing enterprise of this kind in Napoleon is that which was established by Jacob Augenstein in the year 1863. The building stands on Front street, west of Perry and between the canal and the Maumee River. After having operated the mill for about a year the proprietor and founder took two partners, H. B. Lantzenheizer and Samuel Bigger, which partnership continued in successful business operation until the year 1873, when Mr. Lantzenheizer retired, J. B. Augenstein taking his place in the firm. In 1883 the senior partner gave his sons, Charles and A. Augenstein, an interest in the business. Two years later, 1885, J. B. Augenstein sold his interest to A. E. Augenstein. In the spring of 1887 A, Augenstein died, his interest, however, remaining in the firm and owned by his estate, The present members of the firm are Jacob Augenstein, Charles F. Augenstein, Samuel Bigger, Allison E. Augenstein and Acquilla Augenstein, the interest of the latter being now in an estate. The firm manufacture woolen goods, mainly flannel shirtings; also yarn and other commodities. They employ about twenty-five persons. Saygers's Saw-mill. This is one of the oldest industries on the river in this vicinity, having been established in the year 1843, by John Powell and Hazel Strong, both pioneers of the town, of whom mention has been made in the early part of this chapter. The mill built by them at this place is said to have been the first on this "level" of the canal, and from the canal the motive power was obtained. From the time of its erection in 1843 until it came to the present owner, its several changes have been about as follows: Powell & Strong sold to Welsted & Halter, and the latter to Richards & Emery; Richards sold his interest to William Martell, and Martell to George Sipler. It then went on forced sale back to Mr. Martell, the title to the whole property vesting in him. In 1877 he sold to Saygers & Imber, but the Imber interest was afterward transferred to his partner, Andrew Jackson Saygers, who is still its owner. This is but an ordinary water-power saw-mill, its chief prominence attaching on account of its early construction. The mill stands on the river bank south of Front street, being the farthest west of any of the manufactories which abound in this neighborhood. Very near it and almost forming a part of it, is the Napoleon Boat Oar Factory, concerning which a more detailed mention will elsewhere be found. The Napoleon Brewery. This, the only industry of its kind within the vil- HENRY COUNTY - 183 lage, was started in the year 1862 by one Kopp, and although the present brewery is the outgrowth of the original, founded as above stated, it bears so little resemblance to Kopp's brewery as to be scarcely recognized as once having formed a part thereof. Its dimensions have been frequently enlarged to meet the increased demand of its production. After managing it for about five years Mr. Kopp sold it to John Herbolsheimer, and he, after conducting it until 1885, sold to the present owner and proprietor, Ferdinand Roessing. Under his ownership the most frequent enlargements have been made, nearly every year marking some improvements, so that, at the present time it has a capacity for producing twenty-four hundred barrels of lager beer annually. From here every dealer in this commodity in the village is supplied and quantities are shipped to other points. The works occupy three lots situate at the corner of Perry and Front streets. The building is a large, three-story, brick structure, well arranged for the business conducted. Bruner's Hoop Factory. Although the manufacture of barrel hoops is but a comparatively recent industry in Napoleon, it is rapidly assuming a fair proportion among the interests of the place. It was started here in the year 1885, by A. Bruner, he leasing the building formerly occupied as the Napoleon Agricultural Works. The affairs and business of the latter were managed by an incorporated company, of which Harmon H. Vocke was president; A. H. Tyler, secretary ; J. D. Norton, treasurer, and H. H. Vocke, Joseph A. Stout, H. E. Cary, J. D. Morey and Charles Reiter. were directors. The company was organized about the year 1874. The object of the company was to manufacture grain reapers, but during the first two years it was operated only as a machine shop. It was then rented to one Turnbull, who continued its operation as a machine shop and works for about five years, when the building and plant was sold, Harmon H. Vocke & Brothers becoming the owners. This firm made radical changes and operated it as a stave factory, under the firm name of Vocke Brothers & Wheeler. It was so conducted until the fall of the year 1885, when Mr. Bruner leased the plant and established the present business of hoop manufacture, which can be said to be about the only successful and profitable production connected with the life of the building. The works are situate near the line of the Wabash railroad, in the northeastern part of the town. Thiesen & Hildred's Planing-mills. The name applied to this important branch of Napoleon's industries is adopted simply for convenience, and is but poorly expressive of the cbaracter or extent of business done by the firm. To be sure, they have an extensive planing-mill, but in addition to that feature of the business, they are manufacturers of doors, sash, blinds, mouldings, and dealers in lumber, lath, shingles, lime, cement and plastering hair The works are situate on the south side of Front street, and west of Perry street, in the center of the extensive manufacturing area of the village; the firm also have an extensive lumber yard on the north side of the canal, some distance from 184 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. the factory, and one of less extent near that building. The plant was founded in the year 1864, by John Thiesen and William Shepard, by whom the first business was done. After about a year Shepard sold his interest to Levi Wells, the latter replacing the former in the firm, which then became Thiesen & Wells. Some years later Wells sold to Frederick Aller, and the firm name was changed to Thiesen & Aller. Again, after a lapse of about seven years, the senior partner sold his interest to Daniel Richards, and at the same time Mr. Hildred went into the firm which became Aller, Richards & Co., Mr. Hildred being the company. In 1877, September 1, Mr. Thiesen bought in, taking Richards's interest, and again the firm name changed to Aller, Hildred & Co. In 1881, Thiesen and Hildred, with J. D. Norton, purchased the Aller interest and changed the firm name to Thiesen, Hildred & Co. The last change was made in May, 1887, when Thiesen and Hildred bought the other interest, and the present firm of Thiesen & Hildred was established, Notwithstanding the frequent changes made in this firm establishment, the business has always been successfully conducted and proved a fairly profitable investment of means. To be sure, in times of stagnation in trade and business circles, the firm have felt the general depression, but at no time can the business be said to have been conducted at a loss. Napoleon Foundry. This industry was established by T. J. Clay, in the year 1858, or thereabouts, but after operating some time was sold to A. B. Scribner. The latter subsequently sold a half interest to R. M. Bedeau, and business was managed under the firm style of Scribner & Bedeau. In 1874 the Bedeau interest was sold to Ephraim James and the firm name changed to Scribner & James ; one year later Mr. James became sole owner and proprietor, and with some changes of no strong account has so continued to the present time. The works are located on the street first east of Perry, and a short distance north of Front, but when first started were on a common some distance further east. At the foundry is manufactured all kinds of iron and brass castings, particularly light castings. Tile and Brick works. In the year 1869 the firm of H. A. Myerholtz & Brothers established a plant for the manufacture of drain tile and building brick, The works are situate on Washington street, east. No tile was made by them, however, until the year 1876, since which it has ranked equal with their other branch of manufacture. The manufacture of tile is governed largely by the demand for it through the agricultural districts, as much of the land, through this county at least, requires draining before it can be made profitable for farming purposes, The annual production of brick by this firm reaches about one and one-half millions. In the year 1886 they manufactured about four hundred thousand feet of drain tile of all sizes. At their works there is a visible future supply of clay to run about three more years, but when that is exhausted they have an abundant supply elsewhere and within convenient distance. HENRY COUNTY - 185 Miller's Carriage Works. This branch of trade and manufacture under this name was started by John and Florence Miller in the year 1870, and so continued until 1877, when John Miller sold his interest to Joseph and Conrad Miller, the firm still retaining the original style of Miller Brothers. In 1883 the firm changed and M. R. Rummell and John Miller succeeding. The building occupied by them is a substantial three story brick, situate on Perry street, south of and near the canal. As indicated by the heading, the firm manufacture carriages and wagons of all descriptions, and also do general repair work. Shaff's Carriage Works. About the year 1870 Mr. Shaff, the proprietor, commenced in a small way the manufacture of carriages and wagons' in Napoleon. Four years later he erected the present commodious brick factory building on East Washington street. Here, since that time, he has been engaged in the business above mentioned, in connection with which is a general blacksmith and repair shop ; also he holds the agency for the Champion mower, reaper and binder. Napoleon Machine Works. In the year 1878 Charles F., Alfred, and James Beard commenced business in establishing a machine shop and repair works on Front street, west of Perry, under the firm name of Beard Brothers. Subsequently, and in connection with this business, was started a brass and iron foundry. About the year 1882 Charles F. Beard became sole proprietor of the entire business. At these works are made steam engines, shafting, hangers, pulleys and wood-sawing machines, also all kinds of iron and brass castings. Napoleon Boat Oar Factory. Alth0ugh this is a comparatively new industry to the t0wn it is by no means new to its proprietor, Mason Britton, who started the business at Ashtabula, 0., thirty-five years ago. He was the inventor of the machinery now in use at a similar factory at Wauseon, and was for some years interested in the business at that place. In March, 1887, Mr. Britton erected works and commenced business on Front street, near Saygers's mill in this village. It is a known fact that the United States supplies the foreign and domestic trade with the best quality of boat oars, and for their manufacture there are nine regular factories in this country, besides five others that make this production auxiliary to some other. A ready market is found at all seaport towns, but this factory ships mainly to San Francisco. Shoemaker & Zaenger's Cigar Factory was started in Napoleon on the 4th day of May, 1887, and is therefore the youngest of the town's industries. The members of the firm are George C. Shoemaker and John C. Zaenger. They employ at present but six workmen and produce about one thousand cigars- daily, The factory is located on the east side of Perry street in the main business part of the town. 186 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. THE VILLAGE FIRE DEPARTMENT. There appears to have been no well conducted effort looking to the organization of this important adjunct of the municipality until the early part of the year 1870, and the agitation the subject received was brought about by a most disastrous and sweeping conflagration that occurred during the year preceding, 1869, by which an entire square of business blocks and dwellings, with small excepti0ns, was destroyed. Prior to this time the village possessed no fire apparatus whatever, not even so much as a " bucket brigade ;" nor was there in existence any organization, volunteer 0r other, for the prevention or extinguishment of fires. To be sure, at the first alarm of fire the whole people stood ready to render such assistance as lay in their power, and volunteers, with a plentiful supply 0f pails and buckets, were always on hand, but the serious fire losses in the town showed the inefficiency of this kind of service and protection. It was, therefore, after the extensive destruction by fire of property, during the year 1869, that the subject became so seriously discussed that the complete organization of a fire department was determined upon and eventually effected. The municipal authorities took the matter in hand, and by an ordinance of the council, passed January Jo, 1870, the proposition was submitted to the electors of the village, whether a fire department should be organized and necessary and complete apparatus procured. On the 3d day of February, of that year, the election was held, and the proposition carried. Then followed much discussion as to the kind of apparatus that should be secured, some favoring the purchase of a hand engine and the procuring of ladders to be built "at home," while others believed in purchasing a complete set of apparatus, including steamer, hose cart and truck (hook and ladder) of approved patterns. To a certain extent both were successful, although it was not until some time later that the excellent fire apparatus, now in use, was secured. At the time of the election a tax of five mills was voted for the purpose of organizing the department and procuring fire apparatus. On February 14th the council appointed members Barnes and Vocke a committee to enquire concerning the necessary apparatus and supplies. The council subsequently, March 14, voted on the question whether a hand engine or a steam engine should be procured for the department, upon which vote the result showed four members in favor of a hand engine and but one favoring a steamer, whereupon a committee, consisting of members J. M. Haag, 0. E. Barnes, and J. L. Vocke, was chosen to contract for and purchase a hand engine. It seems that this resolution to purchase for the village a hand engine was never carried 0ut, although it had been voted, and 0. E, Barnes had been HENRY COUNTY - 187 selected to proceed to Adrian and examine an engine that was offered for sale at that place. About this time too, the question of introducing the Holly system of water-works was being discussed somewhat, and owing to the great diversity of opinion, and conflict of sentiment, matters were at a standstill. The hand engine scheme seems to have been abandoned. The town of Defiance had procured a steamer from the Clapp & Jones works of Hudson, N. Y., and upon being tested, so fully met the approval of all interested that, on the 1st of October, 1872, the Mayor and J. L. Robertson were directed to close a contract with the representative of Clapp & Jones for the purchase of a steamer, jumper, and three hundred feet of rubber hose, at the agreed price of $4,600, which was done. In the mean time a lot and building was secured for the uses of the department, situate on Washington street, not far fr0m the present location of Norton & Bruns's store. The building here was destroyed by fire, after which the department apparatus was stored in convenient places until the new building on Washington street, east of Perry, was completed. This building was erected during the year 1875, by George Lightheiser. It is a plain, but substantial three story brick building. The lower floor is used by the department for storing their apparatus; also in the rear are rooms fitted for purposes of a city lock-up. The second floor is arranged for the corporation use, in part for council room and mayor's office, firemen's meeting room, and additional room for confining offenders. The upper floor contains a hall for general assemblage uses. The total cost of the building, according to the bid of George Lightheiser, w as $8,900. The apparatus now in use by the village fire department consists of one Clapp & Jones's piston steamer, one jumper, one four-wheeled hose cart, and one hook and ladder truck. The department was first organized and managed in the same manner as the departments of many other towns and villages throughout the State, but in 1881, by an ordinance passed October 3, the whole underwent a material change. By this ordinance it was provided that the council should appoint a resident freeholder to enlist not less than fifteen, nor more than twenty-five men to act as hose-men ; not less than twenty-five and not more than forty men as engine-men ; not less than twenty nor more than forty men to act as hook and ladder-men ; also providing for the election, for each company, of one foreman, one first assistant, and one second assistant foreman. This ordinance met with some considerable opposition from the " fire lad- dies," and was modified somewhat to meet their wishes. The first engineer of the steamer was J. B. Reno, but he was soon succeeded by George Flenner, Next was Joseph Wheeler, who served until 1878, when James Shay was elected and has served to the present time. The first chief of the department 188 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. was Oscar E. Barnes. The present officers of the Napoleon fire department are as follows : Chief engineer, Josiah Kohler ; first assistant, Jacob Brown ; second assistant, B. F. Pontius ; secretary, Joseph Kopp ; treasurer, J. M. Martin ; engineer of steamer, James Shay. EDUCATION IN NAPOLEON. In matters pertaining to education, and educati0nal institutions, the town and subsequent village of Napoleon can furnish a record, which, for advancement and prosperity, has kept even step with the other of her institutions, from the founding of the town to the present day, The beginning, like that of the other branches, was, of course humble, but from it has grown an institution that stands, not only an ornament, but an honor to the village and its residents as well. The first place for the education of the youth of the town was a little log building, not, however, built for school purposes, that stood quite near Craig's old tavern. School was held here as early as 1837, and, for a time, was under the charge of Miss Mary Whipple. There is still living in Napoleon, at least one person who attended Miss Whipple's school, at the age, then, of four years. This building, of course, was illy arranged for school use, but it was a beginning, and served the purpose until the building of a frame school-house that stood not far from the present court house location. This is said to have been a one-story frame structure, not large, but sufficient for the times. A number of the older residents of the town went during their y0unger days to school there, among them Judge James G. Haly, and his wife, or she whom he afterward married. Samuel Powell also attended this school. The teacher, about 1838, was a young man named Watson. He came from New York State. Then again, during the "fifties," another school was built in rear of what is now Bitzer's block, about where Mr. Bitzer's residence stands. This also was a one-story frame building, but in later years was changed materially, an addition built two stories high, and a bell was provided to be placed in a belfry on its top, and "rung" with a rope. This building was destroyed in the extensive fire that took place in the early part of November, 1869. From that time down to 1871, or until the completion of the present elegant Union School building, the board of education hired several rooms in different places in the town. Prior to the year 1858 the town of Napoleon, or what then was known as the town, with surrounding territory, within prescribed limits, formed a part of school district number one of the township of Napoleon, and its schools were under the control and direction 0f the school directors of that township. On the 9th day of August, 1858, upon the petition of T. S. C. Morrison, James G. Haly, J. A. Stout, John Powell, William Dodd and Justin H. Tyler, an election was held by which the question was submited to the electors whether a HENRY COUNTY - 189 union school district should be created in the territory that had formerly formed a part of district number one of the township. The law authorizing this action was passed by the Legislature of Ohio. February 21, 1849, and was amended at the next session by a further act passed March 13, 1850, but it was not until the year 1858 that the people of Napoleon availed themselves of its provisions. The vote upon the question resulted in forty-three ballots for, and three against the adoption of the provisions of the law, and the subsequent organizati0n of the town into a union school district. On the 20th day of August following the electors again met for the purpose of chosing six school directors, which resulted in the election of the following persons : William Dodd, John Powell, J, A. Stout, W. J. Jackson, H. McHenry and Justin H. Tyler. These constituted the board of education. They met for organization and election of officers on the 21st day of August, at which meeting Justin H. Tyler was made president, John Powell, secretary, and W. J. Jackson, treasurer. They employed G. V. Bailey as teacher of the High School, at a salary of fifty dollars per month, and Misses S. S. Powell and H. E. Reynolds, also employed as teachers of the primary department at a salary of eighteen dollars per month each. The next year, 1859, S. L. Adams was employed as principal at a salary of forty dollars per month ; Miss Powell for the second department, at a salary of eighteen dollars per month, and Miss E. A. Craig for the third department, at a salary of sixteen dollars per month, In the year 1860 the board materially increased the school facilities by the erection of a new building and enlarging the old. At a meeting of the board held March 7, 1865, it was unanimously agreed to purchase a certain tract of ground " lying south of the Methodist church, and joining the canal," and authorized J. E. Cowdrick to negotiate with Henry Yeager, the owner, for the purchase of the same at the price of four thousand dollars. By the incorporation of the village in 1863, the limits of Napoleon, proper, were defined ; but by subsequent extensions of those limits, much more territory was brought to the town, and as frequently as these changes have been made, just so frequently have the limits of the Union School district been enlarged, and they now run co-extensive with the village limits with some exceptions, noticeably on the south side of the river, but it is hardly within the province of this brief sketch to pursue them in detail. By an extensive conflagration that occurred in November, 1869, the school-building of Napoleon was entirely destroyed. Upon the following day the board held a meeting, and engaged the house of Mrs. McCann, Craig's Hall, and rooms over Wilson's store for school use until another school-house could be provided. In December, following, it was ordered that the board petition 190 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. the Legislature for permission to issue bonds, upon the credit of the Village, to the extent not exceeding the sum of fifty thousand dollars, for the purpose of building a union school. This law was passed, whereupon the board entered into a contract with George Platfoot, of Toledo, for the erection proposed, to be built on the lands that, in 1865, had been purchased from Henry Yeager. In September, 1871, the building was completed and occupied. It was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies, the address upon that occasion being delivered by Hon. John M. Haag, of Napoleon. The Napoleon Union School is a three story brick building, three stories high, and with a mansard story and basement. Its interior is well arranged for its purpose, having four primary department rooms, including German, on the lower floor ; three intermediate school-rooms, and one " C " grammar department on the second fl0or ; the " A " and " B " grammar rooms, with recitation rooms, on the third floor, while the large hall is arranged to be used for the high school department. The building stands on a desirable and large piece of land in the west part of the village. It is a large and substantial appearing structure, entirely sufficient for the present wants of the place. The board of education, with commendable zeal, have succeeded in reducing the b0nded indebtedness to about six thousand dollars, an amount that will be entirely paid within the next few years. This school is under the care of the following instructors: W. W. Weaver, superintendent ; J. F. Smith, principal ; Miss Fanny Godman, assistant principal ; Mary E. Fanning, teacher of " A " grammar department ; Alta Suydam, " B " lgrammar department ; Nettie Hibbard, " C " grammar department; Lalah Hague, " A " intermediate department ; Hannah Peterson, " B" intermediate department ; Mary Ketring, " C " intermediate department ; Lena Miller, third primary ; Jennie Fouke, second primary ; Belle King, first primary ; Mr. C. F. Clement, teacher of German, whicb is limited to the fourth grade. By an extension of the village limits, a considerable tract of land was acquired on the south side of the Maumee River, and which locality is now designated as South Napoleon. Its lands of course came within the jurisdiction of the board of education of the village ; but in 1879, upon a petition duly presented to them, the lands embraced within sections twenty-five, twenty-six, thirty-five and thirty-six, were released to the jurisdiction, for school purposes, of the school directors of the township of Napoleon. The South Napoleon brick school-house was erected by the board of education, in the year 1884, at a total cost of $2,540. It has accommodations for nearly one hundred scholars ; contains two school-rooms, each 24 by 28 feet in size, with a hall-way ten feet wide. The rooms for the school are situate one on the first, and one on the second floor. The teachers are Miss Mary E.. Barnes and Miss Blanche Leonard. HENRY COUNTY - 191 This furnishes a record, substantially, of the schools, past and present, of Napoleon, except the parochial scho0l connected with St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church, and its society, an account of which will be found in connection with the sketch of that society. Much of the information upon which is written the sketch of the early schools of Napoleon, is derived from recollections of old residents of the town and vicinity, and it is possible that some inaccuracies in statement may be found; on the whole, however, the record may be regarded as substantially correct. CHURCHES OF NAPOLEON, St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church and Parochial School. In the year 1856 Bishop Rappe visited this place, and found about eight Catholic families, whom he encouraged to build a little church. They were mostly poor people, who had large families to support by their daily labor, and could spend but little of their hard earnings in the cause of religion. However, a liberal-hearted Frenchman, Augustine Pilliod, took the matter in hand and, assisted by James Brennan, and with what little help he could get from the other families and some outside the church, put up a small frame building 24 by 30 feet in size, but for want of funds the church was not plastered until about 1858. When finished the church cost about $500, and Mr. Pilliod named it St. Augustine's Church, after his Christian name. The mission was then attended at certain times by the priest in charge at Defiance, in 1858, by Rev. F. Westerholt, and from 1859 to 1861 by Rev. A. J. Hoeffel. The care of it was then given to the priest of Providence, being attended from 1861 until July, 1863, by Rev. James P. Maloney, and from July, 1863, until September, 1864, by Rev. J. M. Pietz. In November, 1864, the congregation had considerably increased, and it received, in that year, its first resident pastor, Rev. P. J. Carroll, who had charge until 1868. Under his administration an addition, 24 by 25 feet, was built to the church, and also a tower erected in front, the latter being paid for by John H. Vocke ; he also built a little frame school-house, 26 by 36 feet in size. In 1865 he organized a Catholic school, which he placed in charge of his sister, Ellen Carroll, and since that time Napoleon has not been without a parochial school. Father Carroll was succeeded, in November, 1868, by Rev. N. A. Moes. Under his pastorate the Napoleon and Providence congregations, which for nine years had been attended by one priest, were separated, and each received a resident pastor, In October, 1870, Father Moes was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. Michael Pietz, who found the church encumbered with a debt of about $1,100, about two-thirds of the value of its entire property. Under his ministry the debt was paid and ...about $1,000 worth of furniture purchased. In the latter part of 1875 Father Pietz purchased the lot on which the present 192 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. church stands, at a cost of $4,000, and which was paid for in three years. In 1878 a new school-house was built on the lot, and also a new house for the sisters. For more satisfactory educational facilities the school was placed in charge of the sisters of Notre Dame, Cleveland. In the year 1880 the congregation with the sanction of the Rt. Rev. Bishop Gilmour of Cleveland, took the first steps toward the erection of the new and elegant church edifice. The committee chosen to share this labor and responsibility with the pastor, were H. H. Vocke, Fred F. Shoner, Michael Wirth, Fred'k Fisher and Otto Honeck. According to their original intention the edifice was to cost not exceeding $15,000, but its actual cost reached something over $21,000. The work of building was let to various persons for the different classes of work to be performed. The Gothic style of architecture was adopted, and the building was faithfully d0ne, reflecting much credit on all engaged in the work. The corner-stone was laid June 19, 1881, by Rt. Rev, Bishop Gilmour, assisted by Rev. N. A. Moes, Rev. J. B. Lung, Rev. James Christophany, Rev. Edward Hannin and the pastor. The church was formally dedicated with appropriate and impressive ceremonies, on the 17th of June, 1883. The interior compares favorably with the exterior in design and finish. It is well furnished and carpeted, and supplied with a fine pipe organ. The extreme height from the ground to the top of the cross is one hundred and seventy-five feet. The First Presbyterian Church of Napoleon was organized June 15, 1861, The congregation met for this purpose in the court house, Rev. E. B. Rafensberger, one of the members of the committee of organization appointed by the Presbytery of Maumee, preaching the sermon. The text chosen for the occasion was the third verse of the third chapter of the prophecy by Amos; " Can two walk together except they be agreed ?" The committee of organization was composed of Revs. Rafensberger and D. L. Anderson. Many of the older members of the church and congregation have passed away, while some have gone to other places. The following is a complete list of members at the time of organization : James A. Parker, Rachel W. Parker, Rosana Steedman, Christina Stout, Susanna D. McCann, Rebecca P. Steed- man, John Babcock, Rachel B. Tressler, Anna McWilliams, Harriet Cary, Sarah Durbin, Harriet Tyler, Margaret Tressler, Mary Babcock. With these members the church was organized in June, 1861. The society in its early existence met for worship in the court-house, the Episcopal Church edifice, and in the rooms in the Cary block, but feeling the need of a church home, resolved to build for its own use. When nearly completed the edifice was almost wholly destroyed by a severe storm, but the ruins were at once cleared away, and the erection of a neat and comfortable brick edifice was begun, and in due time completed on the same site, at the corner of Washington and Webster streets. The lot was donated to the society by Justin H. Tyler. HENRY COUNTY - 193 The first pastor of the church was Rev. D. K. Richardson, chosen by the congregation in 1864. He was followed four years later, 1868, by Rev. Daniel Edgar. In 1871 Rev. J. P. Lloyd was called, and continued pastor in charge for a period of nine years. In 1882 the present pastor, Rev. Donahey, was called to the field. Prior to his call the church was supplied for about six months by a Mr. Abbey, a student under the care of the Presbytery of Maumee, but now a foreign missionary. The Methodist Episcopal Church. The early records of this church and its society are unknown to the people of the present day. Such written records as have been kept are at the seat of the conference district, and an effort to obtain accurate data concerning the early days of the church in Napoleon has proved fruitless. The early members are nearly All dead or gone from the locality, and those who came into the church later have a very imperfect recollection of the matter. The early meetings of the society, however, were held at the court-house, the school-house, and in halls, and the church edifice at the corner of Washington and Webster streets, was erected somewhere between the years 1857 and 1861. The society is large, ranking about second or third in point of numbers in the village. It is impossible from such information as is at hand, to furnish a list of its pastors. The society is at present under the pastoral charge of Rev. Mr. Hates. The German Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul's Church. This society was organized in Napoleon during the year 1856, and held its meetings in the court-house and other convenient places until the year 1867, when the church edifice on Monroe street was erected. Up to this time the church was a supply station, having no resident pastor. The first supply pastor was Rev. A. W. Bergt, who organized the church, and to whom the credit therefor is mainly due. He was succeeded in 1864 by Rev. Paul Rupprecht, who was in charge until 1867, during which year the church edifice and pastor's residence was built. The first resident pastor came to the place in 1867, Rev. Karrer, who remained until 1871, and was then succeeded by Rev. L. Dulitz. The latter continued until 1883, a period of nearly thirteen years. The present pastor, Rev. W. L. Fisher, was then called and has since remained in charge, officiating at this church and two missions outside the village. The society now includes about seventy-five families, and the church membership reaches nearly two hundred and fifty persons. Connected with this church is a thriving parochial school, having an average attendance of about fifty scholars, and under the tutorship of Frank Firks. The society erected the school-house that is now occupied during the year 1885. The Evangelical Association Church. The mission of this association was organized at the conference of 1872, and placed under the charge as supply of Rev. Elisha Hoffman, The class at that time was composed of but nine per- 194 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. sons. Rev. Hoffman was assisted in 1873 by Rev. W. H. Ingle. In 1874 the commodious church edifice was completed and dedicated on the 12th day of April, of that year. It is situated 0n Clinton street, one block west from Perry street. Its cost was about ten thousand dollars. The pastors or supplies in charge of the mission (for being still partly supported by the conference is still a mission) have been as follows : 1872-3-4, Rev. Elisha H0ffman ; 1875-6, Rev. A. W. Orwig ; 1877-8, Rev. G. Miesse; 1879-80, Rev. S. P. Spreng; 1881-2, Rev. S. J. Gamertsfelder ; 1883, Rev, F. G. Stauffer ; 1885, Isler M. Houser ; 1886, Rev. E. M. Spreng, the latter being the present incumbent. This society is not large but is steadily increasing in numbers. The German Evangelical Lutheran Emanuel Church was formed during the year 1883, under the form of church government prescribed by the Ohio Synod. Among the early members of the society were Frederick Theek and family, Henry Rohrs and family, Frederick Soehnholtz and family, George Behrens and wife, August Hirseland and family, Theodore Suhr and family, H. C. Groeschner and family, George H. Rohrs and family, Otto Kuntzner and family, Ferdinand Roessing and wife, Henry Holterman and family, Mrs. Wuestenfeldt and some others. Not all, however, of those above named are still connected with the church, some having m0ved to other places, while others have withdrawn from the society. No church edifice has ever been erected, the society occupying the church formerly occupied by the society of the Protestant Episcopal church. The church was organized by Rev. Louis Dammann, who has been continued in pastoral charge to the present time. Of the other church societies that should be mentioned in connection with this chapter are those of St. John's Protestant Episc0pal Church, and that of the United Brethren, the latter being located in South Napoleon. St. John's Church was organized many years ago and was among the first societies formed in the town. They built a neat chapel on Clinton street, west of Perry street, but the society was never large or particularly prosperous ; on the contrary, its membership decreased and finally the church was closed. The building still stands, however, and is now rented to the society of Emanuel Church. The United Brethren Church of South Napoleon is a comparatively new organization, whose house of worship was recently built. The society and membership are small, but are nobly struggling to retain an existence. Local Organizations, Societies and Orders.—Napoleon Lodge, No. 256, F. and A. M., was chartered October 25, 1855, with the following charter members, who were chosen its first officers, there being only sufficient members to perfect the organization: G. R. McBane, W. M.; D. M. McCann, S. W,; H, D. Taylor, J. W.; Julius Kellogg, treasurer ; Harvey Allen, secretary ; Will- HENRY COUNTY - 195 iam J. Jackson, S. D.; Henry Seeling, J. D.; John McCartney, tyler. From these original members the lodge has increased to about fifty. The present officers are as follows : Samuel Bigger, W. M.; A. E. H. Maerker, S. \V.; Oliver Higgins, J. \V.; John Wilson, treasurer ; A. S. Condit, secretary ; S. Jacquay, S. D.; John Frease, J. D.; E. James, tyler ; G. F. Curtis and John Hoy, stewards. Haly Chapter, R. A. M., No. 136, was chartered September 26, 1871, with the following members, who were chosen to the offices indicated : Jonathan D. Norton, M. E. H, P.; Charles E. Reynolds, capt. of host ; Henry E. Cary, king; James G. Haly, G. M. 3d vail; S, M. Hague, R. A. capt.; H. B. Lantzenheizer, G. M. 2d vail ; R. P. Osborn, P. S.; Samuel Bigger, scribe ; L. G. Randall, G. M. 1st vail ; A, Bridge, guard. Successi0n of most eminent high priests : Jonathan D. Norton, 1871-4; H. J. Bigley, 1874-6; J. D. N0rton, 1876-8 ; S. M. Hellor, 1878—80 ; J. F. McCaskey, 1880-1 ; E. T. Martin, 1881-4; L. G. Randall, 1884-7. The chapter has a present membership of forty-one, and is officered as follows : E. T. Martin, H. P.; Samuel Bigger, king; J. V. Cuff, scribe ; C. E. Reyn0lds, C. of H.; William Humphrey, P. S.; Seth Jacquay, R. A. capt.; F. O. Blair, G. M. of 3d vail ; William Brook, G. M. of 2d vail ; George Wright, G. M. of 1st vail ; J. H. Frease, treasurer ; George Dann, secretary ; Oliver Higgins, guard. Napoleon Lodge, No. 260, I. O. O. F., was instituted January 23, 1855, with charter members as follows : George W. Waterman, Robert K. Scott, Robert Boyle, Joseph Rogers, and Andrew J. Schofield. Its present officers are Otto A. Stuve, N. G.; Charles Van Hyning, V. G.; T. C. Clewell, secretary ; S. Martin, treasurer ; D. Wilson, warden ; James Emery, R. S. N. G.; A. J. Ulrich, L. S. N. G. Maumee Valley Enc., No. 177, I. O, O. F., was instituted July 8, 1870, with the following charter members : C. N. Smith, F. N. Powell, L. T. Calkins, David Wilson, John M. Shoemaker, Seth L. Curtis, and James W. Brown. This is not a strong organization, numbering at present but sixteen members. Its officers are as follows : Samuel C. Haag, C. P.; James G. Kitter, H. P.; Otto A. Stuve, S. W.; J. Y. Housell, J. W.; D. Wilson, scribe ; A. Bradley, treasurer. Patriarchs Militant, Canton of Napoleon, No. 50, I. O. O. F., was instituted by charter in June, 1887. The degree is new to Napoleon but not to the order. It has a membership of eighteen, and is officered as follows : T. C. Clewell, captain ; J. P. Belknap, lieutenant ; J. Y. Housell, ensign ; S. C. Haag, clerk ; David Wilson, accountant. Choate Post No. 66, G. A. R., so named in honor of Colonel William A. Choate, of the Thirty-eighth O. V. Inf., and formerly a prominent member of the Henry county bar, was organized by charter May 4, 1881. The charter members were L. G. Randall, Charles E. Reynolds, L. Y. Richards, Otto 196 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. Honeck, Henry E. Cary, John M. Shoemaker, R. M. Cloud, J. P. Watson, H. H. Fast, A. S. Condit, G. H. Reeber, H. B. Powell, H. McHenry, M. J. Marvin, John Siford, James Shay, Frederick Yockee, E. B. Magill, F. M. Bascom, Abner Yeager, Levi Drummond, W. F.  Balsley, Joseph Grim, Henry Lazenbe, and Charles Newton. The first officers were : Post Com. L. G. Randall ; S. V. Com., Otto Honeck ; J. V. Corn., L. Y. Richards; adjt., C. E. Reynolds; q. m., Henry E. Cary ; surg., John M. Shoemaker ; chaplain, R. M. Cloud ; officer 0f the day, J. P. Watson ; officer of the guard, H. H. Fast ; sergt. maj., A. S. Condit ; Q. M. sergt., George H. Reeber ; aid, H. B. Powell. Comrade Randall held the office of post commander for three years, when he was succeeded by Comrade Reynolds. The membership of the post now reaches one hundred and sixty persons, officered as follows : P. Com., C. E. Reynolds ; S. V. C., D. M. Jones; J. V. C., George Baum ; adjt., Henry Kobe ; Q. M., Henry E. Cary ; chap., David Musser ; surg., John Bloomfield ; officer of day, Joseph Grim ; officer of guard, Samuel Martin ; Q. M. sergt., J. B. Hague ; aid, H. B. Powell. The post treasury has a relief fund aggregating seven hundred dollars. The Napoleon Light Guard, Company F Sixteenth Regiment Infantry, Ohio National Guard, was organized under the State military law, in the year 1877. Company F is fully equipped and armed, ready for use. At present it numbers seventy members, officered as follows: C. E. Reynolds, captain; F. W. Reiter, first lieutenant ; A. E. Augenstein, second lieutenant; sergeants, W. L. Fouke, first; Julius B. Bernstein, W. N. Hess, C. H. Suydam; corporals, William Hudson, James N. Putt, W. W. Lenert, Joseph Kopp, Joseph A, Musser; musician, Charles W. Jackson. Henry County Agricultural Joint Stock Fair Company. The fair company was incorporated in 1883, by J. C. Saur, Josiah Koller, Robert K. Scott, C. H. Gidley, Henry Rohrs, R. B. Heller, J. C. McLain and N. H. Hartman. Capital stock, Si 0,000, divided into four hundred shares. The company's grounds embrace about thirty-eight acres of land, situate in South Napoleon. Annual premiums are offered averaging about $5,000. The officers are Josiah Koller, president; M. Reiser, vice president; 0. Parker, treasurer; J. L. Halter, secretary; board of directors, the officers, ex-officio, and William Booher, C. F. Wilson, J. Brinckerman, G. W. Lester and H. Rohrs. The company is in the fifth year of its existence. Village Civil List. The following list of officers of the incorporated village of Napoleon is extracted from the Journal of Council Proceedings, and includes the names of such officers as were elected by the electors of the village from the date of incorporation: 1863. Mayor, Justin H. Tyler; recorder, Ransom E. Reynolds; George W. Waterman, Henry Kahlo, Daniel Yarnell and George Bogart, councilmen. 1864. Mayor, Justin H. Tyler ; recorder, Ransom E. Reynolds; Henry HENRY COUNTY - 197 Kahlo, John Sidlinger, George W. Waterman, David Honeck, George Bogart, councilmen. 1865. Mayor, Asa H. Tyler; Frederick M. Daggett, recorder; _kiln Thrapp, Henry D. Taylor, Daniel Honeck, David Hartman, Tames Brennan, councilmen. 1866. Mayor, Asa H. Tyler; Ransom T, Osborn, recorder; John M. Haag, John H. Vocke, Seth L. Curtis, William Dinner, Harmon J. Tressler, councilmen. 1867. Mayor, Joseph R. Swigart; Charles M. Smith, recorder; Elisha B. Harrison, Daniel J. Humphrey, Edwin S. Blair, Henry Lantzenheiser, Joseph A. Stout, councilmen. 1868. Mayor, Joseph R. Swigart; Thomas R. Carroll, recorder; Joseph A, Stout, Edwin S. Blair, Henry D. Lantzenheiser, Lyman Trowbridge, John Theisen, councilmen. 1869. Mayor, John L. Robertson; M. E. Heller, recorder; John M. Haag, Oscar E. Barnes, Frederick Theek, John M. Shoemaker, John H. Vocke, councilmen. 1870. Mayor, Justin H. Tyler ; Henry Westervelt, clerk (name changed from recorder); Henry B. Lantzenheiser, Henry Raff, John Wilson, Henry E. Cary, J. W. Brown, Joseph Vocke, councilmen; C. B. Waters, marshal. 1871, Mayor, Justin H. Tyler ; Henry Westervelt, clerk ; Elijah B. Belden, John Kuntz, Joseph L. Robertson, councilmen elected; street commissioner, Samuel J. Roche. 1872. Mayor, William A. Tressler ; marshal, Orrin A. Parker ; treasurer, Jesse D. Norton ; clerk, Henry Westervelt ; councilmen, Charles M. Smith, Seth L. Curtis, John Theisen, David W. Shoemaker. 1873. Mayor, William A. Tressier ; David Meekison, clerk ; D. W. Shoemaker, Leverett G. Randall, David Wilson, councilmen elected. 1874. Mayor, Benjamin E. Sheldon ; clerk, Jacob B. Augenstein ; treasurer, Jesse D. Norton ; Albert M. Wright, David D. Turnbull, Samuel Biggar, councilmen elected. 1875. Mayor, Benjamin E. Shelden ; clerk, Jacob B. Augenstein ; street commissioner, John Sullivan ; Henry E. Cary, John Theisen, Matt. Reiser, councilmen elected. 1876. Mayor, Frank M. Rummell ; clerk, Jacob B. Augenstein ; marshal, D. M. Jones ; treasurer, Daniel J. Humphrey ; Oscar E. Barnes, Frederick Aller, Leverett G. Randall, councilmen elected. 1877. Mayor, Frank M. Rummell ; Henry E. Carey, Matt Reiser, George Daum, councilmen elected ; street commissioner, Daniel Hess; clerk, Jacob B. Augenstien, 1878. Mayor; Frank M. Rummell ; councilmen elected, Frederick F. Shover, Albert Bradley, Oscar E. Barnes; J. B. Augenstein, clerk ; Daniel J. Humphrey, treasurer ; David M. Jones, marshal. 198 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. 1879. Mayor, Frank M. Rummell ; Jacob M. Augenstein, clerk ; councilmen elected, Henry E. Cary, Henry Rohrs, Matt. Reiser ; street commissioner, John Langdon. 1880. Mayor, John M. Shoemaker ; clerk, Jacob B. Augenstein ; councilmen elected, William J. Overhulls, George Daum, Frederick Aller; treasurer, Daniel J. Humphrey, ; marshal, William A. Tressler. 1881. Mayor, John M. Shoemaker ; clerk, Jacob Augenstien ; street commissioner, Daniel Hess ; councilmen eleeted, Asa H. Tyler Otto Honeck, Nathaniel McColley. 1882. Mayor, John M. Hagg ; clerk, Jacob B. Augenstein ; treasurer, Joseph B. Vocke ; marshal, John D. Ritter ; councilmen elected, Andrew Jackson Sagers, Henry A. Meyerholtz, Edward Brown. 1883. Mayor, John M. Hagg; clerk, Jacob B. Augenstein ; street commissioner, Daniel Hess; councilmen elect, David Meekison, Orrin Parker, Geo. Hahn. 1884. Mayor, William A. Tressler ; clerk, Edwin C. Dodd ; marshal, John D. Ritter ; treasurer, Joseph B. Vocke ; councilmen elected, Joseph Schoff, Luther L. Orwig, William Tietjen. 1885. Mayor, William A. Tressler ; clerk, Edwin C. Dodd ; street commissioner, Joseph Grim ; councilmen elected, J0hn Withers, Lemuel Fellers, Oscar E. Barnes. 1886. Mayor, John Theisen ; clerk, Edwin C. Dodd ; marshal, S. 0. Rake- straw ; treasurer, Oliver Higgins ; councilmen elected, Richard W. Cahill, Matt. Reiser, Ferdinand Roessing. 1887. Mayor, John Theisen; clerk, Edwid C. Dodd ; street commissioner, Daniel Hess ; councilmen elected, James Donovan, Henry Halterman, Jerome Martin. Present Municipal Officers.—Mayor, John Theisen, salary, $100 ; clerk, Edwin C. Dodd, salary, $240 ; treasurer, Oliver Higgins, fee office ; marshal, S. 0. Rakestraw, salary, $1.50 per day ; street commissioner, Daniel Hess, salary per diem allowance ; councilmen, Richard W. Cahill, James Donovan, Henry Halterman, Matthias Reiser, Jerome Martin, Ferdinand Roessing (not salaried.) Committees of the council, finance, Cahill, Roessing and Donovan. Fire department, Martin, Roessing and Reiser. Sewers, Donovan, Martin and Halterman. Sanitary, Reiser, Halterman and Cahill. Streets and sidewalks, Halterman, Martin and Donovan. Purchasing, Roessing, Cahill and Reiser. 199 - HENRY COUNTY. CHAPTER XVII. HISTORY OF BARTLOW TOWNSHIP. THIS, original number three in range five, is the youngest in the sisterhood of townships, and is situated in the southeast corner of the county where Henry, Wood, Hancock and Putnam jojn. It was not organized until 1854, at which time there were not enough electors living on the territory to fill the township offices, and it became necessary at the first election, which was held on a pile of railroad ties, for one person to assume the duties of several official positions. There was not much electioneering, politicians were not in demand, and no charges of bribery or corruption were made. The township was named in honor of Cornelius Bartlow, who located on section thirty-six, where he still lives, in 1851, and was the first settler in the township, it at that time being a part of Richfield. From the duplicate of 1855, the first upon which Bartlow appears as an independent organizati0n, we learn that there were at that time but f0ur resident taxpayers, namely : Cornelius Bartlow, Jesse Bensley, James F. Russell, Jonathan W. Vanscoyoc, who, with the Dayton & Michigan Railroad, paid taxes on personal property valued at $1,331. There were 22,4291 acres of land valued at $28,874 listed for taxation, and the total tax paid was $488.12. A contrast may as well be drawn here. The duplicate of 1887 shows 21633 acres of.land valued at $152,930, the number of acres having been reduced by rajlroad right-of-ways and town plats. The chattel property is assessed at $123,450, and the tax paid aggregates $8,207.98. The population in 1860 was only thirty-two (32) ; in 1870 it had reached one hundred and twenty-six (126); in 1880 it amounted to eighteen hundred and sixteen (1816), and must at present be at least twenty-five hundred (2500). There are seven schoolhouses, in addition to the graded one at Deshler. Many causes contributed to retard the improvement and development of this township: (I) It was the only part of the county that formed a part of the actual "Black Swamp," and it was indeed a swamp—low, flat, wet, no outlet of any kind for the water which covered the whole surface, and timber and underbrush, and all kinds of wild vegetable growth, made it a place where indeed "beasts with man divided empire claimed," and to the first settler may well be applied the words of Moore : " His path was rugged and sore, Through tangled juniper, beds of reeds, Through many a fen, where the serpent feeds, And man never trod before." (2) Nine-tenths of the land was owned by non-residents of the county. The late John G. Deshler, of Columbus, himself owned about one-fourth of the