(RETURN TO THE HENRY & FULTON COUNTY INDEX) 500 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. Many of the settlers had no teams and they would carry their grist of wheat, corn or buckwheat, on their shoulders, or haul, in the winter season, on hand sleds to this mill, some two to six miles, guided only by blazed trees, or Indian trails, and in many instances, returning long after dark. This mill, in 1840, was moved one mile south on Swan Creek, and converted into a water-mill by Harter and Stair. It sustained a good mill reputation and proved to be of great convenience to the early settlers. Aside from Harter's primitive mode in the manufacture of lumber for his grist-mill, in 1835, the first saw-mill built in Fulton township, and owned by Nicholas Q. Berry, was on Swan Creek, which ran through Berry's farm, and was run by water power. This required a mill- race about fifty rods long, and from ten to fifteen feet wide, and from three to four feet deep. This race N. Q. Berry dug with his shovel, most of the work being done at noon-time and evening, after his day's work on the farm was completed. He would commence work on the mill-race and frequently work until late in the night. The " head" of water was somewhat deficient, causing a slow motion of the saw, but when there was plenty of water no time was lost in running the mill, and many logs were by this mill converted into good lumber. In 1853 Michael Cline built a steam saw-mill near where once stood the famous " Horse Mill.., The steam mill was burned three years after its construction. Iram Strong built a steam saw-mill in 1852, about one mile north of Luke's Corners. Michael Kreiger built another steam saw-mill in 1856 ; Miles Hays built another about 1860, a short distance north of Swanton. There is at present a saw-mill, with planing attachments, at Swanton, owned and managed by J. D. Hall. Pilliod Brothers, in 1887, put up a flouring-mill, which is now in successful operation. The grist-mill at Ai was built by Miles Hayes, in 1866, and is now owned by C. Packham. School-Houses.—The first school-house built in this township was in 1836, on the southeast corner of the east half of the northeast quarter of section ten, town ten south, range four east. It was built of logs, and finished and furnished without taxing the land—all contributed. It was " chinked " and plastered with mud from the adjoining soil. It had a fire-place made of clay and sticks built up " cob house style," and cropping out just above the ridge of the roof, and plastered upon the inside with clay mortar. This formed a safe as well as a comfortable heating apparatus. The seats were made of logs about ten inches in diameter, and ten or twelve feet in length, and split into halves and hewed to smooth them upon the split side. They were then mounted, the split side up, on wooden legs of proper height for the scholars. For writing desks they bored holes into the logs about three feet from the floor, into which they drove pins, projecting in the room far enough to support FULTON COUNTY - 501 a board or slab placed on the pins. For windows they would cut out one log the whole length of the building, and stop the opening with oiled paper. This would admit some light, and keep out the cold. Some were furnished with glass, 7 by 9, and when this school-house was completed, with a good fire nearly the entire length of one end of the building, it furnished a good and comfortable institution for training the young minds successfully in the elementary branches. Another school- house, of the same character, was built the next winter, 1837, in the Clark neighborhood, not far from the residence of Daniel Snyder. Others of like description were built as the township was settled. In 1842 the first frame school-house was built by David Springer, at Ai, and since moved across the road and remodeled for a dwelling, now owned by James Wheaton. Another school-house was soon after built in the Dodge, or Witt district. Still later they became quite numerous. Now, in 1887, Fulton township contains eleven school-houses—seven brick and four frame —all in good condition. Miss Julia Chamberlain, with her sister (Mrs. Samuel Durgin), came to this township in 1837, and taught the first school in a small, log school-house, which stood where the present school now stands, in the Ai district. Miss Chamberlain afterwards married Davenport Williams, of Maumee City (now South Toledo), where she now resides. The wages paid teachers from 1837 to 1850, was from twelve to fifteen dollars per month, and from one to two dollars per week allowed for female teachers boarding around among the families in the district. Miss Harriet O'Brien taught the first summer term in the Clark district, but being taken sick, Miss Huldah Merrill finished the term. Miss O'Brien was soon after married to Dr. Colton, one of this township's first physicians. Among the early teachers were Mr. Reed, Luther Dodge, Miss Almeda Doughty, A. Sawyer, Samuel Durgin, G. W. Raymond, Miss Lucy Clough, Margaret Emery, Jonathan Woods, Joseph Babcock, Ezra Tunison, John Clendening, Miss Julia Chamberlain, Harriet O'Brien, Huldah Merrill, and Miss Elenor Johnson. Public Worship.—The first building used for public worship in this township was J. W. Harter's log cabin, where the Rev. Shaw held religious services during the summer and autumn of 1834 and 1835. Rev. Gideon Johnson came from the State of New Hampshire in 1842, an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church. He soon formed a circuit, holding religious services at the Ai and Dodge school-houses in this, and at the Bartlett schoolhouse, in Amboy township ; also at the Parcher school-house, in Pike township. He was an earnest worker in his ministerial labors, and a good citizen. He is now in Illinois, and has been some thirty- three or thirty-four years. Since the early pioneer ministers have died or moved away, Fulton township has been well supplied by ministers of various denominations, mostly residing 502 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. in other townships. There are now three churches. The town hall is used when desirable for church services. Jonathan Wood organized the first Sabbath-school, and for a number of years superintended the same, at Ai. His attention was wholly given to Sabbath-school labors, and it always prospered while under his charge. Post-offices.—The first post-office in the township was kept in David Springer's log house. It was established in 1843, and named Ai. Isaac Springer was appointed postmaster. Miss Julia Springer, Ozias Merrill, William Critzer, David Yonkman, and James Grove have since held the office, Grove being the present postmaster. There is at present another office at Swanton, established in 1854. Mercantile.—The first store was built on the east half of the southwest quarter of section eleven, town ten south, range four east, and a general supply store was carried on in the same by Luther Dodge, from 1839 to 1844, when he was elected sheriff of Lucas county, and left for Maumee. A good exchange business was done in butter, eggs, corn, dried deer skins, and kirkaman (golden seal) roots. The latter grew very common on the higher bottom- lands of the forest, and was, by the children, dug, washed and dried. When so cured and in good order it was bought by Luther Dodge for fifty cents a pound in trade. Dodge was very courteous and obliging as a tradesman. This store enterprise was very profitable to him, as well as a great convenience to his many patrons. Luther Dodge has since died, and his widow now resides at Toledo with Charles Dodge, her brother-in-law, a prominent attorney of the Toledo bar. Ai.—Thomas C. Berry built a small store building at Ai in 1849, in which he carried on a small grocery trade until 1851, when he sold out to Henry Haughton. In 1853 Isaac Springer bought a half interest, and soon after enlarged the building. In 1854 Samuel Smout bought the half interest of Henry Haughton. About this time Isaac Springer was elected treasurer of Fulton county, and, in 1856, Ozias Merrill purchased Springer's interest in the store, and soon after William E. Haughton purchased the interest of Smout. In 1857 Isaac Springer again connected himself in the interest of said store by purchasing W. E. Haughton's interest ; and, in 1858, a larger building was built by the firm. In connection with their store they built and run an ashery, and took, in exchange for their goods, all kinds of farm produce, ashes, salts and potash, and hauled the same to Toledo. Since then the mercantile business at Ai has been carried on by Ozias Merrill, Edward Vaughn, David Yonkman, A. B, Canfield, Whitfield Manly, Thomas 0. Williams, Calvin Quiggle, William Critzer, Elijah Gambell, James Grove, and Dr. J. B. Taylor; the two latter being all engaged at present in the trade of Ai. Swanton.—From 1858 to 1875 Joseph H. Miller was engaged in the mercantile business at Swanton, this township, and was also agent for the railroad FULTON COUNTY - 503 company for sixteen years of the time. He has been successful and has accumulated sufficient for himself and family. William Guyser has followed the mercantile trade since he came out of the rebellion of 1861, and is a general produce dealer. Mr. Charles was a partner until about one year ago. William Guyser is yet in the business with Charles Marsh, his son-in-law, as partner. Swanton now contains two good hardware stores, one by L. D. Boyer, and the other by Hubbell & Drening. It also has one drug store, conducted by A. O. Price, with a branch at Ai, by Mrs. Amelia Critzer. Charles Hilton and Joseph H. Miller care for the hungry and weary at the only hotels now in the township. Prior to the days of steam railways Mr. Stair kept a hotel, then styled " Farmers' Inn," where Josiah Stair now resides. One other was kept one-half mile from Mr. Stair's, by John J. Teachworth. They were for the purpose of accommodating those early settlers in locating for themselves homes in this unbroken forest. It was not infrequent that three or four canvas- covered wagons, filled with emigrants, would be accommodated at one of these hotels over night. Another large hotel was built by Christopher Watkins, on section five, town seven north, four east, in 1850, which building was used in part for a store. A large trade was done by Watkins until the building of the railroad, when business declined. It is now owned by Mr. Fauble, and used as a residence. Marriage. —The first marriage alliance formed in this township was that of Nicholas Q, Berry and Miss Catharine Burgtuff, both from the State of New York, in December, 1834. They went to Maumee and were married by Dr. Conant. Their wedding tour was from that city to Berry's log cabin, in a lumber wagon, a distance of sixteen miles over crooked roads and logs, through creeks without bridges and around swamps. They have ever since resided on the same farm, but instead of the log cabin they have a good frame house, and a carriage has supplied the place of the old wagon. They have five children. There has not been a death in the family of this first marriage in the fifty-two years, nor have they ever changed location. Yet they have been residents of Lenawee county, Fairfield township, Michigan territory, Amboy and Fulton townships, Lucas county, and afterwards Fulton county, 0. James C. Vaughn, at present commissioner of the county, was the first white child born in what is now Fulton township. His birth dates August 30, 1835. His mother would frequently have fires built around the cabin to frighten away the wolves, fearing they would carry away and devour her boy. The first building destroyed by fire was the log cabin owned by Joseph Babcock, in 1841, near where the town hall now stands. The next was the log cabin of Joel Johnson, near Luke's Corners, in the fall of 1843. Johnson and his wife were gathering hickory nuts some distance from the house, leaving two small children in the care of Joel's father, an old gentleman, and quite deaf, who 504 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. was near shaving shingles ; when G. C. Babcock, who was returning to his home some distance north, discovered that the house was on fire, and immediately gave the alarm. When help arrived it proved too late to save the building, but not until the arrival of Johnson and his wife was it known that the two children were burning in the building. Nothing then could be done to save them from a horrible death. Their bodies or what was left of them, were found where the bed stood, thus indicating that under that they had fled to seek refuge from the flames which so mercilessly consumed them The later fires in the township were P. Berry's wagon shop at Ai, in 1862, and one other in same place in 1870; John Nobbs and John C. Merrill's store and contents, at Ai, in 1870 were burned; in 1875 Isaac Berry's barn, and soon after Eli Haup's saloon, John Viers's house, and the residence of David Swank, at Swanton, were burned and all their contents ; the barn and contents upon the old homestead of Daniel Dowling, sr., burned in the fall of 1886; the residence of Emery Wilson with most of its contents, and some $400 in currency, was burned January, 1887. In the spring of 1839 a daughter of William Pennell was burned to death. The parents were making sugar some distance from their cabin, and were startled by the frantic screams of their little girl, whose clothes had in some way caught fire at the house ; becoming alarmed, the child started for her parents in the sugar camp for help, and her cries attracted their attention, and they hastened to her assistance, but the flames from the clothing had accomplished its work. After three months of untold suffering, death came to her relief. She was the second person laid away in Ai cemetery. It would not be amiss to relate an event that has proved to be a mystery so far, and the facts should be saved to generations to come as the story is told by neighbors. Barnet R. Poorman, one of the early pioneers, continued his residence on the place he first settled in 1836, until he sold his farm to Jacob Luke in 1849. In 1842 Poorman, who was quite an elderly gentleman, married Belissa Johnson, a sprightly young lady some twenty-five years younger than himself. In 1849 one Griffith, on his return from the Mexican war in which he served, made his home with Elijah Blubaugh living near Poorman's, and soon after formed a friendly acquaintance with Poorman's wife. His visits soon became too frequent for the now indignant husband. He then sold the farm to Jacob Luke, receiving $1,00o in gold. Soon after the sale of the place this Griffith and Poorman's wife were suddenly missed in the neighborhood. Poorman's story was that his wife and Griffith had taken one-half of the purchase money received of Jacob Luke, and left the country. This was accepted .of him in good faith throughout the township ; but in 187o while one of Jacob Luke's boys was at play near the school-house, and where Mr. Poorman was, while in possession, in the habit of burying his potatoes, there was discovered some bones. On examination made by the neighbors they were found to be human bones, and as the early settlers had never known of any one being bur- FULTON COUNTY - 505 ied in that vicinity, it created quite an excitement throughout the township, and rumor soon adopted the theory that the bones thus found were all that remained of what was Behssa Poorman. An inquest was held, but no definite conclusion was ever arrived at as to the identity of these decomposed bones. Mrs. Poorman's near relatives as well as many of the neighbors, will, with a great deal of plausibility, always maintain the theory that the unfortunate woman was willfully murdered and buried there, instead of accompanying Griffith to any distant home. Neither Griffith or Mrs. Poorman have, since 1849, been heard from by any of the friends or neighbors. It has been said at the beginning of this chapter that there were, as near as can now be ascertained, twenty-five families within the present limits of Fulton township up to 1836, then an unorganized territory. They were John W. Harter, May, 1834 ; John J. Teachworth, Charles Welch, Daniel Q. Berry, Judge Thatcher, Peter Broadsword, Isaac Day, John Viers, Alfred Spaulding, Henry Lake, George Black, all in 1834. In 1835 were Alexander Boyd, Abraham Wilcox, Alexander Vaughn, Ezra Willcox, Rev. John Shaw, Maxfield, Jacob Hamp, jr., John Nobbs, John Day, William Stair, Gideon W. Raymond, Shubal Nixon, Joseph Babcock, Joseph Dennis, W. H. Harris, Hiram Clark, Cyrus Clark, Luther Dodge. In 1836 a further increase by Ami Richards, Robert Pennel, Robert Watkins and G. W. Thompson, and perhaps others concerning whom the time of their coming cannot be definitely settled at this day. With these early pioneers, in those primitive days, life was remarkably social. They had no jealousies or neighborhood differences to disturb the harmony of their intercourse in all their friendly gatherings, and some of these were the happiest dlays of their lives. To-day, when the more mature boy and girl looks back over the many splendid farms and farm-houses now seen all over the township, they hardly realize the fact that this country, a little over forty years ago, was then a mighty unbroken forest, without roads, and nothing but trails or blazed trees to guide the movement of the early settlers. Soon after the arrival of the first settlers, the procession of canvas- wagons, filled with emigrants, dropping out to settle here and there, and others going on, was quite a curiosity, and from early in 1834 to 1840 this township was settled, and settled too by as noble a class of men and women as any country may well feel proud of. The great mass of them were from New England, New York, and some from Pennsylvania. They were, speaking within bounds, men and women of character and intelligence ; full of enterprise, far above the age. They came west to found a new empire, and how faithfully have they accomplished their mission ! Fulton township has furnished to this and Lucas county, five sheriffs, one city marshal, three attorneys at law, one banker, two members of the Legislature of Ohio, one member of the Constitutional Convention of 1871, two auditors, two clerks of the Court of Common Pleas, one prosecuting attorney, one clerk of the court 506 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. for Lucas county, one postmaster in Toledo, one judge, three commissioners, two treasurers of the county, besides many other subordinate situations ; and a class of educators, the first upon the soil, not excelled by the more modern style of to-day. The coldness and selfish exclusiveness which now, too often, separates those living in the same neighborhood into cliques and castes, making distinction in society, was unknown in the early days of this township. In conclusion it may be said that this township is one purely agricultural. She has a rich soil, and may be said to be well watered ; that since 1834 an unbroken wilderness of very heavy timber, has, by the diligent use of the ax and hand-spike and maul, been converted into fertile fields and pleasant homes. In area it contains 18,213 acres ; assessed value for 1887, real and personal, is $464,890, with a population in 1880 of 1,563. Ai was for many years the center of trade of the township, but the incoming of the railroad, and its passage at a distant point, drew away her trade and turned it into other channels. CHAPTER XLVIII. HISTORY OF GERMAN TOWNSHIP. THIS township at present embraces a part of three county organizations, to wit: The counties of Wood, Henry and Williams, which were by the Legislature of Ohio organized from Indian territory April 1, 1820, south of the Fulton line. In 1835 Lucas county was organized from Wood county, embracing all the territory west of Lake Erie south of said line to the northern line of Henry county, and running west to the Williams county line. After this territory became a part of Lucas county, June 6, 1836, three ranges of townships were organized into the township of York, and the elections were held at what is called " York Center." About two years thereafter, March 5, 1838, by the commissioners of Lucas county, Clinton township was organized, embracing ranges five and six west of York, formerly under its municipal control, and the first election for Clinton township was held at the cabin of Isaac Tedrow, then living on section nine, town seven north, range six east. On March 4, 1839, German township was organized by the commissioners of Lucas county from towns seven and eight north, range five east. The first election was held at the residence of Jonathan Barnes, on section fourteen. On the 1st of March, 1841, the commissioners took from German township all of town eight north, range five east, and one tier of sections off the north side of town seven north, range five east, and organized it, with other territory, FULTON COUNTY - 507 into the township of Franklin. In 1850, at the organization of Fulton county, by the Legislature of the State of Ohio, the area of German township was enlarged by taking a strip two miles wide off the north side of town six north, range five east, then Ridgeville township, Henry county. The Legislature at this same session took from Brady township, in Williams county, a strip of land two miles wide, embracing two tiers of sections upon the east side of Brady, excepting sections one and two, which were organized in Franklin, and attached the same to German township. These form its present boundaries. German township has fifty-two full sections of land, making an area of fifty-two square miles, or 33,280 acres. It is now composed of sections seven to thirty- six, inclusive, town seven north, range five east, and sections one to twelve, inclusive, town six north, range five east, and sections eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, twenty-three, twenty-four, twenty-five, twenty-six and thirty-five, thirty-six town seven north, range four east, from Williams county. Boundaries.—German township is bounded on the east by Clinton township; on the north by Franklin ; on the west by Williams county, and on the south by Ridgeville township, Henry county. It lies in nearly a square, compact form, and is but one mile longer east and west, than north and south, and is composed of parts of three Congressional surveys, or townships. Topography.—German township is very level in its surface appearance, and gives prominence to the lacustrine clay throughout its whole area. In the northeast part some few spurs of sand and gravel seem to put out from the openings and slightly overlap the clays, and are especially available for roads. These sand spurs cover but a small area of the township, and are limited to the northeast part, in patches, and the underlying clay may be reached in a few feet. These spurs are as heavily timbered as the more level clay land,. and where they reach down upon the clays are generally richer in fertility. Clay, suitable for brick making, can be found in abundance, and in quality well adapted to the manufacture of tile, but as yet this industry is poorly developed. The importance of thorough under-draining to the attainment of best results in agriculture in this township, is now generally recognized as of important value to farm industry. The exceeding flatness and consequent saturation of the soil was an evil of the early days, and nowhere was the township reliable for good crops, and drainage in a large measure had to be made to obviate these apparent difficulties, and to secure reliable crops and easy tillage. German is endowed with no natural facilities for manufacture or commerce ; but simply with a fertile soil, she can only be considered as a producer of food, and whatever will forward this is of vital consequence to her. Viewed in this light it appears to be of leading importance, and the day cannot be far distant when tile manufacture will be conducted here on an extensive scale. Timber and Supply.—The timber covering the virgin soil of German town- 508 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. ship was very dense throughout its whole area; it was tall and the whole of an extremely vigorous growth ; the varieties include elm, in abundance, basswood, oak of several varieties, hickory, black-walnut, whitewood, butternut, sugar maple and a sprinkling of beech, in some parts, and in the lowest lands black ash, white ash prevails throughout the township, and an undergrowth of blue beech and hard hack. Streams and Water Supply.—This township has but a small number of running or unfailing streams. The largest of note is Bean Creek, formerly known as Tiffin River ; it drains the northwest corner of the township, and in its course is very crooked and sluggish, and passes into Williams county in a southwesterly course to the Maumee River, by which all the waters of the entire township reach Lake Erie. Brush Creek has its rise near the center of Dover township, and is given some prominence from the springs of the sand area near Spring Hill. It runs in a southwesterly course, and receives a few streamlets, mostly upon its south side, made principally by drainage from the farm land, and traverses the township of German south and east of its center, and leaves the township south of Archbold; and thence makes its way to Bean Creek, into which it empties near Evansport, Springfield township, Williams county. In the western part of the township there are a few small branches that lead west to Bean Creek, but these are quite insignificant as to a water supply. Since drainage has been going on the declension of water in the wells, and other sources of supply, is alarming in case of extreme drouth ; the only permanent supply can be had by deep borings, which, in some places, afford an artesian supply. Soil, etc.—The soil of this township is productive in everything that can be produced from the soil in any township of the county ; a rich clay loam, entirely stoneless, presents itself to the surface, and is entirely referable to the lacustrine deposit. It is retentive of vegetable manures, and gives a splendid return for their application. It has for its subsoil a more unmodified clay, approaching the Erie or blue clay, and is rather impervious to water proceeding from rain falls, which is soon evaporated in dry weather. The general slope of the surface is to the southwest. The lowest land in the township would, in all probability, lie in the southwest part. The average depth of the drift, taking Archbold for the basis of calculation, would be on an average 146 feet, or upon a level with the waters of Lake Erie. Early Settlers.—The first settlement in this township was made by German pioneers in August, 1834. They were Nicholas King, who afterwards returned to Wayne county, 0., on account of an accident that befell him, but who soon returned; Jacob Bender, wife and seven children; Christian Lauber, wife and four children ; George Meister, wife and five children; Jacob Grunday, wife and five children ; Moses Kibbler, wife and six children, and Christian Rupp and family. Accompanying these families from the fatherland were Henry FULTON COUNTY - 509 and Jacob Roth, Christian Reigscker and Michael Figy, all young men and unmarried. They were also accompanied by one John Gunday, who stayed but a short time and then returned to Wayne county, from whence he came. This colony was composed of forty-three persons, all told, and most of them were from Millhausen, a small town in Switzerland. Besides these were one or two families from the north of France, but nearly all fresh from the Old World. The first house put up by these colonists was erected by Christian Lauber very soon after his arrival, upon section ten, whereon the family resides at this day. The rest of the heads of families soon selected their land, and cabins were built in quick succession. When putting up the first cabin there came to them a man whom they ascertained to be Joseph Bates from near Bean Creek, who was hunting and who offered his assistance in helping the little colony to cabins. The only shelter they had at that time was the sunny side of large stumps, protected by putting up a few blankets. The next day Mr. Bates returned with his rifle and ax and three men, two of whom were Abner and William Ayers, who were boarders with Bates. They all " turned in" and helped these new-comers construct their cabins and saw them all comfortably housed. They then left for their own homes. A portion of these colonists were late arrivals, having landed in New York but a few weeks before. They came to Cleveland and then to Massilon, 0., where they were met by friends who had heard of their coming. They liked this country. They had heard of the Maumee Valley and with the advice of their friends, concluded to emigrate thereto ; accordingly they purchased five yoke of cattle and the necessary wagons, and started about the first of August for German township, then an unorganized territory. After several days travel they reached Napoleon and were much disappointed, for they supposed it to be a place of some magnitude, from the name it carried, a name so familiar to them in the old world. Here they found but one building and that occupied by a man named Hueston. Here they left their teams and families for three weeks, while all the men went forward with their axes and cut and cleaned out a track the distance of fifteen miles. Musquitoes were numerous and troublesome, and at times almost unendurable. They were nine days in cutting their way to what is now called Lauber Hill, after which they returned to Napoleon, and after three days of preparation, set out for German and established themselves on their selected lands, two miles east of the present village of Burlington. For a long time they had little to eat except corn bread, and they ground a large portion of this between two stones, one above and one below, and manipulated the same by hand. They had no place to get grinding done in the whole country, short of Maumee. This journey was long, expensive and tedious, and seldom undertaken. They had cows, but no enclosures, The range was extensive and often did they have to go to Napoleon and get them, and in the summer season a dependence on them for food was very uncertain. They made a dish which was 510 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. called by them "pumpkin pap," on which young and old fed with voracious appetites. Some time after they had got settled Grunday went to Maumee Mills for grist and the purchase of flour. He found a large quantity of mushrooms, of which he gathered three bags full and brought them home, and the settlers ate so freely of them that they were made sick, but all got well without any fatal results. Soon after this colony was settled they found themselves nearly out of provision, and flour at Maumee at that time, 1834, was worth fifteen dollars per barrel ; potatoes one dollar per bushel and corn the same. Some of the settlers went to Maumee for six barrels of flour and other provisions. This was about the last of August, 1834, and while absent there came to the settlement one Captain Williams with a party of chainmen and axmen ; also with them was Ambrose Rice, of Perrysburgh, as the surveyor, laying out the State road from Maumee through the Six Mile Woods, via Delta, through (now) York, Clinton and German to West Unity. They were weary and suffering for something to eat, and seeing a fine baking of bread, clean and tempting, wanted to buy it, but the women would not sell it, as that was all they had. The teams were away at Maumee, and when they would return was uncertain. But this surveying party must have the bread ; they made the women all reasonable offers, still of no avail ; they then took all the bread that was necessary for a few days' use, leaving a generous compensation therefor, and went on with their work. At this time the nearest settler was Joseph Bates, and the next was at least six miles away, in Williams county, so we understand they could not rely on borrowing. This colony were principally Aumish, a branch of the Menonites, which are a strong body of that faith in the township to-day. This generation of colonists are fast passing away ; their trials and vicissitudes in endeavoring to establish homes for themselves and families could only be overcome by that patience, industry and fortitude which characterized all early pioneers. These men have all made their mark on the calendar of time that well defines the type of a generation that is passing away ; whose record for good deeds is worthy of merit to history. They, we can say, brought beauty out of a wild forest ; they changed weakness into strength ; they created means when there were none, and what these colonists were to German township in her infancy, will live for all time. These were all the persons that came to this township during the year 1834, at least these are all can be found at this late day. Again, in 1835, it is found that John Reynolds and his family came to the territory from Vermont, and settled on the east bank of Bean Creek, then within the territory. In the present limits the same year it is found that Augustus Hull and wife, Peter Wyse, wife, and children, Peter Leithy, Chris- FULTON COUNTY - 511 tian Funkhouser, Peter Rupp, W. Greiser and family, Christian Beck and family, George Ditto and family, and perhaps Mr. Kanipe, whose son now occupies the old homestead, and possibly others whose names cannot be recalled. In the year 1837 one of the most prominent emigrants was Benjamin Brown, who settled on section five in the spring of that year, and who afterwards located on section seventeen. He came from Vermont. His wife was the daughter of John Reynolds. Both died many years ago, leaving three children—two boys and one girl. In 1836 there came Henry Lutes and John Lutes, both doctors and preachers, Roswell Reynolds, son of John Reynolds, and Ira Eaton. The last named came from Seneca county, 0., and afterwards laid out the town of Etonburgh, which had for its early beginning a few log huts. George and William Johnson came in 1836 from England, and bought a large property on Bean Creek, on which they afterward built what was called Johnson's mills, a saw and grist-mill. In the next year came Jonathan Barnes and Dorsey Barnes. Dorsey Barnes left soon after and settled in Gorham. They came to the township in 1837, from Virginia. Jonathan Barnes was a very prominent man, and became a leading citizen of German. He settled near where Nicholas King now resides. In 1837 also came Samuel Burkholder and family, Peter Noffsinger, John Rivnaugh, and Benjamin Lee, from England, Samuel Gibbons and family with Joseph Noffsinger, from France. In 1838 and 1839 another influx of immigrants occurred, for which the township was further indebted for all that was to advance its agricultural and educational interests. Among the settlers in that year were Samuel B. Darby, Jacob G. Wilden and family, Jonathan Rogers and family, James F. Rogers and family, Michael Gish, the first hotel proprietor of the township at Eaton-burgh, James Smith, Joel Smith, a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church, John Reid, Henry Roth, John Wyse, Christian Recknor, Peter and Jacob Rupp, Jacob Depler, and their families, Joseph Sander, Hugh Fairchild, Augustus Clare and their families, and perhaps many others equally worthy of mention, but whose names are forgotten. During the decade 1840 to 1850, when the county of Fulton was organized, the population began to increase with rapidity, which gave strength to the agricultural industry. The settlers of those years were as follows : Albert S. Fleet came with his family in 1840. He had been here the year before and bought his land on section nineteen. He was from Steuben county, N. Y. Jacob Lipe, Moses Stutesman, George Gasche, Peter Noffsinger, Joel Smucker, Samuel Ames, Christ Kloffenstein, William McCucheon, Peter Short, George Betts, John L. Betts, Joseph Clare, Anthony Moine, Peter Gull, Joseph Schad, Fred Crouse, Peter Weaver, Jacob Lininger, John Lininger, Jacob Vernier, 512 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. George Vernier, Peter Kloffenstein, Peter Grimm, J. A. Wolverton, J. P. Flora, Jacques Greiser, Samuel Wait, and William H. Dickason, perhaps other families. It is well to remember the past and to recall the toil and privations and self-sacrifices of those who pushed forward in the wilderness of this township to hew out and provide pleasant homes for themselves and families, for to them it was no slight test of bravery to face a wilderness empty-handed, as were many of the first emigrants, and feared the treachery of the wily Indian of the forest. It was no small expenditure of physical strength which cleared away the majestic forest and brought the untold wealth of the land to the front, smiling with bountiful harvests ; and yet, to these old pioneers it was a labor of love, as they looked forward to the time when their posterity, enjoying the fruits of their improvements and dwelling amid plenty, with all the comforts and many of the luxuries of a grander age. Miscellaneous Items.—The first election in this township after its organization was held at the residence of Jonathan Barnes, when 13 votes were polled. This was in April, 1839 ; in 1850 74 votes were cast ; 1860, 271 votes, while at the most recent election over 300 votes were polled. Samuel B. Darby was the first justice of the peace. The first school in the township was taught in the winter of 1839 and 1840 by Samuel B. Darby. The first school-house built in the township was on the State road, one-half mile west of Burlington, and the pioneer teachers were Samuel B. Darby, Milton Zouver, Harriet Schnall, Miss Baker, Miss Shipman, Mary Ann Prettyman, Miss Geesey, and Miss Darby. Wages of lady teachers at that period were all the way from one to two dollars per week and board ; and for male teachers not less than $12 per month and board. The township has at present fifteen sub-school districts, and one graded school for the village of Archbold. Church Growth.—Lilly Bridge was the first preacher of the United Brethren in Christ. His labor was missionary and occurred in 1838. The first travehng ministers of the Methodist Episcopal Church were Austin Coleman and McEnder Capp. The first quarterly meeting in the township was held by the Rev. John Jones, then presiding elder. The first preaching by the Aumish was at the house of Christian Lauber, in the fall of _18,.3.5, by Christian Beck, and then organized a society that now numbers 265 members, Nicholas King is the present preacher in charge. The M. E. Church at Burlington was the first organized body of that faith in the township with a membership of about thirty. The Catholics built the first church of the township, at or near its center, and are quite numerous in membership, Henry Lutes and his brother John were prominent local preachers of the M. E. Church in the early days of German. The first English services held m the township was at the residence of Mr. FULTON COUNTY - 513 John Reynolds, Henry Lutes officiating. There are now seven churches in the township at large, supporting good frame or brick structures and named as follows : The New Baptist, New Menonite, German Baptist, Methodist Episcopal (at Burlington), Old Lutheran (brick), Aumish (frame), and the Eckley branch of the old Aumish (brick). Pettisville supports an Episcopal Church (frame), while the village of Archbold has five ; one Catholic, one Lutheran, one German Reformed, one Episcopal Methodist, and one German Baptist. The whole township supports thirteen churches and two independent organizations, whose meetings are held at private residences. Physicians.—L. K. Carpenter was the first resident physician ; he was of the old Thomsonian school, and was of some importance to the early settlers. The next in order was Dr. Blaker ; the third was William Winterstein, who run for clerk of the court and was defeated, and who soon after left the township ; the next were Drs. Schnetzler and Murback. The last two named are now in Archbold. The first marriage ceremony was that of — Holt to Miss Irene Reynolds, in 1837. The first child born in the township was Elizabeth Wyse, October, 1837. The first death was the wife of Daniel Spade, 1838. Marriages and deaths were few up to the year 1850. The first saw and grist-mill was put up in 1841 by George and William Johnson, on the State road, two miles west of Burlington. They were both water mills situated upon the bank of Bean Creek. Henry Roth was the first shoemaker. The first blacksmith was John Reid. The first highway laid out was the State road, running east and west through Burlington to West Unity, sometime about the 1st of September, 1834. Jacob G. Wilden was the first merchant in the limits of German township as it is to-day. He laid out the town of Burlington in 1839. Burlington was laid out in a very few years after the State road was opened, and was thought to be quite an important town ; but its business and population have latterly largely diminished. It now shows but little of the enterprise it had in 1850. It has but one store, one cabinet shop, one shoe shop, and one blacksmith shop. It has one school and church. It also contains one lawyer, who has been a resident of the burgh since 1858. Jacob G. Wilden was the original mover in all the enterprises of the town ; he opened a store and run an ashery upon a large scale ; built a saw-mill, and in 1843, seeing the need of a better supply of water for his business, commenced to dig for it, but when at a depth of forty feet left the well for the night. Before renewing their digging in the morning they tested the well by letting down a lighted candle ; it went down safely until very near the bottom when 514 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. the candle ignited what was supposed to be gas, but no explosion followed; the flames gradually arose in the well until near the surface when a terrible explosion took place, which was heard seven or eight miles distant. Several persons were injured, among them Mr. Wilden himself, who, by the seriousness of the accident, was obliged to retire from business. The well was allowed to fill up and was never completed for use. The emission of gas is noticeable to this time. Montgomery Hooker Fitch, a half breed Indian, sold the first goods in German. Archbold is an important village on the Lake Shore Railway. It first sprung into existence in the summer of 1855, following the building of the railroad. Haywood & Ditto laid out the first division of the village. Wentzler, Schnetzler and Depler have since laid out additions. Its business enterprise is second only to Wauseon, nine miles east. It now supports a large tile factory, and oar factory, wagon and blacksmith shop, two saw-mills, one grist-mill, one tannery, one tailor shop, and one meat market ; it has four dry goods stores, two hardware stores, two furniture stores, two agricultural implement stores, two hotels, one drug store, two millinery stores, one newspaper, the Archbold Herald, proprietors Taylor Brothers, and one jewelry and toy store. One of the saw-mills has a very extensive planing attachment, and is also doing a large business in the manufacture of staves and heading. Archbold has four churches and a large and flourishing graded school. The estimated population of Archbold is 1,000 persons. Pettisville, upon the eastern line of the township, and a part of the town lies in Clinton. It is a place of but little industry, and has a very unequal fight for existence, situated, as it is, with Wauseon on the east, and Archbold on the west. It is a place for small country trade. Before 1840 the settlers went all the way to York Center to vote. Through the efforts of S. B. Darby, a post-office was established at Elmira, in May, 1839, and Darby was the first postmaster. At this time the township has three post- offices, Elmira, Archbold and Pettisville. In very early days men and women wore wooden shoes, and some may be now seen wearing them occasionally. Men wore buckskin breeches. Corn meal and water, and corn coffee, with hominy, were often the sole food of many families. Wooden forks and knives were used to eat with, and often a log leveled upon the top was the table. Bedsteads were often constructed of poles with basswood bark for cords, while the ticks for the few first years, were filled with leaves from the forest. Such was the life in the first days of these pioneer adventurers. Money was scarce and hard to get. The markets and mills were very distant. Oxen were used, and it was worth half the load to get to mill and market. Cows were quite plenty,. the range large and they would often stray away. In 1886 the personal valuation of German township was $194,400, includ- FULTON COUNTY - 515 ing Archbold with its valuation, 23,190 dollars. That year German produced from 4,864 acres sown 88,467 bushels of wheat ; from 2,854 acres she harvested 103,770 bushels of corn ; from 1,966 acres, 75,754 bushels of oats; 1,479 bushels of clover seed, 2,166 tons of hay ; 6,567 bushels of potatoes; the butter produced was 62,407 pounds ; eggs, 27,951 dozen. German has 575 acres of orchard. The sole industry of this township is farming, and is pursued with good success. The Teutons make good farmers, full as successful as any of the Americans, and have and exhibit as much competitive pride in all their relations, and in all industries. Population.—In the beginning, 1834, the population was 43 souls all told ; in 1870, it was 2,323 ; in 1880, she had increased to 3,035, of which eighteen were clergymen, two were lawyers, two were doctors, and an unknown quantity were school teachers. In naming the present occupants of the soil mention will be made of some of those who have been especially prominent in township affairs and general enterprises for the public good. George Gasche, William Dickason, Jacob Zimmerman, Rev. Nicholas King, Benedict Meister, Jacob Bender, Fred Flory, Joel Smucker, John W. Roseborough, attorney, Martin C. Palmer, Rev. J. F. Cook, William Geesey, Daniel McLaughlin, Peter Gull, James F. Rodgers, Moses Stutesman, John Lininger, Frederic Crouse, Joseph Flory, Henry Grimm, Frank and Charles Grimm, Albert Betts, Fred Beuclerc, Charles Bourquin, Peter Short, Joseph Claire, Anthony Moyne, Daniel Seigle, Christian Shantz, Jacob Crouse, John Lininger, jr., Joseph Feathers, Andrew L. Markley, John Speice, Benjamin Ruffer, Henry Rice, George Diehlman, Nicholas Ruffer, Christian Gibbs, Michael Weber, Henry Pike, John Gigax, Gotlieb Gegax, Moses Rupp, J. W. Funkhouser, J. D. Noffsinger, P. Klopenstine, Jacob Rupp, H. Yeager, and many others who are as worthy of note as representative men in the present various industries of the township. Official Roll.—This township has sent from its residents since its organization, 1839, to represent it in the county as follows : Jonathan Barnes, as commissioner of the county, and who was the first man from German. He died in office ; his successor was William McCutcheon, of the same township ; John W. Roseborough, prosecutor three times, in all six years ; Truman H. Brown, clerk of courts, served three years ; Levi W. Brown, probate judge, three terms ; John B. Schnetzler, county treasurer, two terms ; A. D. Newell, probate judge, term commences the second Monday in February, 1888 ; Doctor Schnetzler, one term of two years ; A. J. Murbach, two terms, Hartman, two terms as coroners of the county. In all the official roll of the township in county offices shows nearly twenty-eight years of service, with two as yet incomplete. 516 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. CHAPTER XLIX. HISTORY OF GORHAM TOWNSHIP. GORHAM township was named for Elisha Gorham, one of the first settlers J of this locality, and  a prominent petitioner for the township organization, before the board of county commissioners of Lucas county. It is bounded on the north by the State of Michigan ; on the east by Chesterfield ; on the south by the township of Franklin, and on the west by the township of Mill Creek, in the county of Williams, and is situated in the extreme northwest corner of Fulton county. It has, upon its northern boundary, the counties of Hillsdale and Lenawee, and contiguous thereto, the township of Wright, of Hillsdale county, and the townships of Medina and Seneca, of Lenawee county. Pre-historic.—Long years before the white man had trod the soil of Gorham township, it was inhabited by the Pottawattamies, and a small fragment of the Ottawas, whose last home, in Ohio, was on the banks of the Maumee. This township, like all the other territory of Fulton county, lies wholly within the Maumee valley. It is generally beheved, by most historians, that no white man trod the soil prior to 1 800, either the trader or missionary ; at least we find no account of such fact, and none for settlement, until early in 1833. This date, without any doubt, was the lbeginning of settlement in the county. At the date of the first white settlement upon this territory it was included in the territory of Michigan, and, with all the territory north of the Fulton line, contiguous to Lenawee county, south, was organized into Lenawee county in 1826, and was called the township of Logan, with the county seat at Tecumseh. In the winter of 1834 the legislative council of the territory of Michigan subdivided the township of Logan into three townships, and called the western part Medina, the middle part Seneca, and the east Fairfield, and exercised jurisdiction in said political divisions south, to the " Fulton line " excepting a strip, one mile wide, off the west side of town 9 south, range i east, and two tiers of sections off the east end of town 9 south, range I west, which was taken from Lenawee county and organized into Hillsdale county, in 1831, and thereupon the territory became a part of Mill Creek, and the county seat was at Hillsdale, where all local and legal matters had to be disposed of, respectively, by the inhabitants thereof. In December, 1836, this entire strip of land, north of the Fulton line and south of the Harris line, by an act of the Congress of the United States, was set off to Ohio, and, on the 28th day of February, 1837, the Legislature of Ohio extended her jurisdiction over it, and attaching it to the counties of Lucas and Williams, respectively, with all the territory adjacent, north to the Harris line, which had been fixed as the southern boundary of Michigan. This FULTON COUNTY - 517 survey was made in 1819, by Joseph Fletcher, and by proclamation of the president of the United States, dated March 15, 1820, was brought into market by a public offering on the first Monday of July following. The land office of this survey was at the city of Monroe, near the mouth of the River Raisin, in the present State of Michigan, where all the records of said survey and the entry of lands may be found, which were made prior to December, 1836, when it became a part of Ohio. Whoever, on this strip, in 1826, and for a number of years thereafter, desired to get to a grist-mill, had to carry their grain to Tecumseh, where, without doubt, was built the first mill north of the Maumee River, unless near Detroit. Prior to the transfer of this territory to Ohio, all settlers thereon were residents of Logan township, Lenawee county, and territory of Michigan, until 1831, when the county of Hillsdale was organized from the western part of Lenawee. Then all west of the meridian line became residents of Hillsdale county and of the township of Mill Creek ; and, after 1834, those living east of the meridian line, by the subdividing of Logan township, became residents of the township of Medina, and so remained until 1836. This territory now embraced in Gorham township is peculiar for having been in four township organizations, to wit : Logan, Medina and Chesterfield, of the east part, and Mill Creek, of the western part, and fifthly and lastly, Gorham. Gorham was under the jurisdiction, in 1826, of Lenawee county, and in the winter of 1831, the western part was under the jurisdiction of Hillsdale, which so -retained jurisdiction until 1836, when Lucas county exercised jurisdiction over about one-half, and Williams county the other half, until April 1, 1850, when Fulton county was erected, and which has had uninterrupted jurisdiction to the present date. Township Organization.-At a commissioners' session held at the city of Toledo, March 6, 1838, upon petition, the township of Gorham was organized, by taking all of towns 9 and T0 south, range one east, south of the Harris line, the boundary line between Ohio and the State of Michigan all having been under the organization of Chesterfield township since June 4, 1837 ; further, by taking two tiers of sections from the east side of Mill Creek township, in Williams county, west of the meridian, being in town 9 south, range I west. At some period of time since the organization of this township, and by the commissioners of Fulton county, the west half of sections 7 and 18, town 9 south, range 2 east, was detached from Chesterfield township and attached to Gorham. At present Gorham contains nearly forty-four full sections of land, or an area of 27,559 acres, embracing the west half of section 7, fractional, along the Harris line, and section 8, town 9 south, range 2 east ; also fractional sections (along State line), 7, 8, 9, 10, I I and 12, and 7, 18, 19, 30 and 31, fall sections along the meridian, east side; and 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36, full and perfect congressional 518 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. sections. Town 9 south, range 1 east, and fractional sections I1 and 12, along the Harris line ; 13, 14, 23, 24, 25, 26, 35 and 36, town 9 south, range 1 west, of meridian. Population.—In 1834, at the beginning of settlement was Hiram Farwell, wife and one child ; total 3. In 1880, the last Federal census, 2,029, and at this date, 1887, the population is estimated at not less than 2,500, according to assessors' annual report; being an annual increase of about fifty persons since the fall of 1834. The agricultural power of this township is not yet fully developed, and with a populous commercial center upon the Canada Southern Railroad, is likely to be the second township in the county in population and power of agricultural and mechanical industry. Productive Industry and Valuations.—The chief productive industry of this township is wholly confined to agriculture, of which the prime factor is the raising of wheat, corn, and oats ; and of grasses, clover and timothy are here raised to perfection. Sheep, hogs and cattle raising is another quite important industry of the farmers, which taken all together may, with propriety, be classed as one of the best agricultural townships in the county. The fine buildings, houses and barns, and well fenced fields declare to the traveler the fact of the industry of its population in accumulating wealth by the varied agricultural pursuits which this township alone possesses. Timber and Supply.—The tow nship is very heavily timbered. It has a fine growth of beech and maple in the northern and western part, interspersed with white and red oak, giving the township a fine supply of rail timber. All this is intermingled with whitewood and black walnut and hickory ; also white ash which is prevalent upon the highlands, and black ash quite plenty on more swampy tracts. In the south part the beech and maple disappear as we near the Bean Creek Valley, where the prevailing timber is the more sturdy elm, burr oak, white and black ash, whitewood and black walnut. The whole was formerly filled with a dense undergrowth of ironwood and dogwood. Streams.—The course of the streams through the township is generally southeast towards Bean Creek, which runs upon its eastern boundary, crossing the southeast corner, and thence southwest across Franklin on its southern boundary. Springs abound in many places west of Bean Creek. The water supply for stock and domestic uses is abundant since it has been demonstrated by the auger that there is a large supply basin below the lacustrine deposit. It is often obtained by flowing fountains, of which there are many at the present day. Early Settlers.—There is no account that any Indian or white man lived within the present limits of Gorham township prior to 1833. They, the Indians, had no camping grounds, as no indications of such appear upon its soil, the surest record, if there had been, before the advent of the real settler. Yet the soil was for ages trodden by the warrior and hunter of the dusky tribes of the forest for game alone. FULTON COUNTY - 519 The first real settlers in Gorham township were Hiram Farwell and wife, who came early in the fall of 1834 and settled on the east side of section 0, town nine south, range one east, now called Rittersis Station, on the Canada Southern Railroad. He came from the State of New York with his wife, and raised a family of three girls and one boy. He was a man much esteemed by the early settlers for his candor and peace-making peculiarities in the whole range of his social circle. He sometimes preached and was often called to minister comfort and consolation to mourners at funerals and helping to lay at rest their dead. He has long since passed to that bourne from whence no traveller returns. On the 31st day of December, 1834, in the evening, David Severance and his wife, Esther, arrived in the township of Mill Creek (now Gorham) and located for themselves a farm on the north side of section 36, town nine south, range one west of the meridian, which really made them the first settlers of the original township of Mill Creek, Williams county, and the second family in the present limits of Gorham township. David Severance was born in the State of Vermont, and his wife, Esther (Knapp) Severance, was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., July 3, 1797. She died February 17, 1887, and David Severance in 1844. Both died upon the farm on which they first settled. They came to Ohio in 1819, soon after marriage. At the death of Esther Severance she left six living children (having buried four), fifty-one grandchildren, eighty-two great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, and many of this lineage are now living in the township of Gorham. Among the settlers of 1834 that can be remembered were Abijah Coleman, town nine south, range one west, with a wife and family. Waldron and Alfred Severance came at the same time, with their father and mother, David and Esther, and soon became the main support of a large and growing family. Among those that came in 1835, that can now be called to mind, were William Lee and his wife, who settled in Gorham in March, 1835, upon section 13, town nine south, range one east of meridian. In 1846, this family moved to Chesterfield. He died in 1854, leaving five children. Lewis and Almon M. Lee are residents of Chesterfield. The very earliest of the settlements of this township commenced just south of the Harris line, but north of this line many settlers had located at an earlier date. Very soon settlements commenced in the southwest corner and center of the township ; they were John Gillett, Gorham Cottrell, sr., September, 1835 ; Freeman Coffin in June; Clement Coffin in June, and in September, 1835, Sardis, Joseph and Erastus Cottrell. just north of and contiguous to the Harris line were Henry Meach, Justice Cooley, James McCrillis, sr., Orville Woodworth, Abel Perry, John Gould and Henry Teneyke, whose lands lay principally in Ohio. In the spring of 1835 came James Baker and wife and settled on section 14, town nine south, 520 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. range one east. They came from Pittstown, Rensselaer county, N. Y. He died many years ago, his wife dying before him. In 1852 he built a saw-mill in Royalton township, just west of the present village of Lyons, and sawed the planks for that and the adjoining townships, for the plank road built in the season of 1853, and which road was laid out upon what is known in history as the Vistula road, leading from Toledo to Morenci, Mich., James Baker was followed the same season by Martin Lloyd, Stephen Chaffee, William Sutton, Asa Butler, and William Griffin. In the season of 1836 came Levi Crawford, Philip Clapper, John Whaley, John C. Whaley, Aaron Price, Calvin Ackley, Nelson Fellows, John Donaldson, his wife Catherine, and boy, Daniel Donaldson. Of the later settlers for 1837, 1838, 1839 and 1840, it is found from the best information upon the subject, that they were George MoFarland, John Jacoby, Elisha A. Baker, Simeon Baker, Lucius Ford, Nathan Shaw, Hosea Ford, Elijah Snow, wife and family, three boys and three girls ; Wendal A, Mace and wife, one boy and two girls ; George W. Sayles and family, Alfred Whitman and wife, Abel Paul and family, Justice L. Hale and family, a mother and her two daughters ; Willard E. Gay, Nathan Salsbury, and Nathan Salsbury, sr., Joseph Sebring, Josiah Colvin, Benjamin Russell, Almon Rice, Milo Rice, John Kendall, M.D., James Griffin, Amos Kendall, M.D., Hiram Hadley, Alanson Pike, Rensselaer S. Humphrey, and James P. Emerick. Fifteen of the heads of families of the last named have answered the call of the boatman and have been rowed over the river to their final home. The history of these old pioneers serves as a type of a generation who are fast passing away ; whose many trials and vicissitudes could only overcome by that patience, industry and fortitude which has characterized these early pioneers, and which has left an example in struggles and perseverance to accomplish results for the benefit of the generations to come after them, which is born of a faith founded on the belief of the justness of the Creator ; that good deeds shall be rewarded, and though many have not lived to see the promised land, yet in the fullness of time the sunshine of a better Christian civilization will surely have its dawning. A few have lived to see the forest displaced by the golden grain and fruits of the husbandman; the fine painted dwelling taking the place of the first log cabin ; cities, towns, churches and schoolhouses, standing all over where once they saw the native wilderness. And where once was the Indian trail they now see roads, bridges, canals and railroads. Within the first ten years a very large immigration set towards this township, mostly from central New York, and as Hiram Farwell first opened up the forest to the sunlight, it was left for these to put the finishing touch to all that was primeval ; they were Michael Martzolf, Ansel Ford, sen., Asa Cottrell, Daniel Hoffman, Benedict Zimmerman, Cornelius Jones, Henry Emerick, John Saltzgaber, Oliver B. Verity, Day Otis FULTON COUNTY - 521 Verity, James Henry Verity, Jacob Woodward, Abram Van Valkenburg, Nathan Salsbury, jr., Ephraim Sergeant, Truman L. Scofield, Jacob Cox, Martin Bielhartz, William Conrad, Amos Ford, Philander Crane, Israel Mattern, Jacob Mattern, A. P. Boyd, Joseph 0. Allen, Jacob Demerrit, John Gamber, Henry Gamber, George Acker, sen., George Acker, jr., Charles Hoffman, Samuel Hoffman, Isaac Hoffman, Daniel Hoffman, John Paul, Obadiah Griffin, John Woodward, Stilly Huffman, William Davis, Daniel Bear, William C. Ely, Joseph Ely, Benjamin Dee, Stephen Hicker, Franklin Ford, Amos Belden, Bainbridge Belden, John Mallory, Peter Holben, George W. Kellogg, Truman Whitman, John B. Kimmel, John D. Brink, Jared Parker, Peter F. Chambard, William F. Ward, Junius Chase, J. P. Ritter, Jacob Hipput, Thomas C. Lester, J. L. Wise, George Lewis, Ebenezer Lloyd, Lyman Ellsworth, George F. Dubois,. George Graves, David F. Spencer, Edward Gamble, A. Amsbaugh, Rial Sweat- land, Henry T. Caulkins, Daniel Rhodes, Oliver Town, Uriah S. Town, Hosea Harmdon, Isaac Town, John W. Lilley, George Gamber, Henry Punches, Samuel Farst, Hon. A. W. Flickinger, William Plopper, W. P. Garrison, William Thompson, John Wiley and Josiah Woodworth, the latter being killed by lightning about 1846. He, when killed, was living in the part taken from Mill Creek township. Since 1850 a generation of young men and women, sons and daughters of these old pioneers, have been clothed with the mantle of their fathers. Many who have not been named before, with their fathers and mothers, have come through all the vicissitudes of a pioneer life. As far as can be obtained, the names of such are ; Gabriel D. Snow, Spencer T. Snow and Dolly Farwell Snow,. his wife ; Benjamin L. Sayles, Columbus Sayles and Ellen (Scofield) Sayles, his wife ; Wendel A. Mace and Amanda (Bush) Mace, his wife ; James McCrillis and his wife, Jane (Sutton) McCrillis; A. A. Gay, H. S. Conrad, Charles Conrad, Charles H. Van Ostrand, Thomas T. Baker, Byron M. Hoag, Asher E, Bird, Gorham Cottrell, jr., Ezekiel T. Griffin, George W. Coffin and his wife,. Cyrus Ford and wife, James Brink, John Cox and Edwin Farwell. Many of the children of the first pioneers have gone to the far west, again renewing their frontier life, while their places are occupied by later immigrations, some of whom will be named, as far as can be ascertained, to wit : Miles L. Wolcott, R. Todd, Harvey Baker, William Kinkaid, J. Reynolds, Abram Schneider,. E. Jones, Anson M. Aldrich, S. Youngs, B. F. Robinson, Calvin W. Thomas, John Smith, S. A. Allen, C. Hettinger, John Bielhartz, J. Walkup, A. Kanaur, Thomas Ellis, Solomon Gotshall, S. Oswald, W. W. Oswald, J. Toosley, He- man A. Canfield, William Woollace, Jacob Gorsuch, Solomon C. Wynn and many others, who also have aided in the physical and intelligent advance of the township, which is appreciated and worthy of note in the history of to-day. It has been said that the wealth of historical reminiscence forms the root from which springs the spirit of a people, and from which they secure the most no- 522 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. ble nourishment. A hasty glance at these old pioneers and their works must suffice to represent to the future the times in which they lived, and whose image those of the present now bear. Reminiscences.—It is said that Hiram Farwell erected the first cabin wherein whites dwelt, which was located on the east side of section 10, town 9 south, range i east, and he lived therein for a good many years. He sold this farm of his pioneer days to John Paul, and then went to Morenci to live, where he died many years ago. His wife is yet living, a hale and hearty woman of advanced years. She is living with her daughter, Dolly, wife of Spencer T. Snow, at Morenci. Farwell built and run an ashery for many years. He manufactured potash to some considerable extent. The ashes from burnt log heaps was here used by the other pioneers over quite an extensive territory and it is thought he was the first in the township to engage in that industry. In later years Elijah Snow built and run an ashery located on the east side 'of section 17, town 9 south, range i east. He run this industry very extensively until his age forbid, when the farm and ashery passed into the hands of his son, Gabriel D. Snow, and was successfully run by him until about 1860. He also had a store in connection with the ashery and this was the first store in the township. Both father and son have gone to their long home ; the father at a good old age, but the son in the prime of life. Philander Crane built and operated an ashery south of Handy, as early as 1841, and worked it for two or three years and stopped. These were all the regular asheries in the township, and all suspended, except Snow's, at a very early day. This industry is not now carried on in the township. Rensselaer S. Humphrey was the first man to clear up the land upon which a part of Fayette is located. He built the first log cabin within the present limits of the village, and cut away the brush for a highway, now the main street. He, as carpenter, built the first frame house for George W. Sayles, and the second for Justice L. Hale ; the first on section eight and the second on section nine. He also built the first frame school-house in the township, on the northeast corner of section seventeen. He built and owned the first steam saw-mill in the township, located on section nineteen, near the western limits of Fayette. In 1850 he built a store and blacksmith shop which laid the foundation for Fayette. In 1857 he built a steam grist-mill and operated the same for a few years in partnership with Dr. Joseph 0. Allen. It was the first grist-mill in the township and the only one at this day located at Fayette. Cemeteries.--The first cemetery in the township was located on the northeast: corner of section 17, town 9 south, range i east, at what is called the 4‘ Snow school-house," in the year 1848. The next, on the lands now owned 'by George W. Coffin, was built some years later. In still later years, after the village of Fayette came into existence, there was laid out, for burial purposes, a cemetery, on a beautiful spot, for the purpose, now within the corporate lim- FULTON COUNTY - 523 its of the village. These are all the public cemeteries in Gorham township at this date. Quite a large number of the township people bury at Morenci,. Mich.; those upon the northeast border and the west and southwest part use the " Masters Cemetery," in Franklin township. Schools and Teachers.—The first organized school district in the township was in the Cottrell settlement, in 1836, and a log school-house was built upon the southwest corner of the northwest quarter of section 21, town 9 south, range I east. In 1842 another district was organized in the " Snow Settlement," and a frame school-house was built by R. S. Humphrey, it being the first frame school-house in the township. At about this period another school district was organized in the east part, and a log school-house built. Oliver B. Verity taught the winter school of 1844 and '45, at fourteen dollars per month, and board around, which all teachers of that age did ; a practice that never went out of date until the adoption of the free school system in 1854. Thus began, school education in Gorham township. The demand for other districts has since kept apace with the improvement and population. The township now has eight school districts, and one joint sub-school district in the southeast corner, besides a special school district for Fayette. Lucinda Rogers taught the first school in Gorham township, commencing in May, 1836, in the Cottrell district. She commenced her school under the jurisdiction of the territory of Michigan, and ended it under the jurisdiction of Ohio. As the teacher got her wages by a " rate bill," the transfer did not interfere, as the bill was collected of the parents of those attending the school. This school-house was used for about fifteen years as a school-house and for church purposes, combined. The log building was standing as late as 1862. The first school in the southwest part of the township was taught in a log building, and was, in an early day, known as the Severance school-house. It was situate in the southeast corner of section 26, town 9 south, range I west. This school had no legal organization, and was supported by subscription. Elizabeth Freeman, now the wife of Waldron Severance, taught here in the summer of 1842. In 1845 a frame school-house was built on the northwest corner of section 35, town 9 south, range I west, and was painted red, as is well known to many of the inhabitants living at the present time. Miss Minerva Cottrell, the daughter of Asa Cottrell, and the wife of George Acker, of Morenci, Mich., was the first teacher in the red school-house. It has since been changed, and the district centre located on the south side of section 26„ same township and range. There are no small districts in the township, and it can boast of as good schools as any in the county, excepting, perhaps, the schools at Fayette and Wauseon. Churches.—In 1853 was built the first church of the township, and dedicated by the Methodist Episcopal denomination; it was originally located in 524 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. the southeast corner of the northeast quarter of section 20, town 9 south, range east, at what has been called " Cottrell's Corners," and stood there for a number of years, when the centre of the Methodist population shifted to Fayette, to which place the church was removed. The building was destroyed by fire in 1859 or 1860, and a substantial brick edifice was erected in the place of the old one. The Disciples have completed a substantial building for worship, during the past year. They are in a flourishing condition. These two named churches are the only ones in the township, and not one is outside of the village of Fayette. The worshipers of the township attend at Morenci, Fayette, or Masters Corners, in Franklin township. Saw-mills.—The first saw-mill was built upon the farm of Rensselaer S. Humphrey, now the western limits of Fayette, by R. S. Humphrey and James P. Emerick. The same was run by them for a few years, when the mill was sold to one Taylor, who, in 1859, was gored to death by a vicious bull, upon the farm of Philander Crane, two miles east of Fayette. The mill was soon after abandoned. About the time of the building of this saw-mill, another was built by Calvin Ackley, near the meridian line. The mill was simply an experiment to test a new invention—the application of a band saw. It proved a failure and was soon abandoned. The next, and now the only, saw-mill in the township (except at Fayette), was built by James Baker, on section 13, town 9 south, range i east, and is now owned by Thomas T. Baker and Alphonso Whaley. All these saw-mills were run by steam. All the competitive industries of Gorham township, excepting the single branch of agriculture, have been driven to Fayette or centralized at other points upon lines of railroad, outside the limits of the township. The first physician of this township was Dr. John Kendall, who settled a few rods north of Fayette, in about 1839 or 1840, but he left and went to Franklin township about 1841 or 1842. The next physician was Dr. Joseph 0. Allen, who located within the present limits of Fayette in 1851. About this time one Dr. Davis settled at Cottrell's Corners and practiced there for two or three years and left. This is all of the M. D.'s who settled here at an early date, before Fayette started its journey for village life, and there are none now practicing outside of Fayette. Post- Offices.—In 1839 Gorham post-office was established and held for a number of years at the house of Erastus Cottrell. He was the first post- master. It was afterwards removed to Fayette, and later was changed in name to Fayette, and is the only post-office ever located in the township. The First White Child.—Phila Farwell was the first white child born in the township She now is the wife of Charles Perry, living just over the line .of Gorham, in Medina township, Mich., but she is fully identified with the interests of her native township in all its relations. Justices of the Peace.—Erastus Cottrell was the first justice of the peace; FULTON COUNTY - 525 the second, Amos Belding ; the third, Israel Mattern, and the fourth Jared C. Parker ; Oliver B. Verity the fifth. Israel Mattern has held the office for a great many years in succession, and is to-day an acting justice of the peace residing at Fayette. Miscellaneous.—The first election held in the township after its organization, was at the residence of Erastus Cottrell, on the first Monday of April, 1838, In 1853 was shown some of the physical manifestations of what is called " Spiritualism," which for weeks upon weeks drew large crowds of visitors to witness, many of whom are living to-day to testify to the same. History of Fayette.—Fayette is located at the terminus of the Chicago and Canada Southern Railroad, and is built upon the east half of section nineteen, and the west half of section twenty, town nine south, range one east, and was dignified with the name as early as 1852, but was not incorporated until in the year 1872. Henry Boyd, of Maumee city, opened a general store in the year 1852, the first in Fayette, which has changed proprietors several times since. Henry Gamber, Rensselaer S. Humphrey, Daniel Keifer and Dr. Amos Kendall, cleared the land where Fayette is located. Humphrey, in 1845, Keifer, in 1846, and Gamber and Kendall about 1848. In the year 1856 Rensselaer S. Humphrey and Dr. Joseph 0. Allen built and began to operate a steam grist-mill and saw-mill. The same mill is in operation to-day, having been furnished with such modern improvements as the times demanded. Joseph 0. Allen, Arthur Allen and Judson T. Trowbridge are the present proprietors. They manufacture flour by the roller process, and do an extensive business in merchant lumbering. In 1871 John S. Butler, of Chesterfield township, erected a planing-mill. The same plant, with extensive improvements, is now owned and operated by L. H. Vosburgh, who has in connection with it a saw-mill, sash and blind factory, and heading machinery ; also an extensive lumber yard with a good stock of shingles, lath, cedar posts, etc. Present Mercantile Business.—The mercantile business of Fayette is now represented as follows : A. P. Greiser, general stock of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, and fancy goods ; Howard & Co., the same ; Huffman & Co., the same ; John F. Shaw, family groceries ; F. Vernier, the same; L. A. Purcell, clothing and gents' furnishing goods ; Acker & Sons, the same ; Perry & Allen, hardware, stoves, iron, etc.; Rorick & Cawley, drugs, medicines, wallpaper, books, and stationery ; Andrew L. Kendall, the same. The bank of Fayette, a permanent establishment, commenced business in 1885. The business is owned by Colonel E. L. Barber and E. S. Callender, of Wauseon, and Arthur Allen, Judson T. Trowbridge, and the Hon. Charles L. Allen, of Fayette. Charles L. Allen is the cashier and general manager. This institution is rapidly gaining the confidence of the community. The representatives of wagon-making and blacksmithing are Garhck & Booth, John Vine, Eli 526 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. Foglesong. Mrs. N. M. Shaw and Mrs. A. M. Empy, represent, each, the millinery business. Educational.—Fayette is a special school district. The public school building is a large and convenient brick structure, with four departments, and has an average attendance of about one hundred and thirty pupils. The Fayette Normal, Music and Business College is an institution of which the village may well be proud. It was established in 1881. Its growth has been of that steady, permanent nature, that insures health and longevity. It is provided with ample buildings and grounds, and through an able and efficient faculty has become a prominent institution in the northwest. This college is rapidly gaining public favor, and is destined to become a prominent feature of the village. Religions and Churches.—The first established church denomination was the Methodist Episcopal, the edifice being one mile east of Fayette, and standing on the southeast corner of Asa Cottrell's farm. It was removed to Fayette at a later day, and was destroyed in the first great fire of the village. This organization has flourished continuously since its beginning in the primeval forest, about the time of the first advent of the whites. Their present house of worship is a substantial brick structure, pleasantly situated on Main street. Its pastor is the Rev. Theodore W. Brake. The Christian Union was the next society to construct a church edifice, located on Gorham street, near the public school building. It was erected about 1874. In the year 1886 the denomination of Disciples, or Church of Christ, having become quite strong in numbers by the growth of population, and feeling the need of a place of worship, erected a fine brick edifice on Cemetery street, which they now regularly occupy. Commercial.—In the year 1872 the Chicago and Canada Southern Railway Company completed the construction of its line to Fayette, and run the first cars to it July 4, since which date Fayette has been the terminal point. It furnishes a good outlet for the produce of the country contiguous, and makes this village a good market for all country produce. The construction of the Wabash line, with a station one and a half miles directly north of this village, also furnishes large shipping facilities with a good healthy competition in the township. Its station is called North Fayette, just over the northern boundary of Gorham. Newspapers.—The first newspaper published in Fayette was the Fayette Journal, by Delos Lyon, and its first issue was in the year 1874. Lewis Holcomb purchased the plant in 1876, and conducted the paper until February, 1878, when the present proprietors, M. Lewis and George W. Griffin, took possession. The paper is non-partisan in politics, and is devoted to the interests of the village and community, and now is called the Fayette Record. A large amount of job work is done at this office. FULTON COUNTY - 527 The Bar.—Fayette has never for any length of time, supported a member of the legal fraternity. There have been made several spasmodic efforts by gentlemen of this profession, to secure a competency in the pursuit of that honorable vocation, but the peaceable and law-abiding character of its citizens has so far rendered unfruitful all attempts in that direction. Hotels.—Fayette has one hotel, a fine brick building, pleasantly located on Main street, and easy of access by the traveling public. Physicians. —Dr. Joseph 0. Allen was the first physician in Fayette. He has now retired from practice. Dr. Van Buskirk was the next, who died many years ago. Dr. Turrell and Dr. Amos Kendall, both of whom have died or left for other parts, formerly practiced here. The present corps of physicians are Estelle H. Rorick, H. F. Van Buskirk, C. B. Herrick, Edson Emerick, all able, energetic, and well qualified in their profession. Post-Office.—The post-office was established herein 1854, and Dr. Joseph 0. Allen was postmaster for a number of years. Population.—In 1887 the population of the village was estimated at one thousand persons, and has shown a healthy growth for a number of years. Miscellaneous.—Dr. Joseph 0. Allen came in the spring of 1851 ; Charles L. Allen in 1859, and Arthur Allen about the same time. They all came from Clarkson, Monroe county, N. Y., and have had a large influence in moulding the sentiment of the village. Hon. Charles L. Allen has been twice elected to the Legislature of Ohio. Official Roll of Honor.— This township has furnished one representative for two terms, Hon. Charles L. Allen ; three commissioners to-wit: William Sutton, four years; Heman A. Canfield, six years, and Charles Van Ostrand, two years; one probate judge, Hon. Oliver B. Verity, twelve years, or four terms ; one associate judge under the old constitution, Hon. Abram M. Flickinger, two years; 0. B. Verity, county school examiner, six years, making a record of thirty-six official years for the township in the county official roll. In 1852 Oliver B. Verity was elected as land assessor in the district composed of Gorham, Chesterfield, Royalton and Amboy, and in 1870 was appointed United States Assistant Marshal, by the United States Marshal, for the Northern District of Ohio, to take the census in the townships of Dover, Chesterfield, Royalton and Amboy. In 1874 he was selected as superintendent for Fulton County Infirmary, and held the position six years, ending March, 1880. In conclusion, a word to the old pioneers : You are passing away ; the younger people are fast filling your places ; they must increase, and you must decrease. If you have rounded out your lives to such perfection that you can contemplate your departure from the scenes of pioneer life with composure, and peacefully at last lie down, not to dreams, but to enter upon the pleasant realities of an eternal life, where many of your fellow pioneers before you have gone from these earthly labors to enter upon the higher and nobler activities of that 528 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. better land, and when from the sublime heights of the grand hereafter, you shall look down upon these scenes of your earthly pilgrimage, and see how really small were the trials which vexed you here, and how they have, if rightly improved, worked out for you a greater nobility of character, how will the soul swell with gratitude to Him who bath led you through all these years of toil to work up and round out a life for which your children shall rise up and call you blessed. CHAPTER L. HISTORY OF PIKE TOWNSHIP. EARLY MENTION.—At the date of the first settlement of the whites upon 4 .d the lands of the present limits of Pike township in 1833, the part lying north of the "Fulton line" was under the jurisdiction of the territory of Michigan, county of Lenawee, and in the township of Fairfield, and its surveys were made by the authorities of Michigan as early as 1819 and 1820. Its county seat was Adrian. The inhabitants thereof did all legal business, and paid their taxes at Adrian, until December, 1836, when, by a compromise of existing claims between the territory of Michigan and the State of Ohio, by and in the Congress of these United States, it became the property of Ohio. Lucas county then being the adjoining county to a large part of the transfer, was, by an act of the Legislature of Ohio, June 20, 1836, given the jurisdiction of the same on her entire northern limits, of which she immediately assumed municipal control, and organized from the south part of Fairfield the township of Royalton to the " Fulton line." All the territory south of the " Fulton line," arid now included in this township, was of the Ohio survey ; said survey was done and completed by Judge Ambrose Rice at a very early day, and for a long time was included in the township of York, which had its organization when it was a part and parcel of the county of Wood, to which all the inhabitants of this strip, south of said line, paid tribute and voted up to March 1, 1841. Upon examining the records of the commissioners of Lucas county, it is found that, at a regular session of the county commissioners of said county, held at the city of Maumee, March 1, 1841, the township of Pike was organized by taking from Royalton all of town 10 south, range 3 east, of the Michigan survey, and all of fractional town 8 north, range 7 east, and one tier of sections off the north side of town 7 north, range 7 east, and so remained until 1:346. Again at a commissioners' meeting, held at the city of Maumee, June 2, FULTON COUNTY - 529 1846, an addition was made to Pike township by taking from Royalton the south tier of sections of town 9 south, range 3 east, and Pike assumed jurisdiction over this added tract. Boundaries.-Pike township as at present constituted, contains sections 36, 35, 34, 33, 32, and 31 of town 9 south, range 3 east, and sections I, 2, 3 4, 5, 6, and fractional sections 7, 8, 9, 0, I I, 12, of town 0 south, range 3 east, north of the Fulton line ; and of the Michigan survey south of the Fulton line in the Ohio survey ; all of fractional town 8, range 7 east, to-wit : fractional sections 30, 29, 28, 27 and 26, and sections 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, and sections I, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, off the north side of town 7 north, range 7 east. At present it contains about twenty-eight full sections of land, or an area of 17,839 acres, valued in 1886, as appears upon the duplicate, $291,670 personal and real. This township embraces two fractional township surveys and part of two other township surveys. It is bounded on the north by Royalton, on the east by Fulton, on the south by York, and west by Dover and Chesterfield townships, and is about equally divided east and west by the " Fulton line," once the boundary between the territory of Michigan, and the State of Ohio. Pike appears as the eleventh township in its organization, when this region was under the municipal control of Lucas county prior to 1850, the year of the organization of Fulton county. Population.-The first white man, as near as can be ascertained, settled here in the fall of 1833. The population, by the United States census of 1880, shows in round figures, 1,147. It was a fair and proportionate increase, according to its area, with other townships in the county. It has no populous commercial center or village within its boundaries. Soil, etc.-The soil of this township probably is varying as much as the township of Dover on its western boundary. The extreme eastern and southeastern part is referable entirely to the drift deposits, and is what may be denominated clay and sand mixed, of the lacustrine order, largely modified at many points with the second beach sands, which lies near its southeastern corner, traveling in an angular direction northeast across the township of Fulton on the side of which sand spurs put out and are prominent for one and two miles at different points upon its eastern boundary. The center of this township is largely modified from the western part, by the overlapping of the finer sands of the second beach formation upon its western boundary, which put out in spurs from Dover township. The whole township has a very gentle inclination east, and with these sand spurs makes the surface gently undulating at various points. This township has a rich soil, susceptible of high cultivation, and productive of all the cereals of agriculture, and less subject to early frosts (except a small part of its northwestern corner) than its neighbor township, Dover, on the west. While sand and muck largely prevails in all the frost regions of this 530 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. and other townships, wheat, corn, oats, potatoes, and clover and timothy, with everything to enhance the interest of agriculture, can be as successfully produced all over the area of this township, and is capable of supporting as fine dairies as the more heavier lands of the county. The raising of sheep and hogs is also quite a prominent industry of this township. The lands in the western part of this township, and angling upon its northern line to the northeast are denominated "openings," embracing half of the area of the township, and are considered light sand lands, often subject to early frost, which in some seasons are serious drawbacks to the successful raising of corn and buck-wheat, which require a time later to mature. Wheat is successfully raised upon this land, of not so large an average, but more uniform in a period of ten years than clay land, the quality generally good. Large prairie areas are prevalent in the north and northwestern part, and before underdraining had been done they were wet and covered with a species of wild grass, which in the early history of white settlements, was cut and dried, and was the principal cattle food for winter ; this was before the cultivation of domestic grasses. There is not a foot of waste land in Pike township at present, and largely improved by the great amount of underdraining now being done. Timber Lands.—The eastern end of this township was originally covered with a heavy growth of timber, the more prominent of which was the white and burr oaks, elm, hickory, black walnut, cotton-wood, and some white ash, with now and then the famous whitewood. The buckeye may be found in small quantities along the valley of Bad Creek. The forest afforded to the settler all the rail timber used in clearing and building purposes in the past, and what is now standing is fully sufficient for the use of the farmers for generations to come. In the west end, and over the balance of the township is what in geology is termed the " second beach," produced by the receding waters of the glacial period, is of sand and often quite heavy ridges, covered with oak. Before the white man began to settle these lands, the oak was very dwarfish and scattering on these ridges, while the level plateaus or marshes were without timber; but since the fires have been kept away, a dense forest growth of oak has made its appearance all over these sand lands, vigorous and noble in its forest home, and since commencing drainage the low lands are losing their wild grass, and its place filled by the aspen and willow, now so prevalent here in the " openings." The whortleberry, like the wild grass of the prairie, has almost disappeared from the soil. It was said by the more fortunate neighbors of surrounding townships, that these openings were good for nothing but raising frogs and whortleberries, which they declared were the " chief support" of the pioneers, and yet this being the chief support, as they declared, in the berrying season, the more fortunate neighbors 'would, with their wives and FULTON COUNTY - 531 children, for a dozen or more miles, fill the woods and purloin from Pike township " our chief support," as they frequently declared, but to-day the residents do not more often hear the sound of the frog than in the vicinity of " our more fortunate neighbors," and they do not appear as of yore as in the caravans to the " mecca" of these oak openings. Water Supply.—The sand openings soil, wherever found in this township, rests entirely upon the unmodified Erie clays and under the more elevated ridges underlaid with quick-sand, and forms the only basis of water supply afforded by falling rains, and is all the supply above the clay drift. These may become exhausted in great periods of drouth. This underlying clay, modified by the lacustrine deposit, is found in many places throughout the openings near the surface, and wherever it projects out it is nearly impervious to water. Aside from this supply, there is no other acquired than by piercing the clay drift to the bed rock, about one hundred and forty feet, where there may always be found a bountiful supply. In these modern days the deep-well supply is easily utilized by the wind-mill, which is gaining favor among farmers generally. Post-Offices.—This township has but one post-office, established in 1848 or 1849 and called " Winameg," situated upon what is familiarly known as " AEtna," near the center of the township. It was so named by the Hon. D. W. H. Howard, in memory of a noted chief of the Ottawa tribe, who formerly roamed over the forest of this county. The first post-office established in the township was at the house of Lyman Parcher, called " Parcher's Corners," but was soon after removed to Alfred R. Shutes's, and then abandoned. Another post-office existed some years at the residence of Robert A. Howard, called " Essex," and when the county seat was established at Ottokee, this office was abandoned. Water Drainage.—The drainage of the township is chiefly to Bad Creek, the northern branch of which has its rise in the prairies of the northwest part of the township, and running a southeasterly course to about the center of the township ; thence south until it meets the south branch near, and a trifle southeast of the Salsbury cemetery, near the farm of the late Joseph Salsbury. Here it receives the waters of the south branch, which has its rise in the prairie lands of Dover township, near its center, and enters this township on the west, near the Fulton line, and thence, with its numerous tributary streams upon either side, made more rapid by surface and underdrainage, crossing to the north side of the Fulton line, and so continuing an east course until it unites with the north branch south of the Fulton line, on lands owned by Henry S. Isabell. And still there is a more southerly branch of the same creek, or range of waters, with its lesser streams, having its rise in and about Ottokee, and running east and northeast until it unites with the north and middle branches of this whole western drainage, at or near said Salsbury cemetery. The 532 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. streamlets of this township have a 'gentle inclination east and southeast, and run obliquely across the geological determination of the beaches until they empty into the Maumee River, at Texas, in Henry county. This township has an elevation of about one hundred and forty feet above the water level of Lake Erie, with an inclination of about fifteen feet across the township, south, to the Maumee valley. Rebellion Record.—This township answered well every call of the chief executive of the nation for soldiers, to put down the rebellion, and promptly filled their quotas without a resort to the draft; and to-day it proudly points to her loyalty to the flag, in common with her sister townships of the county. She had her soldiers in every part of the volunteer service of that period, irrespective of party, or party affiliations. The boys in blue rallied at the call, satisfied that loyalty to the stars and stripes was the duty of every good citizen. Fruit.—This township, since its earliest period of white settlement, has led the van in fruit culture, with a soil and climate well adapted therefor. She has been enabled to produce as fine fruit, and at as early a date, as any other township. Indians ; their Camping Grounds.—Upon the banks of what is known as Bad Creek, near 'Etna, upon fractional section 9, town s0 south, range 3 east, north of the Fulton line, appear reminders of one of the most desirable camping grounds of the children of the forest. Its fine springs furnish what, to the Indian, was second only to his beloved fire-water. Its soft, pliable soil, on either side, for garden purposes, rendered it a desirable resting place for this nomadic race ; and the numerous circle of mounds upon the north bank, covering an area of three acres at least, are plainly visible to-day, although much lowered by the plow of the white man. The Hon. D. W. H. Howard, in removing one of these mounds, upon the south side of the arc, to make a foundation for building, unearthed bones and relics of the Indian race. The bones he carefully collected and deposited in another mound, of which there are several in the circle and others outside of the circle, scattered around in an outer circle, apparently. The Indians said to Mr. Howard, that they had no knowledge of the time of its use or construction, but the tradition of the Indian race, latterly the soil, points back to the time when a great battle was fought here between the Indians of the West and the Fast, wherein a mighty slaughter was the result, and the killed were buried here. However true this may be, one thing is certain, from all the facts gathered, no Indians of that age, and prior for a long time, had used the ground for burial purposes, but tradition to this primitive race is often more correct than the pen of the historian, to the foundations of fact. Drake, in his " Indians of North America," page 55, quotes Mr. Jefferson, who says, as to mounds of this class, " that they were the repositories, has been obvious to all ; but on what FULTON COUNTY - 533 particular occasion constructed, was a matter of doubt. Some have thought they covered the bones of those who had fallen in battles fought on the spot of interment. Some ascribe them to the custom, said to prevail among the Indians, of collecting, at certain periods, the bones of their dead, wheresoever deposited at the time of their death. Others suppose them the general sepulchers for towns, conjectured to have been on or near these grounds, and this opinion was supported by the quality of lands in which they were found, and by a tradition, said to be handed down from the aboriginal Indians, that when they settled in a town, the first person who died was placed erect, and earth put about him, so as to cover and support him, and that when another died a narrow passage was dug to the first, the second reclining against him, and the cover of earth replaced." If speculation on the origin of these mounds is all that can be presumed upon, most people are satisfied that the foregoing opinion is as near correct as any presented. Early Settlers.—This township presents a fine record of the pioneer's perseverance against obstacles almost insurmountable, and finally, their thrift by the indomitable use of the ax and hand-spike, in clearing away an interminable forest. The first settler upon its soil was Valentine Winslow, who first located on what was afterwards the Chet Herrick farm, on section 3, town 10 south, range 3 east, in the fall of 1833, and there resided about two years. In 1835 he located east about one mile on the east side of the same section, where he died about 1858. The circumstances of his death led some people to believe that it came by foul play. A coroner's examination resulted in but little information of how he came to his death. He was buried in AEtna cemetery. David Hobert is said to have been the next settler upon the soil of this township. He came, himself and family,near the end of the year 1833 or the very beginning of 1834. He died in 1841 and lies in the Salsbury Cemetery. In 1834, there was a large immigration to this township, of families, to wit: Arvetas Knight, Nathan Wilson, Daniel Knowles, John Sindel, George Wiers, and Whitfield Tappen then a young man, and a few others whose time of settlement is uncertain. In 1835 a larger accession of colonists was added than in the two former years, to wit : Peter Lott, Wilham Griffin, Sewell Gunn. Peter Lott however, left the township in June, 1836, and settled it Dover township, near Springhill. Thomas Silsby located on section 33, town 7 north, range 7 east ; Robert A. Howard, Jack Hobart. In 1836 Peter Salsbury located a large tract of land in the southeast part of the township, where a large number of his relatives reside to-day. He came from Harrison county, 0., with his patent deed signed by Andrew Jackson, president of the United States, later, in 1836 ; many others came that year, but again find dates too unsatisfactory. Peter Salsbury was a quiet man, unobtrusive, industrious and unostentatious, yet courteous and friendly. His friendship was ardent and he was greatly attached to his family. This township was 534 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. seen by him in its native wilderness, and he has done as much as any other to rescue it from that state by colonizing it with his kindred, who to-day exhibit thrift second to no other settlers of that period. The year 1837 was eventful to the earlier settlers by a larger immigration than usual to the township, and soon brought a change ; instead of poverty and hard times, comfort and plenty came ; they were Alva Wilson, Henry Slaigle, Joseph Walters, John Walters, Emery Wilson, Martin Wilson, Peola Allwood, Ephraim K. and Joseph Allwood, Thomas Cole, George Megarah, Andrew Falor, George McQuilling, Jacob McQuilling, David Salsbury, Joseph Salsbury, James Viers, Adam Kline, William Cox, Samuel Allen, one Graham and Thompson with families and some quite large. This large addition of settlers to the little band here before them, began to take an interest in the well- fare of the township and soon became active in laying out roads, opening and repairing the same, establishing regularly organized schools and creating a society which has been largely beneficial to the mental and social world therein. From 1837 to 1840 came still greater acquisitions to the prospering colonists, which required more room and they stepped further into the wilderness parts. There had not been more than grain enough raised to supply the wants of the settlers, with but little to spare to the rapid influx by immigration, and soon exhausted the accumulated surplus. Among the families that came to the township about this time were David McQuilling, George Galligher, David Zimmerman, John W. Millers, Chester Herrick, William Fewlas, Thomas Hoxie, David Pelton, Boyd Dunbar, Robert Dunbar, Michael Handy and family in January, 1840. Mr. Handy came here from the north part of Michigan ; Moses Tappan, Andrew and Samuel Dennis and others, principally drifting in and changing from other localities of the townships in the county. In 1843 Dr. William Holland settled here ; he came from New Hampshire, a physician with age and experience, who soon gained a prominent position in the county. Alfred R. Shute and his wife, daughter of Dr. Holland, came at the same date and settled on section 2, town t0 south, range 3 east ; Mrs. Shute is the only survivor of the lineage, a hale, hearty woman seventy-six years of age. Simon Elliott, a Protestant Methodist minister, William Mullin, James Dickason, Orrin Taylor and family, Joshua Shaffer, John Whitaker, Sherman, Marshall and David Fairchilds with families. These make up the principal part of the early pioneers of Pike, who braved the dangers and hardships incident to the settlement of a wilderness, and carved out of it for themselves and their growing families a home, a comfortable home which they have left as legacies to those who, it is hoped will ever honor and revere the life and works of these pioneers. We of to-day have but an imperfect idea of the hardships and privations endured by the pioneers ; without roads to travel upon or bridges to cross the streams ; at a great distance from all the privileges that now extend over Fulton county ; and when comparing those days with the present the FULTON COUNTY - 535 thought is well expressed in the words of another : "But the man has changed, his shelter is better than that of his father, but the son is a more tender plant. The sewing machine girl works as hard and long as Hood's sewing girl, and is as likely to stitch a shroud as a shirt." With new inventions new wants are invented, and it now requires all the things, and the latest things, to make man comfortable; he grumbles as much behind a locomotive now as his fathers did behind oxen fifty years ago. Reminiscences of Early Days.—Robert A. Howard settled on section 33, town eight north, range seven east, and a part of section 4, town seven north, range seven east, in the fall of 1835, and erected suitable buildings, and kept the first hotel on the Maumee and Angola road, direct from Maumee City to Angola in Indiana, and also one Jennings kept in the same building a small store. Jack Hobart, a son of David Hobart bought out at a very early day the goods and interest of Jennings, and in 1840 built an ashery near by, just east a few rods, and in connection therewith the store ; how long he run the ashery is not easily obtained. He soon after built a house across the way and sold goods thereafter from this new building, which is there to-day. In 1835 Howard was first elected justice of the peace of York township, which he held for fifteen years. In 1850 the county of Fulton was organized and a temporary seat of justice was fixed at the house of R. A. Howard by the commissioners elected at the April election of that year, and the new officials commenced there to legally administer the affairs of said new county until a permanent seat of justice could be established, and remained there until the fall of 1851 when the business had been provided for under the new location at Ottokee and ceased further from that time to run a hotel. Howard was also postmaster ; office Essex, and maintained for a number of years, when the office was abandoned and established west three miles at the new county seat, and called Ottokee post-office. David Salsbury, at his residence upon the the south side of the township in his first settlement, ran a feed mill for grinding corn, and was built by dishing out a large black walnut stump as a mortar, and preparing a large heavy stone corrugated with the chisel and pick and hung in a frame work fixed so as it could be raised from the depression in the stump and then attached to a sweep drawn round and round by oxen, the first power ; and for a time made for the inhabitants a good corn-meal, which saved much valuable time of the settlers in running to Maumee through the country without roads or bridges. It was after changed to one of more modern date as soon as means could be obtained to buy one and served the inhabitants for a number of years ; the frame work and the old stump were visible up to 185o or later. In 1835 Peter Salsbury, father of David and Joseph, built a saw-mill, water power, upon a stream entering Bad Creek farther east, located upon section 4., town seven north, range seven east, constructed by Henry Slagle, a 536 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. carpenter, which was run by Salsbury, and furnished lumber for the early settler for miles away. It was afterwards owned and run by James Viers successfully for a number of years, as long as it could be furnished with waterpower. It was abandoned thirty years ago ; fragments of it may be seen today where it stood. Orrin Taylor built and ran a steam saw-mill for three or four years about 1876, and connected with it was a cider press ; in this mill he lost his life ; the mill was soon after abandoned and moved to the southeast corner of Chesterfield and run by Peter Stukey. Henry Miles has a steam saw-mill now working, located upon the Fulton line south of /Etna. Peola Allwood built a steam saw-mill in 1880, before the one built by Miles, located upon the Fulton line just across the middle branch of Bad Creek, and was run but a few years and abandoned and machinery taken away. Houses Built.—The first frame dwelling was erected upon the farm owned by Alfred R. Shute. The second was the farm house of John Scindell. The third was the present residence of D. W. H. Howard, built about 1840 by his father, Edward Howard, and Jacob McQuillan first occupant. The house of William Cox now owned by Henry S. Isabel was said to be built in 1840. James Viers was the first and only cabinet maker in the township, and for a long period of time made the coffins of the deceased settlers of the township far and near. First Blacksmith.—Thomas Silsby put up and opened the first shop for blacksmithing, which was all the township supported for a good many years. Alfred A. Chatfield, a grandson of Lucien N. Chatfield, so well known to the settler of early days, has opened up and now runs a blacksmith shop just north of the one run by Thomas Silsby. Stores or Trading-posts.—In 1833 Edward Howard, then living at the rapids on the Maumee, entered at the land office at Monroe, Mich., the lands at Etna (now Winameg) and immediately after built the old 'Etna " Block House," and there established an Indian trading post for the Indian trade. Merrill Wilkinson and D. W. H. Howard, then a boy, were the traders of this establishment, until the death of Wilkinson, when the goods and trade were sold to other parties. The Indian trade was soon after destroyed by the removal of the Indians, under the authority of the United States government, to their lands west of the Mississippi River, in 1832 and 1838. Howard followed- them and entered in the fur trade with them in the west. Washington and William Ewing, fur traders at Fort Wayne in 1838, sent D. W. H. Howard, then but nineteen years of age, with $40,000 worth of goods to Council Bluffs for the Indian fur trade. The goods were conveyed on pack horses. A few years after his return to the Maumee Valley he came to his farm at AEtna, where he still resides, and his Indian customers have long since passed to their FULTON COUNTY - 537 happy hunting grounds. This Block House stood to about 1878 when it was, burned. A store was kept at the house of Robert Howard by one Jennings in 1835 and afterwards sold to Jack Hobart, who sold goods in connection with an ashery established by him, and was abandoned in 1850. Daniel Knowles sold goods and ran an ashery at a very early date up to about 1850. A store was for a short time at AEtna run by one Hollingshead at the Block House. Edward C. Sindel has run one from 1861 to 1886, and goods are now sold from the same store by Hinkle & Downer, of Lyons. Post-Offices.—The second post-office established was at the place of Robert A. Howard, in 1836, and called Essex, and abandoned in 1851. The first office was established at Lyman Parcherls and called " Parcher's Corners," and moved to the residence of A. R. Shute ; then later moved and called Winameg about 1850, where it remains to this day, and is the only post- office in the township ; mail daily from Wauseon to Lyons. First born was male, W. D. Scindel, in October, 1834 ; female was Elizabeth Hobart, daughter of David Hobart, was born in 1833. First marriage, a nephew of Lyman Parcher with a daughter of Aretas Knight, were married by Daniel Knowles, a justice of the peace, at an early day ; Joseph Salsbury, with Maggie , were married as early as 1836 ; Whitfield Tappan, with a Miss Amanda Woodford, of Royalton township, in 1835; said Tappan is supposed to be the first marriage. Cemeteries.—The Salsbury Cemetery was first located in 1837, and a daughter of Joseph Salsbury, Mary Ann Salsbury, was there buried November 16, 1837. It now covers at least two acres of ground, well arranged, neat, and clean, and well set with evergreens. The AEtna Cemetery was first dedicated for burial purposes by the burial of Catharine Wilson, sister of Emery and Martin Wilson, original settlers in Pike, about the last of the year 1837. It is now a fine resting-place for the dead, and well kept in repairs. Churches.—The first church built was on the farm of William Mullin, in 1846, dedicated by the Presbyterians ; was burned about 1868 or 1869 and never rebuilt. The Poplar Grove Church was built about 1848, and dedicated to the United Brethren. Bueler Church, of the United Brethren faith, was built in 1881, under the labors of Henry Barclay. St. Paul's Church, of the Evangelical faith, was built in 1881. A Church of the Disciples was rigged up for worship in 1881, located in school district number five, called the Trowbridge district. A church of the Seventh Day Advents was built in 1881, upon. lands in district number three, called the Whitcomb district, under the labors of A. Bigelow. 538 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. Schools.—The first school taught in the township was in 1835, in an old log hut standing at a very early day upon the knob where the Salsbury Cemetery is now located. It was afterwards removed to Thomas Silsby's corner, and Michael Handy taught there the first winter he came, in 1840. Caroline Trowbridge taught the first school. Afterward she became the wife of William Fewlas. The township now contains six school districts, supported by good frame buildings, once built of brick but now torn down. A leading step in education is being taken in this township, which may be seen in the schoolhouses and school-room. She is not backward in social reform and religion, Roads.—The Maumee and Angola Road is the oldest road in the township ; was laid out prior to its first settlement at a very early date and runs through Ottokee, Spring Hill, to Angola, in Indiana, and was the chief emigrant road west from the Maumee Valley. The Toledo and Angola was laid in 1840, and run from Toledo to Angola, in Indiana, and runs through AEtna, on the north part of the township. Physicians.—Doctor William Holland was the first physician and a good one, educated in private schools. Robert A. Moore was the next, a very eccentric man in all his ways. The next was Dr. James S. Richards, called the " Indian doctor," was from Pennsylvania. And lastly Samuel B. Finney, whose practice is world-wide in late years, and from poverty and obscurity he has arisen to wealth and fame, a mystery to all who visit him, and a severe thorn to the medical fraternity surrounding. He is located and in practice one-half mile west of /Etna. Industries.—Tile and brick were first made in this township by E. M. Strong for a number of years, but abandoned one year ago. Factory.—A cheese factory was established a few years ago and run successfully, located about one mile east of AEtna. It is at this time doing a fine business, a good industry for the farmers within reasonable distance. Shoe-Shop.—Michael Handy did the first shoe-making and mending as early as 1840, which he followed up to 1850, when he was shortly after admitted to the bar of Fulton county and successfully held a first position as a lawyer at said bar until his death, April, 1886. Hotels.—Robert A. Howard opened the first hotel, and was the only one in the county for a great while. Next followed George Wiers, two miles \west; then Michael Handy, in 1840, where the thirsty and hungry were supplied, and kept open the same until 1851. After the Block House at (Etna was abandoned as a trading post, William Mullin opened it up as a hotel, After a few years the business was transferred to Labatt Radway and William Culbertson, afterward an Indian doctor, who held it open until 1851, after which all hotel accommodations have been abandoned. Official Roster.—This township has furnished the following officers for Fulton county, as follows : Michael Handy, prosecuting attorney ; Robert A, FULTON COUNTY - 539 Howard, recorder ; Albert B. Canfield, treasurer ; Osceola E. M. Howard, county surveyor ; Harvey L. Aldrich, sheriff; James W. Howard, treasurer ; lastly, D. W. H. Howard, senator to the Legislature of Ohio, and also presidential elector in 1860; Michael Handy, county school examiner ; William P. Cowan, infirmary director. This township furnished Lyman Parcher as a representative to the Ohio Legislature then in Lucas county. She has the honor of furnishing two common pleas judges—Reuben Lemon, of Lucas county, and William H. Handy, for Fulton county, now presiding. Dr. William Holland, the first physician, was born at Oakham, Mass., 1766, and came to this county in 1843, and soon identified himself with all the settlers of the township, and died at his home September 17, 1857, at the age of ninety-one years, and was laid at rest in the /Etna Cemetery. He was a Presbyterian in faith, and while living in the county the Rev. George Johnson was his pastor and preached at the Presbyterian Church, at /Etna. Dr. William Holland's wife, Bethsina, died August 28, 1875, aged eighty-nine years, and together they rest from their labors side by side in the cemetery at 'Etna. When at the age of ninety years, he was solicited by James Herrick (son of Elijah Herrick, living), to be ready to attend his wife's accouchement, and in a short time after the consent to attend, a team came for the doctor as he was preparing for bed, and with the assistance of his daughter and her husband (Louisa Shute and Alfred R,), the old man was prepared with wraps and furs (it being in the winter and snow on the ground), and by those present taken up and carried to the sleigh, and made the trip and discharged his duty, and returned next day without being any the worse for wear. It is thought this township has the honor of the resting place of the only man of ten years beyond the Revolution. Dr. Holland had no common school education, only as obtained in the private schools. At the age of twenty-one years he chose the profession of medicine, and secured his knowledge of Latin at the studio of Rev. --- Bascom, at Oakham, Mass. He studied medicine with approved scholars of the medical schools, and at the age of twenty-six years commenced practice. His daughter, Louisa (Holland) Shute, was a school-mate of the celebrated writer, Harriet Beecher Stowe. Alfred R. Shute in 1831 left the east and went west to the Rocky Mountains, and spent eleven years of his youthful career in the mountains and plains of the west. He was often with " Kit Carson " in his journeyings on the frontier, and returned to his native heath in 1843, and in the same fall came to Pike with his young wife, Louisa. He died at his home in Pike township May 17, 1879. He was the ninth generation from the martyr, Rogers, burnt at the stake in England. " It is nevertheless enjoyable to look back upon the likeness of what has been before our own times, and to dwell upon the remembrance of these early pioneers who strug- 540 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. gled long and manfully with famine, and poverty, and the red man, to provide a home for themselves and children. And shall not these remembrances be p reserved ?" CHAPTER LI. HISTORY OF ROYALTON TOWNSHIP. AT the date of the advent of the first white settlers upon the soil of Royalton township, June J0, 1833, the territory being situated north of the "Fulton line," was, like the rest of the northern tier of townships, included in the territory of Michigan, the county being Lenawee, and the county seat Adrian. The inhabitants therein did all their legal business, and paid their taxes at Adrian, and continued to do so until December, 1836, when this territory with all the rest of the region, was turned over and yielded to Lucas county, which was some two years before organized from and out of the counties of Wood and Sandusky. For this survey the entry and sale of lands was made at the city of Monroe, at the head of Lake Erie. In the winter of 1824 the territorial Legislature of Michigan subdivided the township of Logan, being the township upon the south half of Lenawee county, and organized it in 1826, the same time as the organization of the county of Lenawee, into three subdivisions : Fairfield in the east, Seneca in the middle, and Medina on the west, and extended their jurisdiction respectively to the Fulton line. Prior to this transfer to Ohio, the inhabitants thereof were residents of the township of Fairfield, Lenawee county, and territory of Michigan. Wood county, at a very early period, much earlier than 1835, attempted to extend the law of Ohio over this strip to the county of Williams, and claimed it to be in that county. They levied taxes (there then being some settlers in the east part near Toledo), but the people did not recognize the act and authority of Wood county, and refused to pay the taxes. It was in this township that some of the scenes of the Ohio and the Michigan war were enacted. When, in the beginning of 1835, Ohio undertook to enforce jurisdiction over this territory along the whole northern border of Ohio, to the Harris line, which territory had been and was considered a portion of Michigan, and claimed as such, and so previously recognized by the surveys of Ohio and Michigan. The legislative council of Michigan on February 12, 1835, passed an act " to prevent the exercise of foreign jurisdiction within the territory of Michigan," making it a penal offense for any one to accept or exercise any public office in any part of the territory, except by commission from the United States or FULTON COUNTY - 541 Michigan. On the 19th of the same month, acting Governor Mason ordered General Joseph W. Brown, then commanding a division of the Michigan militia, saying, "under existing circumstances but one of two things is left for Michigan to pursue—if Ohio continues to persevere in the attempt to wrest from us our territory, as she now meditates, involuntary submission to encroachments upon our rights, or firm and determined opposition to her; the latter though painful to us, is preferable to the former, and must be decided upon." Major-General Joseph W. Brown was assigned to the command of the military force of Michigan, with " the control of the measures to be adopted to repel the Ohio idea." On the 23d of that month, the Ohio Legislature asserted the right of that State, and also declared that measures should be taken to establish it. Therefore, Governor Lucas placed a major-general in command, and ordered him to enroll the militia of the district in dispute for protection while running a boundary line, which Ohio insisted upon, being the original Harris line. On the 19th day of February, 1835, General Brown assumed command, marched to the scene of action and halted near Toledo, of which action Governor Lucas was duly advised. General John Bell was assigned to the command of the Ohio army, to be enrolled of the militia on this disputed strip. General Brown interposed an army of Wolverines in position to prevent enrollment of the Ohio militia, and Governor Lucas had to seek elsewhere for troops, and obtained about three hundred from Wood county that felt willing to try a hand with General Brown's militia, and furthermore, was obliged to call upon Sandusky, Hancock and Seneca counties, which furnished three hundred men, making six hundred in all of Ohio forces to push the Ohio idea into the territory in dispute, and run the Harris line. The troops went into camp at old Fort Miami, about eight miles above Toledo, to await the orders of Governor Lucas. " These proceedings on the part of Ohio exasperated the authorities of Michigan." They "dared" the Ohio militia to enter the disputed ground and "welcomed them to hospitable graves." At this juncture there appeared to be no escape from battle, both armies laying in camp on each side of the disputed strip. Just at this time, while Governor Lucas was giving thought to the whole situation, he discovered that Governor Mason was but an appointed subaltern of President Jackson ; that the Michigan territory was under the paternal care of the government at Washington, and that Congress had exclusive control of the boundaries of the territory. The " Ohio idea" being weakened by the fates of war, and twelve hundred militia to oppose six hundred, it became clear to the governor at once, that the objective point of his campaign should be in Washington, and not at Toledo, and so he backed out and disbanded his army, who returned to their several homes. He then called an extra session of the Legislature on the 8th of June, 1835. This Legislature passed an act "to prevent the forcible abduction of the citizens of Ohio," and 542 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. created the new county of Lucas out of part of Wood county and this disputed strip; made Toledo the seat of justice, and directed the Court of Common Pleas to be held on the first Monday in September, 1835, at any convenient house. Early in April Governor Lucas sent a surveying party to run the Harris line. The commissioners had commenced their work at the northwest corner of the State. General Brown had sent scouts to watch their operations, and when running the line, to report immediately when the surveying party had reached the county of Lenawee. The under sheriff of that county, with a warrant and posse, made his appearance to arrest them. About ten miles east of Morenci, along the line, in Royalton township, he came upon the trail of the commissioners sent out by Governor Lucas, and arrested nine of the party, but the commissioners and Surveyor Dodge made a timely escape, and ran with all their might until they got off the disputed territory, reaching Perrysburgh next day, and they no doubt ran a much more direct line for Perrysburgh than that which they surveyed into Lenawee county. The line was not marked, and it is therefore lost to political geography. Those of the party arrested were held for a few days, and then discharged, some on parole, and others on bail, to answer in the district court. On April 8, N. Goodsell was arrested for serving as judge of election, and sent to Monroe jail, but after a time was admitted to bail. Others were arrested and placed behind the bars—the Andersonville of that bloodless war. The diplomacy of Governor Lucas with the Washington authorities, however, in the end succeeded, and the Congress of the United States, on the 15th day of June, 1836, admitted Michigan into the Union, with the Harris line for her southern boundary, and peace was fully restored. On the 25th day of June the settlement of this boundary question was celebrated in Toledo, and the day was ushered in by the firing of cannon. Emery D. Potter was the orator of the day. It was during this strife that Lucas county came into being, according to an act passed February 23, 1835, and a further act passed June 20, 1835, taking in the disputed strip, and fixing Toledo as the seat of justice. Organization of the Township.—At a session of the board of commissioners held in the city of Toledo June 4, 1837, the township of Royalton was organized by taking all of town nine south, range three east, south of the Harris line, and all of town ten south, range three east, extending to the Fulton line south. The first election under this organization was held at Phillips Corners, The officers then chosen assumed jurisdiction and so held the same to March 1, 1841, when the south tier of sections of town nine south, range three east, and all of town ten south, range three east, were cut off and erected into the township of Pike. The township of Royalton, as her boundaries mark at this day, contains. about twenty-five sections of land, or an area of 15,773 acres, valued, personal FULTON COUNTY - 543 and real, upon the present duplicate of the county at $301,870. This township, with all its alteration, was made when this county was a part and parcel of Lucas county, several years prior to 1850, the date of the organization of Fulton county. Boundaries.—This township is the second west of the northeast portion of the county, and is bounded on the east by Amboy township ; on the south by Pike; on the west by Chesterfield, and on the north by Fairfield township, Lenawee county, Mich., and lies wholly upon the disputed territory as settled by the Congress in December, 1836, and given to Ohio. It was the fourth township in its organization in this county. It is about fifteen miles north of Wauseon, the county seat, and contains one quite smart growing village, called Lyons. It has but one post-office named Lyons, also. The first settlement in Royalton was made in the month of June, 1833, by Eli Phillips, his wife and children. It was the first section settled in the county, and from the date of Mr. Phillips's arrival to the present time it has grown in population, so that it now holds a population of over eleven hundred persons. Soils, etc.—The soil of this township, like Amboy, is referable to the drift deposits, and would, in the north and east parts, be classified as drift clays. The southwestern portion and south side are considered as openings, comprising nearly one-third of the area of the township, and is made up of sand and many sand dunes. The surface geology in this, as in adjoining townships, is independent of the underlying rock; the northern and eastern portions, or about two-thirds of the area of the township, consists of unmodified Erie clay, and the soil with its heterogeneous deposit is rich, and has a very level surface. This clay is also rich in all the elements of vegetable growth. No bank gravel is found in this township, and there are but very few large bowiders to be found. The other one-third referred to is sandy in places, and, on the ridges, is objectionably light. The eastern and northern slope affords everywhere a rich and highly prized sandy-loam, which changes gradually into the clay-loam of the lower lands. It is easy of drainage and tillage, and now bears visibly the marks of prosperity in the whole of its domain, and under good management will be rich in agricultural possibilities, and will, at no far distant day, be the garden of the county. It may be said here that the Fire clay underlies the whole surface of the township, but where not covered with sand is largely modified by the lacustrine deposits. This Erie clay is very thick, reaching to the rock underneath, and is supposed to be near one hundred and fifty feet in depth. The summit of this township is at least one hundred and fifty feet above the waters of Lake Erie. Timber.—The clays of this township support a heavy forest growth of timber, white and burr oak predominating, with, in some parts, sugar maple, white elm, white ash, basswood, whitewood and black walnut, with a slight 544 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. sprinkling of cottonwood. Much the same growth is found on the sand slope, but the higher sand land was originally covered, though sparsely, with dwarfed oaks of the white, yellow and burr oak species. But since the settlements have begun it is found covered with a dense undergrowth of the oak varieties, and now has the appearance of forming a good forest for the future, sufficient to supply the building purposes of the township for generations to come, if cared for as every prudent husbandman cares for the prosperity of his farm. Water Supply and Course of Streams..—The main water courses run through the center of the township, a northeasterly course, and are but a continuation of the waters of Ten Mile Creek, referred to in the history of Amboy township. This stream has its rise in the adjoining township of Chesterfield, on the west. Another prominent water course comes from out of Michigan and runs south, just west of the village of Lyons, and empties into Ten Mile Creek. The waters of the greater part of this township empty into Ten Mile Creek, and flow with a gentle slope in their long run for an outlet. The streams upon the southern side find their way south to Swan Creek and Bad Creek, coursing their way to the Maumee River, and emptying therein, by two different outlets, into Maumee Bay. The water supply of Royalton is wholly unsatisfactory, as the first is only obtained by surface drainage, and is wholly dependent upon the rains ; while the next and better supply can only be obtained by the auger, in the clay deposits, and raised by the wind-mill. The sand lands, however, are much better, holding water in the basins of quicksand, supported by the Erie clay ; a more bountiful supply, yet may be considered exhaustible in extreme drouths. Topography.—This township has a very gentle inclination towards Lake Erie, and is supposed to be about one hundred and fifty feet above the water level of the lake. There is about fifteen feet of inclination to the east, across the township, with a slight dip southward. There are no outcroppings of rock, and but few glacial bowlders in the soil. The overlying rock, under the drift, is first, the Huron shale, then the Hamilton group, next the corniferous limestone. Early History.—From 1824 to 1832, the, influx of population was very rapid in and around Adrian, and, as early as 1830, was moving south toward the State line, which then, and a few years later, was being run over by the emigrant, in search of a home. Scarcely beyond this line, south, had the emigrant chosen to wander, possibly for this reason, if no other, that this northern land was in the Michigan survey, and the land office for the same was then located at the city of Monroe, at the head of Lake Erie. Coming into the territory, as these early settlers did, from the East, by the lake, or the So-called "white. prairie schooner," upon its southern shore, through Ohio, or from the North, through Canada, via. Detroit, it was quite natural that these explorations should be solely confined to this territory. Not FULTON COUNTY - 545 until 1832, did entries begin to be made. In this year Eli Phillips entered his land, and his charter right to it (a deed and seal), was signed by Andrew Jackson, president of the United States, Early in the season of the following year Eli Phillips, with his young wife, started from the vicinity of Adrian for this disputed strip, and located where he had purchased the year before, upon sections 10 and 11, town 9 south, range 3 east, now in the township of Royalton, which was then an unbroken wilderness for at least seventy miles due west, and none nearer on the south than the Maumee River. Who, of to-day, would be willing to take such a step for a home, then of so little money value, and face the difficulties apparently insurmountable, to make one of greater value ? Accustomed, as he was, to the Berkshire hills of old Massachusetts, where he was born, in the land of the Puritans and of learning, with his young wife, Vesta (Arnold) Phillips, and children, we must realize that in that time the trial was a severe one ; but through all these difficulties there was no repining. Mr. Phillips has kept that land, and he lives upon it to-day. It was fifty-four years ago that he erected the log cabin, the first of this township, and also the first upon the soil of Fulton county. Very soon after Eli Phillips settled in this township, others followed, and came to stay. Butler Richardson, it is said, was the next to follow Eli Phillips. He came in May, 1834, from Niagara county, N. Y., and settled upon section 15. He was born in Ontario county, N. Y., June 30, 1806. In later years he returned to Niagara county, where he was married to Elizabeth McCumber, on October t, 1829, and came from there to Fulton county, and became one of the successful farmers of Royalton township. He had a family of three children, On the first of February, 1866, his son, Chapman, was supposed to have been murdered, while he was caring for the stock. On that fatal morning the barn was set on fire and consumed. His bones were found among the ruins, together with the remains of nineteen head of cattle. Prosecutions were made, but no convictions obtained. At the same time Mr. Richardson lost a large amount of hay and farm utensils. George W. Welsh, another of the pioneers, was born in Montgomery county, N. Y., October 13, 1804. He was married in Niagara county to Mary Whitney. They had eleven children. The family came from Niagara county to Royalton in 1834, and settled upon section 15, where they lived and where the pioneer raised his entire family. Barney M. Robinson was another old pioneer of the township. He was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., March 5, 1812. , He was married to Sallie E. Cole, of New York, in 1834. He, with his wife, came to this county in 1839. He was, at an earlier date, upon the border, for we find him in the Toledo war under the order of General Brown. Charles D. Smith, who came to this territory during the stormy contest for ownership of this disputed strip, was born in Orange county, N. Y., July 26, 1813, and was married to Jane B. Helms October 17, 1834. They came to Ful- 546 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. ton county in 1835 and they settled upon section 7. Mrs. Smith was born in Orange county, N. V., July 24, 1811. Mr. Smith died at his home in Royalton October 21, 1858, in the prime of his manhood. I le was a respected and highly honored citizen. He was thrice honored by the people of his county for the sheriff's office, which he filled with credit to himself and honor to the whole people of the county. He was always an unflinching Democrat. Two of his sons, Martin V. and Laton, served the Union cause in the late war. The father while living was always ready to lend a helping hand to the poor struggling pioneer of the early days, and was a very important actor in all the business relations of his day that looked to the advancement of his people. Amos Rathbun came to Fulton county in 1837. He was among the men of that time that came to make a home and was ever willing to endure the hardships incident to a pioneer life. He was born at Salem, Conn., January 20, 1812. He grew to manhood among the thrifty New Englanders and was prepared when he came to; Fulton county as a man, to meet the Indian on equal ground, and subdue an almost unbroken wilderness. To-day only a few, very few of those old settlers are left to tell the story of that life in the cabin built of logs, where the deer bounded past the door, and the sweet sleep upon a couch of straw came after a hard day's work, and that to be often broken by the howling wolf. Mr. Rathbun built the first school-house of his neighborhood of logs, with a floor of split puncheons, hewed upon the face ; the seats and desks' were of the same material. It was built upon the corner of his farm, one mile south of Lyons. In later years he left the county and settled near Weston, Lenawee county, Mich., and there died August 18, 1887. Jenks Morey came to this county in 1838, from Mentor, Lake county, 0., and settled upon section 9, where a large part of the village of Lyons is now built. He kept the first hotel in the township in 1850 in a fine wooden structure, and in which hotel accommodations are had to the present date. He died after many years of toil in the wilderness, November 15, 1871. Warren J. and George Morey are the only one of his children now living. Elias Richardson and Lucinda (Dowd) Richardson came to Fulton county May 14, 1836, and settled upon section 9, first and afterwards bought an eighty acres adjoining, on section 0, upon which he built a frame house in which he resides up to date. Elias Richardson has made life a success, and he and his wife arc now advanced to a ripe old age. He was one of the directors of the plank road which was built in 1850, from Toledo to Morenci, Mich. He built eleven miles of this road. Thomas Richardson came at the same time of his brother Elias. Hiram Richardson came in 1837, a year later. They were all from Niagara county, N. Y. All are still living and highly respected. Elias Richardson was twice honored by the people of the county with the office of county commissioner, and served six years. He is now seventy-five years old and has a bright memory. FULTON COUNTY - 547 John Sturtevant came in 1835, Joseph H. Applegate in 1834, and Witt L. Windship in 1835. Benjamin Davis and wife came here in 1838 from Dutchess county, N. Y., and has been very successful as a farmer and business man of the county. Ansel M, Henderson came in 1836. George B. Brown came in 1836. He was the first sheriff of Fulton county, and is still living at an advanced age. Ansel H. Henderson was married to Ruth A. Richardson in Niagara county July 6, 1836, and came directly to this county. He has had four children. He lost his first wife, and on January 30, 1851, he was married again to Elizabeth A. Hawley, daughter of Manly Hawley, of Chesterfield township, with whom he is still living. In 1836 there came to this township many families who have been honored citizens. Amos H. Jordan and Henry Jordan came from Vermont ; A. C. Osborn, who settled on section 15, came from Montgomery county, N. Y.; Jared Hoadley, Daniel Bueler, Ebenezer S. Carpenter, Mordecai Carpenter, Willey Carpenter, John T. Carpenter and Snow Carpenter. " Uncle " Billy Smith came to this county in 1833, with, or soon after Eli Phillips. Smith was a bachelor. Warren Dodge and his wife Permelia (Church) Dodge settled in this township in 1834. They had eleven children. Joshua and Mary Youngs settled here in 1835. Dr. Youngs was the first and only physician in this locality for many years, At one time his practice was extensive. He settled upon section 26. He died in 1873, having previously retired from practice. In 1835 David Wood settled on section 9. Frasier Smalley came in 1834. In 1835 came William and Charles Blain, brothers, and settled in the East, on the line of Amboy and Royalton townships. Alpheus Fenner was born in Berkshire county, Mass., July 29, 1813, and settled in Fulton county in 1838, on section 10. Enos C. Daniels and Mary A. (Carroll) Daniels were married at Mentor, Lake county, 0., May 4, 1837. He was born in Madison county, N. Y., December 22, 1814. He settled in Fulton county, this township, in March, 1840. He became an important acquisition to the people and a leader in agricultural and other industries. He built the first frame hotel which was occupied by Jenks Morey, also built the first brick church of the township, occupied by the Disciples in Christ; also the first frame house in the township, and the first block in the village of Lyons. His son, Albert C. went into the service and served in the Sixty-seventh Regiment three years, and was promoted to sergeant. Samuel Carpenter came to Lenawee county, Mich., in 1828, and from there to Fulton county in 1843, consequently he has more experience in pioneering than most of the persons named. He settled on sections 21 and 22, just six- 548 - HISTORY OF HENRY AND FULTON COUNTIES. teen miles south from Adrian, Mich. At or near the hamlet called Logan (now Adrian) Mr. Carpenter spent most of his boyhood days, and his recollection of the incidents connected with that period are clear. He married Susan Welsh, November 2, 1844. Mr. Carpenter has been a follower of the Jeffersonian school of politics since he was of age, and it may be said of him there has been no break in his political faith. He feels proud of it to-day. Michael Forester and Patrick Burroughs came to this county in 184o. Michael Forester lived to be over one hundred years old. David Potes came in 1840. John Hinkle came in 1838. Nathaniel S. Ketchum and his wife Emeline (Smith) Ketchum, came to this county in 1835. They were from Orange county, N. Y. John, Erastus and James Welsh came in 1838, from Niagara county, N. Y. Many others came during the same period whose names have been lost or cannot be definitely ascertained. Miscellaneous.—Emeline Welsh was the first white female child born in the township, the event occurring November I, 1834. William Smalley was the first male child born. Whitfield Tappan and Amanda Woodford were the first parties married. Ebenezer Carpenter, a justice of the peace, performed the ceremony. The bride only lived in this township, and the bridegroom in Pike. Jonas Dodge and Olive Green were the first residents married in the township. Mrs. Brown, mother of the wife of Henry Jordan, was the first person buried in the Jordan cemetery, and Cintha Cadwell, a sister of Alanson Briggs, of Chesterfield, was the first buried in Lyons cemetery, west of the village. Joshua Youngs was the first physician of the township. Elder Hodge was the first preacher ; he was a Baptist. Colonel Lathrop, of Lucas county, preached in the very early days to those of the Universalist faith. The first school-house built was on section fifteen, in 1837, and the first teacher was Olive Green. The second school-house was on the farm of Amos Rathbun, who built the same. The first goods sold in the township was at Phillips Corners, by Allen Wilcox and Sanford L. Collins. The first church built was the Universalist at Lyons. in 1862. There are now four churches in the township, one Universalist, one Disciples in Christ, (both of these are in the village of Lyons), one Free Methodist and one Methodist Episcopal ; the last two are on the eastern border of the township. In 1858 Warren J. Hendrix built and taught for a number of years thereafter, a high school at Lyons. Royalton has now six sub-district schools and one special school. Jenks Morey run the first hotel, and Eli Phillips the second in the very early days of the township, The first saw-mill was built in 1850 by the Plank Road Company, and FULTON COUNTY - 549 stood west side of Lyons cemetery. James Baker, of Gorham, was the manager of the mill, which was used exclusively for sawing plank for the road. The mill, in later years, was moved to Gorham where it is now owned and run by Thomas F. Baker. The Eagle Cheese factory of this township was the first one erected in the county. It is now owned by Albert C. Daniels and is a very flourishing industry as well as profitable to the farming community. Another cheese factory in Amboy township just east of the Royalton line, called the Ben Davis factory, is, in at least fifty per cent. of its product, supported by the farmers of Royalton township. Royalton has but one post-office, called Lyons, located at Lyons on a mail route extending from Adrian, Mich., to Wauseon, the county seat of Fulton county, and has had for many years a daily mail. The Village of Lyons.—Lyons, formerly called Morey's Corners, did not commence its history until the building of the plank road in 1850. Since that time it has developed a steady growth to the present day. Jenks Morey was its original projector. It now supports one dry goods and general merchandise store, kept by Hinkle & Downer ; one drug store by Nelson F. Carmon ; one undertaker shop and art gallery by Richardson & Ladd ; one hotel by Mr. Baker ; three blacksmith shops, one cheese factory, one brick and tile factory by James Briggs ; one grist and saw-mill, with attachments for making shingles, also a planing machine, owned by A. C. Daniels and Walter Meeker ; one millinery shop, one hardware and tin shop by R. W. Ladd ; one harness and carriage trimming shop by F. A. Slater ; two churches, the Universalist, built in 1862, and one Disciples, built in 1877. Lyons has a lodge of F. & A. M., numbering four hundred and thirty-four members, and organized in 1862. It has a lodge of the I. 0. 0. F., organized at the same time. It has two physicians, Ezra B. Mann and H. H. Brown. Phillips Corners.—This hamlet contains one dry goods store, run by Davis B. Brown ; one blacksmith shop, one physician. Dr. Cunningham, and one wagon and repair shop. Official Roll.—George B. Brown was the first sheriff of the county, elected in April, 1850. He served nearly one year. Charles D. Smith was elected in the fall of 1850 and served six years ; Henry Jordan was commissioner for three years ; Elias Richardson two terms, six years of service ; Hon. Fzra B. Mann, two terms as representative in the Legislature of Ohio, four years ; Richard Scott two terms as commissioner. In all this shows a term of twenty-six years of official service in the county for Royalton township. Agricultural and Other Industries.—The agricultural and industrial power of this township in 1886, as represented by the returns of township assessor to the auditor of Fulton county, are carefully compiled and shown thus : Number of acres of wheat sown, 1,086 ; bushels harvested, 10,591 ; rye, 130 acres,