MONCLOVA TOWNSHIP - 847
MONCLOVA TOWNSHIP.
The Township of Monclova lies partly upon the Maumee River at the head of the Rapids, and is included in the oldest settled sections of the Maumee Valley. According to tradition, the French built a Stockade and established a Trading-post with the Indians at the Rapids of the Maumee as early as 1680. However that may be, it is quite probable that French traders and adventurers from Raisin or Detroit occupied the site of the Rapids before the British built Fort Miami. In Knapp's History of the Maumee Valley we find the following :
Soon after the victory of General Wayne and the evacuation of Fort Miami by the British, litany French and Americans settled at the foot of the Rapids. In October, 1807, James Carlin (Government Blacksmith) and family removed from the River Raisin to Maumee city; and his son, Squire Carlin, now a resident of Hancock County, states that when his father and family reached the place now known as Maumee City, the following were residents of the neighborhood : Three families of Ewing (the Christian names of two being William, but the first name of the third not by him recollected), William and Andrew Race and a Mr. Carter--waking a total of six American families.
Mrs. Maria Reed, now residing at Monclova, who settled there in 1818, having lived three years previous at Perrysburg, has been able to give the writer the name of the third Ewing not remembered by Mr. Carlin. She says it was Samuel Ewing, and that he built the first mill on Swan Creek within the present Village of Monclova, sometime before the War of 1812. It was destroyed during the War, among many other depredations committed by the British and Indians in this section ; but was rebuilt by her father, Ephraim H. Leaming, and his brother, Thomas, in 1817. In the Spring of 1818, Mr. Leaming removed his family Crom Perrysburg to Monclova, and settled on lands which he had purchased from the Government when the Reserve lands were offered for sale in 1817. The only settler who had preceded them to the immediate neighborhood was Daniel Murray, who, with his family, lived in a log-cabin where John Black now lives, on the bank of Dry Creek. Mr. Murray moved out of the Township (or what is now the Township), in 1824. None of his descendants are now living in Monclova.
That there were settlers within the boundaries of the present Township previous to the War of 1812-15, seems evident. Knapp says quoting, probably, from reminiscences of H. L. Hosmer
The intelligence that War was declared in 1812 was first communicated to the white settlers at, the foot of the Rapids and at Monclova (these places then being the only white settlements between Lower Sandusky and Frenchtown or Monroe) by Peter Manor, of Providence.
The War probably scattered the first settlers from the Township, and few, if any of them ever returned. Among those who were settlers before the War (of 1812), and probably as early as 1807, as stated by Mr. Carlin, undoubtedly Samuel Ewing was one, for Mrs. Reed's recollection is that Anthony, son of Samuel Ewing, is reputed to have been the first white child born in the Township (in 1808).
Ephraim H. Leaming (father of Mrs. Reed above referred to) was born in New York State and came from Livingston County to Perrysburg in 1815. He and his brother, Thomas, who was early associated with hint in business, were Carpenters and Mill-Wrights. After they had rebuilt the old Ewing mill at Monclova, they furnished much of the lumber for the residences of General Hunt and Major Forsyth at Maumee-the finest residence at that time in the country. Thomas Leaming was the builder of one or both of these mansions. The lumber was drawn by the Leamings from their mill with ox teams. Swan Creek was then a fine mill-stream, and probably the first mill ever erected upon its banks was that which stood before the War of 1812-15, a few rolls above the bridge at Main Street in Monclova.
Ephraim H. Leaming brought with him from Livingston County, New York, his wife Mary, and three children-Maria, Ephraim and Thomas H. Ephraim was drowned in the Maumee at Perrysburg in 1817. Thomas H. Leaming, the other son, was born in the State of New York, January 27, 1814, and died at his residence in Monclova (part of the old paternal homestead), June 21, 1885. As the oldest male settler of the Township, and of a considerable larger section as well, he was President of the Pioneer Association for several years before his death. He was married with Huldah, daughter of Charles Merrill, a native of Maine and an old settler in Amboy Township, Fulton County. Their son, W. G. Leaming, is the present Clerk of Monclova Township.
Maria Leaming (widow of Anson Reed, de-
848 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
ceased), was born in Livingston County, New York, July 17, 1809, and came to Perrysburg with her parents in 1815. Since the Spring of 1818 she has resided on the homestead in Monclova, is now in the 78th year of her age, with mind remarkably bright and clear, and is the oldest living settler in the Township. She was married with Mr. Reed January 1, 1834, and has one daughter, Mary (Mrs. Jacob Brown), residing in Swanton.
Hezekiah Hubbell, father of the present Postmaster at Monclova, was one of the early settlers. He bought of the Government in 1831, the East half of the Northwest quarter of Section five, Town one, United States Reserve, on which he settled the year of his purchase. In 1833 he entered the West half of the Northwest quarter of section 32. Mr. Hubbell was a substantial and enterprising farmer. He was married with Anna Steel, and had five children, two of whom live in the Township, viz.: C. L. Hubbell, the Postmaster, referred to above, and Clarinda, widow of the late William Wilson. Mr. Hezekiah Hubbell died in 1846. The William Wilson above mentioned, was a son of Judge Wilson who platted the Town of Sylvania in 1836. C. L. Hubbell, in 1836, built the store and residence where he now lives in the Village. Besides his mercantile business and the Post Office, he keeps the only hotel in the place.
Aaron Trapp, son of John Trapp, one of the leading men of the Township, also keeps a store in the Village, and has been Postmaster, Justice of the Peace, Township Trustee, and filled other official stations.
Another early settler who should be mentioned in this connection is Mr. Conrad Coder, who came into the Township in 1834. The farm on which he has resided for over half a century is situated near the Village, while his son, W. W. Coder, lives upon the adjoining estate on the bank of Swan Creek. Both are beautiful and welt-improved farms. Six children, of Mr. Coder's large family of 15, are living. The following are residents of the Township: W. W. Coder, above referred to, Jeremiah, John and Elizabeth (the latter Mrs. Peter S. Strayer). Mr. Conrad Coder has attained the age of 77 years. His wife died in 1872. W. W. Coder has taken an active part in Township and local affairs, being a trustworthy as well as a well-informed and competent business man. His Towns-people have kept him, by successive elections, 24 years in the office of Justice of the Peace. He has served also many years as Township Clerk, and as member of the Board of Education, of which he is President. Mr. Coder was married in 1863 with Harriet Jane Merritt. Of their two sons, Frank and Edgar, the former is a law student in Toledo, and the other at home on the farm.
John Barton resides on the East half of the Southeast quarter of Section 13, land which he entered in 1841. He has about 300 acres and is a wealthy farmer.
Peter P. Bateman (deceased) was an early and prosperous settler. He entered the East half of the Northwest quarter of Section 24, but sold out and bought in the River track. His sons, William A. and Frederick Bateman, are heirs to his large estate, on which they reside.
George Allen died at Monclova in 1878, aged 70 years. He bought his land from the Government in 1834, and settled where his widow and family now resides in 1841. He was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1808 ; married, first, Elizabeth Oswalt, by whom he had six children ; his second wife, now surviving, was Elizabeth Jones, they being married in 1854. Their two children' are Mary E. Myers and John W. Allen. Mr. Allen was highly esteemed by his fellow-citizens as a man of integrity of character.
Few citizens have taken aa more active interest in Township affairs than Warren B. Gann, who was the first Township Clerk in 1853, and served in that and other offices many years. He came to the County in September, 1820. He is still living and ranks among the most worthy of the old settlers, and by virtue of priority of residence, is President of the Maumee Valley Historical Society.
The following is a partial list of the oldest settlers now remaining: Maria Reed, John Strayer, Warren B. Gunn, Conrad Coder, Adam Black. Conrad Noble, William Weible, Henry Heffelbower.
It is recorded as a fact applicable to the pioneers of Monclova, As of the Maumee Valley generally, that of the many families who lived on the Reservation of 12 miles square at the foot of the Rapids, previous to the War of 181215, and returned afterwards, not one was addicted to the habit of intemperance or practical dishonesty in dealing; but all were esteemed as good citizens.
JOHN STRAYER was born July 4, 1811, in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. His father, Peter Strayer, was a native of York County, same State, the family being of German descent. When the son was about four years old, they removed to Stark County, Ohio, where he remained until 21 years of age (1832). He then came to the Maumee Valley, and purchased the Southeast quarter of Section 33, Town Two, United States Reserve (now in Monclova Township, Lucas County, and at once began life in the wilderness. He built a log-house on the East half of his purchase in the Spring of 1833, and in the Autumn following was joined in marriage with Susan Schwartz, a native of Harrison County, born November 8, 1813. The young couple at once came to their forest home, where they have since lived to see the wilderness give place to improved farms and prosperous Towns and
MONCLOVA TOWNSHIP. - 849
Cities, and the Indian withdraw to make room for the intruding white man. At the first, a part of Mr. Strayer's land was occupied as an Indian camping-ground; but their relations with the white comers were always peaceful and pleasant. The obstacles, hardships and joys incident to pioneer life, were their experience during the long years of toil which Mr. and Mrs. Strayer were called to meet. Ten children were born to then-six sons and four daughters. Two of the former (Daniel and John), were volunteers in the great loyal Army which made successful defense of the Nation's life against Rebellion The latter named offered up his life for the Union, having contracted disease while in the service and died at Ringgold, Georgia, April 11, 1864. Both were in Company I, Fourteenth Ohio Infantry. Daniel, with five other living children, are new comfortably situated on farms in the vicinity of the old homestead, which has been held now for over 54 years. Politically, Mr. Strayer acted with the Whig party until it was disbanded and succeeded by the Republican party. His first vote for President was cast for General Wm. H. Harrison, in 1840. He was at Fort Meigs in June, 1840, when General Harrison attended the memorable celebration of the British siege of that fortress. He was in sentiment strongly Anti-Slavery, and for many years before the removal of that great wrong, the prayer statedly ascended at his family devotion for the deliverance of those "in bonds." In religious faith their views were those of the Church known as the United Brethren in Christ, with which they actively co operate and in support of which their means were freely bestowed. They have long been strongly opposed in sentiment to secrecy in associations of every description, believing such connection to be inconsistent with the Christian profession. Among the earlier incidents of their life in the Woods, was the celebrated meteoric shower of the night of November 5, 1833, which occurred very soon after their forest home had been established. The aged couple were permitted on the 27th of August, 1883, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their marriage, with a large gathering of children, grand-children and great-grandchildren and friends and neighbors. They have been singularly happy in their family, both in the number and the pervading sympathy of the members. Few domestic circles have been as happy in their relations-a state of things largely due to the uniform religious sentiment which pervaded their home.
ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWNSHIP.
The citizens of Monclova petitioned the Board of County Commissioners March 7, 1853, to set them off as a separate Township, to be known as Monclova, Lucas County. The petition was received and laid upon the table. March 9th it was taken up, the petitioners and remonstrants heard, for and against the proposition, and action upon it made a special order for the adjourned meeting March 14, 1853. At this meeting the Township of Waynesfield was divided, the now boundaries of Springfield Township established, and Monclova constituted.
The first meeting for the election of' Township officers was appointed to be held on the first Monday in April, 1853. The record containing the elections and official proceedings to the Township for about 25 years are lost, and all that can be done is to give such partial data as may be gleaned from other sources.
In April, 1853, the Board of Education met at the house of B. T. Barnes and organized by electing J. O. Allen Chairman. W. B. Gunn, Clerk of the Township, acted as clerk. Resolutions were, adopted for the government of the Schools in the Township, and J. O. Allen was appointed acting manager. The Board in 1855 consisted of Peter Blystone, Peter Bomgardner, H. L. Crossett, John Weible, Jesse Kerr, and Warren B. Gunn-the latter as Clerk. There were then six Districts in the Township.
The first School-house was a frame building, erected in the Village on ground given by Hezekiah Hubbell in 1838. It stood on the premises now occupied by Aaron Trapp, near his residence, and was superseded by the frame School-house which stands in the rear of the present School building, and which a few years ago was repaired by the Disciples Church for their religious meetings. The present Schoolhouse in the Village is a substantial brick structure, the upper story of which is fitted up for a Township Hall. The School employs two Teachers in Winter and one in Summer. There are now seven Districts in the Township, with substantial brick School-houses. The number of persons of School age is 185 males, 168 females, total 353. Number of votes cast, 245.
The following named persons have been Treasurers of Monclova Township since its organization: Adam Black, Solomon Salisbury, John Trapp, John Strayer, Lewis Metzger (14 years-1866-80), Aaron Trapp (1880-86), Joseph Hairs (1886), Lewis Metzger (1887).
Clerks since 1880-W. W. Coder, to 1887; 1V. G. Learning, 1887.
Trustees since 1880-Jeremiah Coder, J. A. Nachtrab, John Ward, 1880; William Blaystone, Jeremiah Coder, William Lose, 1881 ; J. O. Holloway, William Braystone, Daniel Strayer, 1882; C. L. Hubbell, C. H. Roberts, Joseph Hain, 1883 ; Jacob Weckesley, William Lose, J. E. Farmer, 1884; Jacob Weckesly, William Lose, J. E. Farmer, 1885 ; Laban Lowry, Chas. Decker, Wilson Davis, 1886; Charles Decker, Andrew Baker, Daniel Keener, 1887.
850 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
JOHN WEIBLE was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, December 21, 1815. He is the oldest son of William N. and Hannah (Lose) Weible, of German descent. His father was born at Sea, June 15, 1788, during the voyage of his grand-parents from Germany to America; he died in Monclova Township in 1857, aged 69, his wife having died in August, 1851. William and Hannah Weible had a family of eleven children-five sons and six daughters; five are yet living, John Weible, the subject of this sketch, being the only of the family residing in Monclova Township. Mr. Weible was brought up in his native Town in Pennsylvania; received such an education as the common Schools of that day and his opportunities afforded; learned the carpenter's trade, and followed that occupation during the early part of his life. Being at the same time a diligent reader and close observer, he acquired much information, which he has been able to turn to good account, not only financially, but in the creditable manner in which he has deported himself in his various relations. Few men in his station are better informed on most practical subjects, or have more prompt and accurate habits of business, that has Mr. Weible. He was married in Pennsylvania, December 21, 1837, with Miss Rebecca Rhodes. In 1853 he removed to Lucas County and settled on land purchased of Martin Walter, adjoining the farm on which he now resides. He has here a well-kept and comfortable farm and residence, on a rise of ground overlooking the Swan Creek Valley. Mr. and Mrs. Weible have had no children of their own, but they have brought up two orphans, whom they have parentally cared for and assisted in settlement.
Mr. Weible early embraced the faith and worship of the United Brethren, in the fellowship of which Church he has spent most of his life. He has been since his profession of religion an active worker in the cause of Missions and Sunday Schools. For six years he has held the office of Justice of the Peace in his Township, and for the same length of time has been a Director of the County Infirmary. In 1870 he, with other citizens, got up a subscription for a Soldiers' Monument, which was placed in the Cemetery to commemorate the deeds of those who served their country in the late War. In many ways he has been an active promoter of the welfare of the Soldiers and manifested his patriotism during the Rebellion.
MONCLOVA VILLAGE
Was laid out and recorded by O. H. Beatty and Hezekiah Hubbell, May 27, 1836. Main Street, running North 87 degrees East, is the principal Street. The other Streets (at right angles) are Farmers, Mechanics, Spring, Wood, Raisin, Market, etc. The Village is situated centrally in the Township, and since the organization has been the place of the Township business. It contains two stores (those of C. L. Hubbell and Aaron Trapp), Post Office, two Churches, a Wagon Shop, Blacksmith Shop, Hotel, Schoolhouse, Township Hall, etc.
There is a Railroad Station at the Village on the Wabash Railroad, established in 1864, and another on the Toledo, St. Louis and Kansas City Road, at Presque Isle Hill.
The Post Office was established in 1854, at Monclova, with Benjamin F. Barnes as Postmaster. The following have been the Postmasters since: Frank Evans, 1859; T. H. Leaming, 1866 ; C. L. Hubbell, 1866-73 ; Elias Trapp, 1874; Aaron Trapp, 1875-85; C. L. Hubbell, 1887.
CHURCHES.
There are two Churches of the United Brethren in the Township. William Otterbein was the founder of this denomination in Pennsylvania in 1774, and many of the early settlers in Northwestern Ohio being from Pennsylvania, and of that faith, it was natural that Churches of the order should spring up in the settlements. Rev. Messrs. Needles and Bright were among the first preachers of the United Brethren in Monclova, and held services in the School-houses and private residences. Others who came later and were settled as Pastors were: Revs. J. Thomas, James Martin, James Long, G. W. Crawford, William and George Dinius, Joseph Fink and J. K. Allwood. Rev. J. B. Hawkins is the present Pastor. There are two Churches, both neat brick edifices. The Church in the Village was erected in 1864; that at Swan Creek in 1877.
The Methodists had a Class in the Village several years, but never established a permanent Church.
The Disciples also for some time held meetings in the old School. house, which they repaired for that purpose, but discontinued a few years ago.
LAND TRANSFERS.
Following is a list of the principal transfers of land made in Monclova Township from 1832 to 1849, with accurate dates taken from the records in the Recorder's office:
Peter Wise to James H. Forsyth, May. 1836.
Horace Young to Stephen Young, October, 1835.
Michael Strayer to Christian Gnagy, October, 1833.
Jesse Browning to John Emery, May, 1836.
Daniel D. Divine to Daniel P. Ketcham. 1836.
Huntington Larabee to Joel Cass, September, 1836, 40 acres next Dr. Emery's land, Section 12; $3.00.
J. H. Forsyth to Eben Jessup, Jr., July, 1836; 80 acres in Section 9.
J. H. Forsyth to Chas. Nobles, July, 1836.
Daniel P. Ketcham to D. P. Ketcham. Jr., 1837.
Jas. Wilkinson to Wm. Kingsbury, March, 1837.
John Whitmore to John Whitmore, Jr., fan. 1837.
J. H. Forsyth to .Tames Horner, July, 1836.
A. B. Crosby to E. H. Crosby, September, 1836.
Thos. J. Dobbins to Gabriel Kinney, 1836.
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John Chambers and Adam Beatty to Henry O. Beatty, September, 1836.
Robert Taylor to John Chambers, 1834.
J. G. Hannah to Jonas Flory, May, 1833.
John S. Farr to Jacob Alpach, September, 1834.
Alonzo Noble to John Heflelbower. October, 1833.
Jonas Pratt to Thos. Leaming, Jr., 1832.
Thos. Learning to Maria, Esther, Sarah, Temperance and Thomas Leaming, Jr., 1832.
Conrad House to Alonzo M. Noble, 1832.
Jarvis Gilbert to Martin Walter, 1832.
Bishop Surdam to J. E. Hunt, 1834.
Peter Schlappi to John Schlappi, March, 1837.
E. A. Mitchell to John Emery, August, 1836.
Walterman Johnson to Hez. Hubbell, June, 1837.
A. B. Crosby to Lyman Dudley, January, 1837.
Hez. Hubbell to Henry O. Beatty, July, 1836.
Dexter H. Rhodes to Chas. Bucklin, October, 1837.
Corydon E. Fay to Anson Reed, October, 1837.
Joseph Gnagy to Richard Rodney, June, 1837.
Chas. Bucklin to Marius Moore, February, 1838.
Moses P. Morgan to John Chappell, February ,'38.
Samuel Barrett to Win. H. Alden, November, 1837.
Erastus Briggs to Timothy Manly, May, 1838.
John Whitmore to Elijah Herrick, November, '38.
Same to Thomas Fraker, April, 1838.
James Wolcott to D. R. Stebbins, September. 1836.
Warren Tremaine to Josiah Reed, November, '38.
Lyman Lane to John S. Rector, January, 1839.
Thos. Degane to Asahel Bateman, September '39.
Aurora Spafford to Lucy Leslie, November, 1839.
Africa Spaulding to John Hancock, October, 1839.
George Brim to H. W. Horton, April, 1840.
John King to James Donohue, July, 1840..
Joseph Reed to Jesse Reed, September, 1840.
United States to Henry Zimmerman, 1837.
Edward Hughes to Cyrus Howard, June, 1840.
Thos. Leaming to Johnson M. Bateman and Hezekiah Hubbell, May, 1840.
Duncan C. and J. H. Porsyth to Charlotte T. Forsyth and Hezekiah Hubbell, June, 1840.
Lorenzo H. Wyatt to J. T Bateman, Nov., 1840.
James L. Curtis to Nathaniel Berry, Nov., 1837.
John Schwartz to Andrew Raginold, May, 1843.
Hez. Hubbell to Alman G. Johnson, Nov., 1835.
Marcus Wilcox to Eph. Kilbourn, October, 1844.
Henry K. Paints to J. G. Cook, December, 1844.
John Trapp to Mark F. Merrill, January, 1844.
Martin Walters to John Strayer, October, 1844.
C. V. Merrill to Mark F. Merrill, December, 1845.
Horace Waite to Waterman Johnson, May, 1847.
Christian Zook to Conrad Cocber, September, 1836.
Eph. Kimball to Roswell Kimball, January, 1848.
Mark F. Merrill to Benj. V. Sanders, August 1845.
Geo. Hetzber to John Trapp, December, 1836.
Isaac Hull to John Zeigler. August, 1846.
Hez. Hubbell to Bernhart Long, June, 1844.
Daniel Wisler to Samuel Cranker, July, 1840.
S. M. Young to D. D. Towner, November, 1845.
M. R. Waite to Orlando Champion, March, 1846.
United States to Conrad Zutavern, March. 1837.
John Van Fleet to Adam Black, March, 1846.
Benj. Saunders to Avery S. Saunders, October, '48.
Matthew Cowling to Wm. Cowling, March, 1848.
Daniel Wisler to John Smith, April, 1849.
Martin Walter and John Zeigler to Josiah Harbaugh, April, 1849.
Jesse Kerr to Jacob Schneider, July, 1849.