864 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
RICHFIELD TOWNSHIP.
The Township of Richfield lies in the extreme Northwestern corner of Lucas County. Its area is about four and one-half by five miles, or some 22 square miles. It is bounded on the East by Sylvania; on the South by Springfield; on the West by Fulton County (Amboy Township); and on the North by Lenawee County, Michigan. It is about 16 miles Northwest from Toledo.
Richfield was originally part of Sylvania and Springfield Townships, organized under the name of Sylvania, April 2,1838, from which it was set off April 6, 1840, by order of County Commissioners.
The Township is among the richest farming sections in Northwestern Ohio, being a rich clay loam, and clay and sand mixed with gravel. While most of the crops usually grown are cultivated successfully, the principal products are wheat, corn, hay and oats.
The Southern part of the Township is watered by Sugar Creek, and the Northern by Ottawa River or Ten-Mile Creek.
The population is mostly American born, except a German settlement in the Southern part of the Township.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The earliest settlers within the boundaries of the Township were Lucian B., Araunah and Pliny Lathrop (the last named being one of the first Trustees of Sylvania Township), James Farley, W. R. Cole, Isaac Washburn, Jacob Wolfinger, David Hendrickson and Joseph Smith, they locating there between 1834 and 1838. Of these, James Farley, Isaac Washburn, Joseph Smith and David Hendrickson, are now (1888) in the Township. W. R. Cole migrated to Texas in 1868, and Lucian B. Lathrop died in May, 1866; Araunah Lathrop died in March, 1870; Pliny Lathrop died in August, 1881, and Jacob Wolfinger died December 13, 1857.
David Hendrickson, Jacob Wolfinger and Pliny Lathrop can justly claim the honor of being the first white settlers, all coming to the Township in 1834, and locating, respectively, in the centre, Southern and Northern parts of the present boundaries. The only surviving one, David Hendrickson, came from Broome County, New York, with horse and wagon in 1834. At that time there were no roads, and from three to five miles per day was considered "rapid transit," by way of Buffalo, Cleveland and Fremont, to Perrysburg. Fording the Maumee River at or near the Rapids, they followed an Indian trail through where now is Holland, finally driving his stake near the centre of the Township, where he is now living at a ripe old age, the only survivor of the three pioneer settlers.
Jacob Wolfinger came from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, settling in Richfield in May, 1834. Of his family (seven girls and four boys) four are now living-Mrs. Amanda Harroun, Mrs. Lydia Bayliss, and Jonas Wolfinger, in Richfield; and Philip Harpel Wolfinger, in Iowa. Mr. Wolfinger put up the first log-house, on Section 26, in 1834, although at about the same time Col. Lucian B. Lathrop erected one on Section 3, which was occupied by- Pliny Lathrop until the Spring of 1835. His son, Jacob M. Wolfinger (born November 6, 1834, and died September 29, 1859), was the first white child born in the settlement, and from his family was the first death in the Township (Rebecca Wolfinger), who died in September, 1835.
Isaac Washburn, who came to the Township from Vermont in 1834, is referred to elsewhere. Lucian B. Lathrop, in 18::37, erected the first frame barn, and was closely followed by Pliny Lathrop, in 1838, with the first frame houses in the Township. Brick did not semi to be used for building purposes until 1874, when Joseph Miller put up the first brick house.
The first clearing was done by Wolfinger and Lathrop in 1834. It consisted of about 15 acres, which was then put into wheat.
Jacob Wolfinger planted the first orchard (of apples and peaches), iii 1837.
James Farley brought in the first improved stock in 1854 ; and Charles Ford the first mowing machine, in 1860.
The first store in the Township was opened by Henry King, in 1870; and the first Blacksmith Shop by Charles C. Welch, in 1843.
The first Physician was Dr. M. M. Mason, who located himself there in 1840.
The first religious discourse delivered in the Township was by Rev. A. H. Cole, in 1835, he being an itinerant Missionary of the Baptist Church.
The first Public Road in the Township was the "Old Territorial Road" from Toledo to Angola, Indiana, which was opened through Richfield in the Winter of 1834-5. The only roads besides this, for many years, consisted of Indian trails and "cow-paths," as convenience required for intercourse between the settlers. Two grave yards were dedicated in the Township in 1835-the one on Section 9, and the other on Section 35.
The first School-house was a rough log structure, built on the old Territorial Road, in Section 9, near Berkey's Corners, during the year 1837, the first teacher being Francis Smith, who, during the Winter of 1837-8, received as compensation, "forty dollars for two
RICHFIELD TOWNSHIP. - 865
month's services, he to board himself." Among the early pupils called to mind by one of them, were Lorenzo, Luther, Miles, Mary Ann, Azro, Clark and Susan Lathrop; David, Jonathan, Douglass and William Sanderson ; Eliza Ann, Louisa, Elizabeth and Alvin Wood; Harriet, Eliza, Henry and Norton Fuller; and Lyman Root.
There are now in the Township six substantial School-houses, the Districts being occupied and buildings first erected on them as follows Second-On Section 17, near Lenderson's Cormners, 1843; Third-On Section 20, in 184.5; Fourth-On Section 5, in 1850; Fifth-On Section 22, in 1851 ; Sixth-Orr Section 14, in 1887.
In September, 1884, the School enumeration for the several Districts was as follows:
Males. Females. Total.
District No. l 27 21 48
" " 2 35 119 84
" " 3 43 40 83
" " 4 18 15 33
" " 5 36 47 83
159 172 331
The Township records strow, that at a meeting of the qualified electors of the Township of Richfield, in the County of Lucas, and State of Ohio, held pursuant to the County Commissioners' notice, on the first Monday in April, 1840, at the house of Willard S. Fuller, for the purpose of organizing the Township of Richfield, proceeded between the hours of 8 and11 A. M. to choose, viva voce, John All, William Taylor and Willard S. Fuller, as Judges; and Aaron H. Cole and Samuel Coleman, as Clerks of Election.
The following named persons were elected to the offices named
Township Clerk-Willard S. Fuller.
Trustees of Township-Oliver Root, Jacob Wolfinger, Benjamin Fairchild.
Treasurer-Aaron H. Cole.
Constables-Jacob All, Araunah Lathrop, David Hendrickson.
Overseers of Poor-Eli Munson, Pliny Sanderson.
Fence Viewers-John All, William Taylor; David Hendrickson.
Supervisors of Highways-Arunah Lathrop, Wm. Tunison, Charles Courson.
April 1841. Clerk, Pliny Lathrop ; Treasurer, David Chute; Trustees, Lucian B. Lathrop, William Taylor, Isaac Washburn.
April, 1842. Clerk, Pliny Lathrop ; Treasurer, David Chute; Trustees, Isaac Washburn, Sanford Hannah, William Taylor.
April, 1843. Clerk, Willard S. Fuller; Treasurer, James Farley ; Trustees, Lucian B. Lathrop, Solomon Collins, David Chute ; Assessor, Darius Wyatt.
April, 1844. Clerk, Willard S. Fuller; Treasurer, James Farley ; Trustees, Lucian B. Lathrop, Solomon Collins, Eli Munson.
April, 1845. Clerk, Pliny Lathrop; Treasurer, James Wood ; Trustees, Isaac Washburn, Pliny Sanderson, James Farley.
April, 1846. Clerk, Henry H. Fuller; Treasurer, Isaac Washburn ; Trustees, James Farley, Pliny Sanderson, Oristen Holloway.
April, 1847. Clerk, Henry H. Fuller; Treasurer, Lucian B. Lathrop ; Trustees, Juna Humiston, Oliver Root, Truman Gordon.
April, 1848. Clerk, William W. Wilson ; Treasurer, James Wood; Trustees, Oliver Root, William McMillen, Jonas Wolfinger.
April, 1849. Clerk, Solomon Collins; Treasurer, Isaac Washburn ; Trustees, Marcus Bennett, James Farley, Jonas Wolfinger.
April. 1850. Clerk, John G. Klinck ; Treasurer, Isaac Washburn ; Trustees, Charles C. Welch, Marcus Bennett, Juna Humiston.
April, 1851. Clerk, John G. Klinck ; Treasurer, Isaac Washburn ; Trustees, David Hendrickson, Charles C. Welch, Marcus Bennett; Justice of tine Peace, John G. Klinck.
April, 1852. Clerk, Henry H. Fuller; Treasurer, Solomon Collins; Trustees, William Patten, Araunah Lathrop, David Hendrickson.
April, 1853. Clerk, H. H. Fuller; Treasurer, Solomon Collins; Trustees, James Farley, Isaac Washburn, William Patton.
April, 1854. Clerk, Henry G. Kemp ; Treasurer, Solomon Collins ; Trustees, James Farley, William R. Faxon, David Sanderson ; Justice of the Peace, Pliny Lathrop.
April, 1855-Clerk, Henry G. Kemp; Treasurer, James P. Smith; Trustees, James Wood, William McMillen, Charles Sprague.
April, 1856 -Clerk, Levi Harroun ; Treasurer, Jas. P. Smith ; Trustees, James Farley, Charles Ford, G. H. Dilgart.
April, 1857-Clerk, Levi Harroun ; Treasurer, Caleb H. Crosby ; Trustees, James Leonardson, Isaac Washburn. Alonson Hinds.
April, 1858-Clerk, James P. Smith ; Treasurer, Isaac Washburn ; Trustees, James Farley, Solomon Collins, Alonson Hinds.
April, 1859-Clerk, Levi Harroun ; Treasurer, Isaac Washburn ; Trustees, Pliny Lathrop, C. C. Welch, Solomon Collins.
April, 1860-Clerk, Levi Harroun ; Treasurer, J. R. McBride; Trustees, H. C. Ely, W. L. Bennett, Solomon Collins.
April, 1861-Clerk, Levi Harroun ; Treasurer, J. R. McBride ; Trustees, H. C. Ely, C. Ford, J. Leonardson.
April, 1862-Clerk, G. P. Reynolds; Treasurer, J. R. McBride ; Trustees, H. C. Ely, C. C. Welch, Wm. Patten.
April, 1863-Clerk, G. P. Reynolds; Treasurer, J. R. McBride; Trustees, H. C. Ely, Wm. Patten, Jas. Farley ; Justice of the Peace, Pliny Lathrop.
April, 1864-Clerk, G. 1t. Reynolds; Treasurer, J. R. McBride ; Trustees, H. C. Ely, J. Farley, DI. Bennett; Justice of the Peace, William II. Williams.
April, 1865-Clerk, Martin H. Collins ; Treasurer, James R. McBride; Trustees, M. Bennett, John Buskirk, W. H. Williams.
April, 1866-Clerk, W. R. Cole ; Treasurer, J. R. McBride ; Trustees, W. H. Williams, James Lenardson, Otis Ford ; Justice of the Peace, Elias Welch.
April, 1867-Clerk, Myron P. Sanderson ; Treasurer, James R. McBride; Trustees, H. C. Ely, C. C. Welch, Isaac Washburn.
April, 1868-Clerk, W. R. Cole; Treasurer, J. R. R. McBride; Trustees, Horace Treadway, C. C. Welch, James Lenardson. At this election a vote was taken on the question of allowing Hogs as " free commoners," which was decided in the negative.
April, 1869-Clerk, W. R. Cole ; Treasurer, J. R. McBride ; Trustees, Horace Treadway, J. J. Howard, Ira Beverly.
April, 1870-Clerk, Robert Hudson ; Treasurer, R. K. Berkeybile ; Trustees, Horace Treadway, L. W. Hendrickson, John Raab.
April, 1880-Clerk, Myron P. Sanderson ; Treas-
866 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
urer, Oliver P. Clark ; Trustees, William Peter, Elias Welch, L. W. Hendrickson.
April, 1881-Clerk, George W. Farley ; Treasurer, Oliver P. Clark; Trustees, John Leonardson, Lyman W. Hendrickson, Mathew M. Dennis; Justice of the Peace, Myron P. Sanderson.
April,1882-Clerk, George W. Farley ; Treasurer, Oliver P. Clark ; Trustees, Lyman W. Hendrickson, ,John Lenardson. Mathew M. Dennis ; Justice of the Peace, John E. Bolinger.
April, 1883-Clerk, Edgar E. Lathrop ; Treasurer, John Leonardson; Trustees, Joseph Lockbihller, Wm. Patten, Wm. Drennan.
April, 1884-Clerk, Ed. L. Griffin ; Treasurer, John Leonardson ; Trustees, Elias Welch, Elias Patten, Jacob Bick.
April, 1885-Clerk, E. L. Griffin; Treasurer, John Leonardson ; Trustees, C. F. Bates, L. W. Hendrickson, David Smith; Justice of the Peace, A. J. Butterfield.
April, 1886-Clerk, E. L. Griffin; Treasurer, John Leonardson ; Trustees, for one year, D. H. Farley ; for two years, L. W. Hendrickson ; for three years, C. F. Bates.
April, 1887-Clerk, A. W. Bick (resigned April 11th), and E. L. Griffin appointed to fill vacancy; Treasurer, John Leonardson; Trustee for three years, D. H. Farley.
Richfield is so strictly an agricultural region, that little demand exists for mercantile or other business operations, or mechanical pursuits. For many years the limited demands of the scattered settlers were supplied mainly at Maumee; and subsequently to great extent, at Toledo, at which places were found market for such surplus as their productions would allow. As in like cases, so common with rural sections, the practice was, for the farmer to take his grain, dairy products, meats or what not to the nearest market, and with proceeds of sales, make purchase of the few simple articles indispensable in the most prudent style of living. What of economy and self-denial was involved in all this, can be understood only from experience; and no one can know he%\ few are the real necessities of life, who has never been forced to dependence on such.
In the course of time, stores and shops began to appear. At the center of the Township, Wm. H. Williams now has a general store, supplying most of the articles in demand there. At the same place, are the Wagon and Blacksmith Shops of George Darton and A. .Hoover, and the Boot and Shoe and Harness Shop of John Haas. A. Hoover has there a Grocery Store.
At Berkey's, in the North part of Richfield, A. D. Sanderson, about 1876, opened a General Store, which passing through the hands of Daniel Kahle and E. E. Lathrop, is now owned by W. H. Ostrander. In 1877, Jacob B. Gillan started and yet conducts a Blacksmith Shop at that point.
Richfield is able to make claim to a distinction enjoyed by very few Townships of its age in this country, and especially in the West, to wit: That in it was never an establishment open for the sale of intoxicating liquors. To what extent its people have suffered from this state of things, communities differently situated are best qualified to judge.
The first and only Physician resident in Richfield is Dr. E. Tompkins, who cane there in 1877. Politically, Richfield has been what was known as a Republican Township, since the the organization of that party. The votes of the three existing political organizations, bear about the following proportions: Republican, 5S per cent.; Democratic, 36 per cent.; and Prohibition (Temperance), 6 per cent.
CHURCHES.
Three religious denominations are represented in Richfield Township-the Baptist, the, Methodist Episcopal and the Christian Churches.
Records are so largely lost, and other data so imperfect, as to make an attempt at satisfactory history of' these enterprises impracticable. Many of the early settlers had their Church connections in Sylvania and Spencer, as nearest accessible points, while most of the earlier religious work in the Township was done through Union Sunday Schools.
Elder A. H. Cole having been the first ordained Minister to preach in the Township, it appears as proper to give his (the Baptist) denomination precedence in mention. The Richfield Church was organized in 1861, with 16 members, of whom we find the names of Mrs. David Hendrickson, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dilgart, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Tunison, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Washburn, 11r. and Mrs. Dr. Titus, Mr. and Mrs. Jonas Wolfinger, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wilson. All of these came from the Spencer Church. The new Church was attached to the Maumee (now Toledo) Baptist Association. Deacon Isaac Washburn was the first delegate, and although they have never been able to report many baptisms, they have held their way and been blessed in the doing, having now thirty-seven members. The corner-stone of their edifice was laid in 1868 by Elder J. K. Porter, and the building consecrated in 1871, by Elders Porter and Morris. The pastorate has been filled as follows: 1862-64, by Elder Nell; 1864-68, Elder A. Brown; 1868-71, Elder J. K. Porter; 1871-75, Elder H. Hall 1875-79, Elder A. J. Buell ; 1879-82, Elder J. P. Wright; 1882-85, Elder Poole; 1885-86, Elder W. L. Barnum; 1888, Elder R. Fountaine became the Pastor. The Sunday School was organized in 1870, Wm. H. Williams having been the first Superintendent. The size of the Church is about 28x40; and in connection with the parsonage and stables attached. It cost about $3,000.
The first religious organization in Richfield Township was under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in 1843. At first it was known as " Farley's Class," with David
RICHFIELD TOWNSHIP. - 867
Johnson as Class Leader. Rev. James Evans was then the Circuit Preacher. The following named persons were members of the Class: David Johnson and wife, James Farley and wife, Mr. Bowman and wife, Mr. French and wife, Mr. Bennett and wife. This Church met with the struggles common to pioneer enterprises of that sort, having its " ups and downs," -its encouragements and its discouragements -throughout which a few loyal and devoted members never lost faith nor relaxed efforts for the success which they believed would, in due time, come to them. In 1869 they found themselves strong enough to undertake the erection of a permanent house of worship. The building is 28x50 feet in size, and was completed at a cost of about $2,500. It was dedicated during the pastorate of Rev. Charles Ferris.
Other Churches (all of wood) have been erected in Richfield, as follows: For the Christian Church, on East half of Southwest quarter of Section 4, and on the old Indiana Indiana Road. Cost, $2,500.
Baptist Church, on Northwest corner of Section 22 (Richfield Center), cost, $3,000.
The Richfield Christian Church was organized in April, 1855. The building was a School-house near Mr. Charles Ford's residence. Rev. Stillman Post was the officiating Clergyman. He is still living. Thirty persons were original members of the organization. Their names are : Zebina Smith, Pliny Sanders, Araunah Lathrop, Matthew Scott, Eli Bunting, Pliny Lathrop, Maria Lathrop, Joseph Scott, Harriet Scott, Charles O. Sprague, Maria Sprague, Amos Ford, Electa Ford, Levi Harroun, Salome Smith, Leonard Grover, Abigail Grover, Delia Ely, Esther Kiff, John Latchi, Ann Waterbury, Elizabeth Munson, William Patten, Louis Patten, Augusta Crittenden, Elizabeth Kent, Josiah Plummer, Charles Ford, Fidelia Ford, Lucy Lathrop. Rev. Stillman Post joined by letter the same day. The Church has had, as Pastors, Rev. Stillman Post, three Years ; Rev. Caleb Mosher, three years; Rev. F. M. Adams, eight years, Rev. J. N. Hicks, two years; Rev. J. R. Hoag, two years; Rev. W. K. Stamp, three years; Rev. E. G. Ziegler, three years ; Rev. Thomas Heston, two years; Rev. S. M. Fowler, two months; Rev. F. J. Roberts, one month. Rev. B. F. Rapp is the present Pastor, who has served almost four years. The Church has a good house of' worship, built during the years 1869 and 1870. Since about 1860, there has been a Sunday school in connection with the Church. Pliny Lathrop was elected its first Superintendent J. R. Smith is its present Superintendent.
POSTAL AFFAIRS.
The first Postoffice in Richfield Township was established in 1835, and located on the old Indiana Road, near what is known as Berkey's Corners, with a weekly mail. The office was named Riga, and the first Postmaster Colonel Lucian B. Lathrop, who held the position for 15 years. His successor was his brother, Pliny Lathrop, who served for eight years, and was succeeded by a nephew, Clark C. Lathrop, in 1858. Three years thereafter the office passed to Leonard Grover, who soon died, and was succeeded by Charles Ford, who served for about 11 years. His successor was R. K. Berkeybile. In 1863 the name of the office was changed to Berkey. In 1876 Henry Sanderson was appointed Postmaster, and gave way to A. D. Sanderson in 1878, who was succeeded in 1881 by D. A. Kahle. In 1887, the position returned to the Lathrop family, by the appointment of E. E. Lathrop, a lineal descendant of the first three officers. He resigned in 1888, when W. H. Ostrander was appointed.
The Postoffice at Richfield Center was established in July, 1873, with Wm. H. Williams as Postmaster, who yet holds the office. Both Richfield Center and Berkey receive the most of their mail matter from Sylvania, that being the nearest Railroad Station. The Mail Contractor is N. A. Richardson, who now makes the round trip of 28 miles every day in the year. except Sundays. At first the transmission of mail was irregular, and only once a week. Upon the opening of the of the Richfield Center office, in 1873, the service was increased to triweekly, continuing such until the spring of 1888, when it became six times a week.
SCHOOLS.
The first School-house erected in Richfield Township, was on the Southeast corner of Section 10. It was built in 1837, and was of logs.
The second like building in that Township, was put up in 1843. It was of logs, and locamted on the East half of Southwest quarter of Section 4.
The third School-house there, was built of logs in 1850, on the Southwest corner of the Southwest quarter of Section 20.
The several Districts are now (1888) supplied with School-houses as follows:
District No. 1. At Southeast corner of Southeast quarter of Section 3. It is of brick, and cost $2,000.
District No. 2. Northeast corner of Section 18; of wood; cost, $1,200.
District No. 3. Northeast corner of Section 29; of brick ; cost, $2,200.
District No. 4. West half of East half of Southwest quarter of Section 23; of wood; cost, $1,100.
District No. 5. South half of Southwest quarter of Section 15; of brick; cost, $2,000.
District No. 6. West quarter Northwest quarter Section 14; of wood; cost, $1,200.
868 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
ISAAC WASHBURN was among the very earliest of the settlers of Richfield Township who is now there closing a long, active and useful life. He was a son of Phineas and Sylvia (Wright) Washburn, and was born in Georgia, Franklin County, Vermont, August 10, 1811. His Lather was eminently a laboring man, who supported himself and family by such employment as might be found in an agricultural region. The son's School advantages were meagre, being limited to such as the imperfect facilities of that locality then furnished, for which the father paid in tuition the full cost. From his 14th year, Isaac was self-supporting working about the neighborhood, his wages, beyond the small demands for his clothing, being paid over as the just claim of his father. When 23 years of age, with the small accumulations of the two years of his majority, he decided to make his way to the "Far West." Fortunate enough to get a team to drive as far as Western New York, he thus made his way, and thence by Canal passed on to Buffalo, where he took Steamer for Fairport, Ohio. From that place he proceeded to Madison, now in Lake County. In September he resumed his Westward journey, in search of "cheap land." Taking Steamer at Cleveland, he passed to Sandusky, whence, by- foot, he made the trip, via the Black Swamp forests, to Perrysburg and Maumee. Here his attention was called to the lands in what is now Richfield Township, Lucas County, but was then part of the disputed territory of Ohio and Michigan. Proceeding thence, he soon engaged to assist D. F. Stowe (subsequently a Jeweler at Toledo) in completing his log-house. In October (1834) in connection with Lewis Roberts, he entered 80 acres of land in Section 15, Town 9, South of Range 5 East, for which they jointly paid the Government $100, which, after the lapse of 54 years, yet constitutes his home at Richfield Center. He was in Mr. Stowe's employ until July, 1835, when he was prostrated with fever and ague, which continued to unfit hi in for regular labor, until the disease was" broken up" with quinine in the fall of 1837. What he passed through during these two years, none but those learning by experience can ever know. Among the little labor performed in 1836, was that bestowed ill getting out timber for the track of the Erie and Kalamazoo (now part of the Lake Shore) Railroad, near what is Richards Station. During the fall of 1838, he was enabled to get in a "patch" of Winter wheat on his place; in the Spring of 1839, he commenced housekeeping in a log-cabin built by hint and located a short distance South of his present dwelling. The heavy work of clearing was continued until a good farm was under successful cultivation. He early bought out his partner in the first purchase, and continued to add to the same until he had 500 acres of excellent land. Of this, 300 acres have been divided among his children. He has always stood abreast the best and most successful farmers of that region; but with the conditions of advancing age he has placed the home farm in the hands of a son, though by no means withdrawing from the farm labor which for 60 years has been his lifework. Some 40 years since, Mr. Washburn united with the Baptist Church, and has been actively identified with the Richfield Center Church since its institution in 1862, having been for several years past a Deacon in the same. He has served several terms both as Trustee and Treasurer of Richfield Township, and otherwise been active in the public interests. Originally a "Henry Clay Whig" in politics, he acted with the Whigs until the Republican party was organized, with which he has since co-operated. While earnest and ready in political affairs, he has never sought personal advancement or gain through his action. Mr. Washburn was married in May, 1838, with Miss Mary Wolfinger, daughter of Jacob Wolfinger, whose was the first white family in Richfield Township. They had five children Jannette, wife of John Shull, of Sylvania; William, who died in Government service during the Rebellion; Aaron, now of Richfield; Kaziah, wife of Charles B. Howard, of Richfield, and Dwight O., now on the homestead farm. The mother died in January, 1869. In September, 1870, Mr. Washburn was married with Mrs. Miranda, widow of Henry Fuller, and daughter of Mowry Potter of Fulton County, a brother of Judge E. D. Potter of Toledo.
JAMES FARLEY was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in the year 1806. He is a son of George and Jane (Wallace) Farley. His father was born in County Monaghan, and died in Tyrone while James was very young. Ill 1816, with his mother, he came to the United States, stopping first in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She died in Mifflin County, that State. In 1837, when 21 years of age, James came to Lucas County, and purchased 160 acres of land in Richfield Township. He at once began the active life of the pioneer, meeting the experiences common to such. From the first, he commanded the respect and confidence of his fellow-settlers, as he did of all whose acquaintance he made, whether in business or otherwise. In connection with religious and moral interests of the community, his name has been specially prominent; and it is safe to say, that no resident of Richfield has clone more, by labors and influence, for the promotion of sound public sentiment and religious instruction, than has he. The fact that the Methodist Episcopal Church in his neighborhood, has been almost from its start, known as the " Farley Church," is quite significant in this connection. His farm (now embracing 200 acres) has long been among the best in the Township, while he has been suc-
SPENCER TOWNSHIP. - 869
cessful as stock raiser. Before coming to Ohio, Mr. Farley was married with Eliza, daughter of Daniel and Susan McMillen, who was born April 2, 1814, in Franklin, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She was of Scotch descent, and of Revolutionary stock, her grandfather, Wm. McMillen, having served with Washington throughout the Revolution. Mr. Farley has five children -four sons and one daughter. John, born July 25, 1838, in Richfield, and is now in Toledo ; William, born August 7, 1840, is living in Richfield; Daniel H., born December 13. 1841, resides in Richfield ; Jane Ann, born October 4, 1844, the wife of Thomas Taylor, of Richfield ; George W., born December 16, 1854, now the Pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Fowler, Wyandotte County, Ohio. During the War of the Rebellion, Mr. Farley's family gave its share to the support of the Union cause. Daniel H. and William were members of Company F, Fourteenth Ohio Infantry. The former enlisting in 1864, was honorably discharged in July, 1865; while the latter, being wounded at Mission Ridge and at Chickamauga, was honorably discharged July 11, 1865. John, also, was in the service, and was discharged on account of sickness.
CLARK C. LATHROP was born in Chautauqua County, New York, August 20, 1823. He was the second of five children-four sons and one daughter. His father was Araunah Lathrop. The family came to Richfield in 1835, and thus were among the earliest of the tide of pioneers which settled in that Township. Clark C. has filled an exceptionally prominent place in public affairs, as well as in social and other relations. Politically, the Lathrop family have always been Democrats. The nearest approach to a tavern of any sort in the Township, has been the home of Mr. Lathrop. Mr. Lathrop was married with Louisa Tuttle, in Fairfield, Michigan, February 10, 1853. They have three children-Arthur B., born September 27, 1856; Edgar B., born March 19, 1859 ; and Alba A., born April 25, 1861.
WILLIAM H. WILLIAMS was born in Tolland, Connecticut, October 8, 1817. His parents dying while he was very young, he made his home with his grandparents, with whom he came to Ohio in 1833, and to Maumee in March, 1834. With the exception of two s ears (1849 to 1851) spent in Georgia, Lucas County has been his home since his arrival 54 years ago. Until the year 1874 his business was farming. At that date he opened a general store at Richfield Center, where a Postoffice was established and he was appointed Postmaster, which office he yet holds. The mail service has been increased from tri-weekly to six times per week. His pay the first year was $15.00. He has acted as Justice of the Peace for six years. April 23, 1856, he was married with Miss Susan S. Tunison, who was born in Seneca County, New York, and with her parents came to Spencer Township in 1849. Her parents celebrated both their golden and their pearl wedding, and lived some years thereafter, both dying in 1886. Mr. Williams has had four children-three sons and one daughter. William N. was graduated at Northern Indiana Normal School, and at the National Law School at Washington, D. C., and is now practicing the law at Omaha, Nebraska. John T entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, but was compelled by ill health to suspend his studies, and is now teaching in Emerson Institute at Washington, D. C. Frank. T. died in infancy. Anna B is at the Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware.