908 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY
WATERVILLE TOWNSHIP.
The Township of Waterville, formerly embraced in Waynesfield, was set off in 1831. It lies in the Southwesterly part of Lucas County. It is irregular in shape, and is bounded on the North by the Townships of Swanton and Monclova ; on the East by Monclova and the Maumee River; on the South by the Maumee River and Providence Township ; and on the West by Providence and Swanton Townships. The area of the Township is about 24 square miles. The Wabash Railway runs through the Northeastern, and the Toledo, St. Louis and Kansas City Railroad through the Southeastern portion ; while the Wabash and Erie Canal follows the course of the Maumee River.
This was one of the first settled portions of the County. Long before the first white settlers came, it was regarded as a favorite spot by the Redmen for fishing and hunting, the river abounding in fish and the dense forest affording coverts for all kinds of game. The march of civilization has unearthed many silent witnesses of the aboriginal denizens, showing the arrow-head, stone hatchet and other primitive devices used in their sports, pastimes and warfare. About a mile Southwest of the Village of
WATERVILLE TOWNSHIP. - 909
Waterville, on what is generally known as the " Roche de Boeuf Farm," is still to be seen indications of a mound, now nearly leveled to the plain by the march of civilization and the plow of progress, which the traditions of the Ottawas say is the last resting place of nearly 200 Redmen, not killed in battle, but in the heat of passionate revenge. Peter Manor, the celebrated Indian scout and guide, thus relates the legendary tradition, as handed down from generations before
"At the time when the plum, thorn-apple and wild grape were the only products, and long prior to the advent of the paleface, the Ottawas were camped here, engaged in their games and pastimes, as was usual when not clad in war-paint and on the look-out for an enemy. One of the young scions of the tribe, engaged in playing on Roche de Beouf (Rock in the River), fell over the precipice and was instantly killed. The dusky husband, on his return from the council-fires, on being informed of the fate of his prospective successor, at once sent the mother in search of her papoose, by pushing her over the rocky sides into the shallow waters of the Maumee. Her next of kin, according to Indian law, executed the murdering husband, and was in turn executed in the same manner, until the frantic passions were checked by the arrival of the principal Chiefs of the tribe. This sudden outburst cost the tribe nearly two-thirds its members, whose bodies were taken from the River, buried with full Indian honors the next day."
Evidences of this slaughter were first noticed in the fall of 1833, since when, at various times, many relics and skeletons of those buried there, have been exhumed by the hand of the settler and relic-hunter.
The main road through the Township was originally the trail from the hunting grounds of the Waupaukonnettas, to the British Fort Malden, at the time of their annual payments. One of the oldest living ladies in Waterville (Aunt Lucina Haskins) remembers to have seen the trail literally packed with Redmen on their way to the Fort to receive their bounties from the British Government.
Among the bloody battles of the past, with which Waterville is closely identified, is that of Fallen Timbers, August 20, 1794. General Wayne encamped August 18th, near the present site of the Village of Waterville, there erected Fort Deposit, and on the morning of the 20th putting his army (of about 3,000 men) in motion, gave battle to the hostile tribes, about 2,000 strong, under command of Blue Jacket, a celebrated Shawnee Chief, who were at the Rapids, near Presque Isle, on the same side of the River, and about three miles below Waterville. The battle was opened in a strip of woods covered with fallen timber (from which it received the name). Further particulars of this engagement are given on pages 41-44 of this work.
About half a mile up the River from Waterville, is Station Island (226 acres), now owned by Chauncy Parker. It was formerly heavily timbered and purchased from the Missionary Society about 1849, by Brigham & Morehouse.
Granger Island, a prominent feature in the history of Waterville, received its name from a squatter named Granger, whom John Pray was obliged to eject on taking possession under purchase from the Government, consisting of the entire Island.
SETTLEMENT.
Most prominent among the early settlers of Waterville was John Pray, to whose enterprise and energy the Township is more indebted for its start, than to any other one person. Although not absolutely the first actual settler, he was yet on the ground virtually settled before any other one had made his abode there. As elsewhere stated, he came first in 181.7, and made it his permanent home in 1818. He was followed by Orson Ballou, in 1818; by Whitcomb Haskins, in 1822 ; and by others whose names and dates we cannot reliably obtain.
As seen, settlement at Waterville followed very soon after the War of 1812-15, and dates back near to those at other points on the River. John Pray's first visit there (1817) was coincident with the platting of old Port Lawrence, which so soon disappeared, and was not resurrected until 1832, a year after Mr. Pray had laid out the Village of Waterville. The " prospects" of no point on the River, at one time, were better than were those of Waterville ; while it is also true, that none were directed by more energy and enterprise, than was that place. Its business men, from the start, were among the most prominent and honorable operators of the Valley. That they were not able, in results, to justify their expectations was not due to lack of earnest effort against combining obstacles. The construction of Canals and Railroads-so wholly changing the course, as well as the methods, of trade and travel proved too much for the conditions on which hundreds of enterprises more pretentious than Waterville, were made to rest.
INITIAL FACTS.
The first actual settlement within Waterville Township, was on the Roche de Boeuf Farm, about a mile and a half below the Village, in 1814, by Isaac Richardson, the nearest point being Perrysburg. Settlers came very slowly at first. Gilbert Underwood came in 1816; the Adams family in 1817, settling on what is known as the Hutchinson Farm, in the Northern part of the Township. In 1818, we find John Pray coming from Madison County, and Artemus Underwood from Onondaga County, New York, and settling on Presque Isle Hill.
Among the early births in the Township we find Paris H. Pray, born May 8, 1819.
Waterville can lay claim to being the birthplace of the oldest living resident (July, 1888)
910 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
in Lucas County, Warren B. Gunn having been born on what is known as the Gunn farm, in 1820.
The first Graveyard was opened on the Roche do Boeuf Farm, Northwest corner of River tract 39, about 1825; and the second, the same year, on the site of the John Pray homestead, and afterwards moved to its present location, about a quarter of a mile to the Southwest.
Among the first deaths of which record can be found, are of the Underwood family from malarial or "Swamp Fever "-Gilbert Underwood, August 7, 1819; Milton Underwood, September 27, 1819; Solomon Underwood, October 4, 1S19; Laura Underwood, October 21, 1819; and Sally Underwood, November 21, 1820.
Lewis Eastwood, born in Troy, New York, January 26, 1809, is probably the oldest man now in the Township. He was married with Amanda Hall, in Waterville, November 1, 6838, and is the father of five children-Ellen, John, Lina, Asa and Sarah. He is the proprietor of a large Apiary.
The first Tavern in the Township was opened by a man by the name of Isaac Richardson, in the year 1816, on the Roche de Beouf farm. It was a double log house on the site of the Dodd homestead. He continued there until the fall of 1829, when he was shot and killed by one Porter, who was bung at Perrysburg in the spring of 1831, this being the first execution within the present Counties of Lucas and Wood.
The next hotel of which we find account, was opened on the present site of the Columbian House, by John Pray, in 1828. The Wabash House was opened by Lyman Dudley, in 1830, on the opposite side of the Street. The building was moved in 1835 by L. L. Morehouse, and in its place was erected the house now occupied by Dr. Samuel Dodd.
The mail facilities in early days were very meagre, John Pray being the first pastmaster, and the mails being weekly in connection with the route from Defiance to Toledo.
The first Physicians were Welcome and Paris Pray, who began practice in 1830.
The first attempt at a Mill in the Township, was made in 1818, about a mile and a half North of the present Village, by Adams, Hunt & Co. It was a rude and imperfect affair, built of rough clap-boards and painted red, and came to be known as the "Old Red Ox-Mill," its motive power having been oxen. For some time it was used as a Feed Mill, and in 1825 was overhauled and used as a School-house. The next mill, and first Grist Mill, was that of John Pray, on Granger Island, built in 1821, and referred to elsewhere. The one built by him on the West shore in 1830, and now owned and operated by Witle, Slatts & Co., was bought by them of J. M. Christman in 1886.
Its present capacity is 125 barrels of flour per day. In connection with this mill, is a Saw and Planing Mill, which was built in 1846 by L. L. Morehouse and Van Vorsen.
The first Blacksmith Shop in the Township was started in 1830, by Captain John Pettinger on the East Side of Main Street, opposite the Columbian House. After about 10 years, he removed his forge to his farm on Section 19, where it remained until his death, in 1883. Following Captain Pettinger were Whitcomb and Carter on the North side of the Public Square, who sold out to Sereno C. Brainard and Orris V. Crosby (both now living at Delta, Ohio), who continued the business till 1848. Among their force we find a man now prominent in Waterville, Captain James Marston, who served his apprenticeship with them from 1841 till 1848, and is now one of the principal stockholders and the President and Manager of the Waterville Natural Gas and Oil Company. They were followed by Michael Tyler, who continued till 1884. There is now in the business, Asher Demuth, oil Wood Street, who succeeded Tyler in 1884; Henry Cauknarr, on Mechanic Street, commencing in 1883; and Groff and Schwind, beginning in 1885.
The first bridge crossing the Maumee within Waterville Township was at the site of the old Ferry, near Pray's Falls, and was built jointly by Wood and Lucas Counties in 1874. It was a wooden truss, costing $22,000, and was replaced in the Spring of 1888 by the Smith Bridge Co., with an elegant iron bridge, at a cost of over $30,000.
Over the Miami and Erie Canal, there have been built six bridges, the first in 1838, the last one in 1884.
The first Threshing Machine in the Township was used in 1843, by Vermilyea.
ORIGINAL LAND ENTRIES.
Following is a list of original purchases of land in Waterville Township, a large portion of which was purchased of the State, and known as "Canal Lands."
Hollister Haskins, 1822, 160 acres.
Martin Gunn, 1823, 173 acres.
River Tract 32, R. A. Forsyth, 1825, 174 acres.
River Tract 34, John Hollister, 1825, 184 acres.
UNITED STATES RESERVE-TOWN ONE.
Section, Purchasers' Names, Date and Acres.
Northwest 1/4 Southwest 1/4 Sec. 17, Jos. H. Larwell, 1836; 40 acres.
Northwest 1/4 Southeast 1/4 Sec. 17, Lewis Hunt, 1832; 40 acres.
Southwest 1/4 Southeast 1/4 Sec. 17, Jeremiah Johnson, 1823; 40.
Southwest 1/4 Southwest 1/4 Sec. 17, Mathias Van Fleet, 1833; 40.
Southwest 1/4 Southwest 1/4 Sec. 18, Caleb Reynolds, 1833; 40 acres.
East 1/4 Southeast 1/4 Sec. 18, Elias Fowler, 1833; 80 acres.
Northwest 1/4 Southeast 1/4 Sec. 18, Henry Bennett, 1836; 40 acres.
Northeast 1/4 Section 19, John Pettinger. 1832; 80 acres.
East 1/2 Southeast 1/4 Section 19. John Pray, 1833; 80 acres.
West 1/2 Southwest 1/4 Sec. 19. Henry C. Blodgett, 1843; 80 acres.
East ½ Southwest 1/4 Sec. 19, Elijah Dodd, 184:1; 80 acres.
West 1/2 Northwest 1/4 Sec. 19, Ammon Nicholas, 18:39; 80 acres.
East 1/2 Northwest 1/4 Sec. 19, Michael Strimhart. 1838: 80 acres.
East 1/2 West 1/2 Southwest 1/4 Sec. 20, Whitcomb Haskins, 1832; 40 acres.
Northwest 1/4 Southwest 1/4 Sec. 20, Wm. and Abram Pettinger, 1833; 40 acres.
Northeast 1/4 Northwest 1/4 and Northwest 1/4 Northwest 1/4 Sec. 20, Matthias.S. Van Fleet, 1833; 40 acres.
Southwest 1/4 Northwest 1/4 See. 20, John Pray, 1833; 40 acres.
WATERVILLE TOWNSHIP. - 911
Southeast 1/4 Northwest 1/4 Sec. 20, John Van Fleet, 1833; 40 acres.
East 1/2 Southwest 1/4 Sec. 20, Thomas Shoemaker, 1833; 80 acres.
West 1/2 Northwest 1/4 Sec. 29, Salmon Cross, 1832; 80 acres.
East 1/2 Northwest 1/4 Sec. 29, Ralph Farnsworth, 1832; 80 acres.
South1/2 Section 30, Isaac T. Dudley, 1832: 320 acres.
Southwest 1/4 Northeast 1/4, Sec. :30, Lyman Dudley, 1833; 40 acres.
Northwest 1/4 Section 30, Elisha Hunt. 1833; 160 acres.
West 1/2 Northwest 1/4 Sec. 31, Isaac T. Dudley, 1833; 80 acres.
East 1/2 Northwest 1/4 Sec. 31, Elijah Dodd, 1843; 80 acres.
RANGE NINE, TOWN SEVEN.
Southwest 1/4 Section 26, Valentine Winslow, 1833; 136.98 acres.
East 1/2 Southeast 1/4 Sec. 28, Africa Spalding, 1843: 80 acres.
Northwest 1/4 Southeast 1/4 Sec. 26, Samuel Davis, 1839; 40 acres.
West part Southwest 1/4 Sec. 26, Edward Ogden, 1844; 80 acres.
Northwest frac. 1/4 Sec. 27, Daniel Barnes, 1838; 83.73 acres.
Northeast 1/4 Northeast frac. 1/4 Sec 27, Edward Ogden, 1812; 49.21 acres.
Northwest frac. Northeast 1/4 (old survey) Sec. 34, Paris Pray, 1833; 74.88 acres.
Northwest 1/4 East 1/2 and West 1/2 Northeast 34 Sec. 34, Harvey Kimber,----, 560 acres
East 1/2 Northeast 1/4 Sec. 34, Wm. Martin, 1894: 80 acres.
North part Northeast fraction Sec. 55, Philip Cripliver, 1839; 86.40 acres.
South part frac. 1/4 Sec. 35, Jacob McQuilling, 1839; 90.10 acres.
South 1/4 Southeast frac. 1/4 Sec. 35, O. V. R. Crosby, 1844; 76.08 acres.
North ½ Southeast frac. 1/4 Sec. 35, H. L Wood, 1842; 52 acres.
Southwest 1/4 Northeast 1/4 Sec. 35, John Holliger, 1844; 26.31 acres.
Northwest frac. 1/4 Sec. 35, Bernard Long, 1842; 154.92 acres.
Southwest 1/4 Section 35, ,James Craven. 1842; 160 acres.
West 1/2 Southeast 1/4 Sec. 36, William Lyttle, 1836; 80 acres.
East 1/2 Southeast 1/4 Sec. 36, John Miller, 1839; 80 acres.
East 1/2, Southwest 1/4 and East 1/2 Northwest 1/4 Sec. 36, Philip Cripliver, 1839; 160 acres.
Southwest corner Southwest 1/4 Sec. 36, John Pray, -; 3.49 acres.
RANGE NINE, TOWN SEX.
Northwest fraction Section 1, John Pray, 1843; 67.93 acres.
East 1/2 Northeast 1/4 and Northeast fraction Southeast 1/4 Section 1, John Root, 1843; 117.50 acres.
Southeast 1/4 Southeast 1/4 See. 1, John G. Schneider, 1842; 45.59 acres.
South 1/2 Southwest 1/4 Sec. 1. Frederick Fericel, 1842; 87.86 acres.
Southwest 1/4 Southwest 1/4 Sec. 1, A. J. Eldridge, 1840: 40.39 acres.
Northwest 1/4 Southwest 1/4 Sec. 1, J. F. Burnett, 1842; 44.40 acres.
North part Northeast frac. 1/4 Sec. 2, Jos. Hall, 1842; 62.12 acres.
North part Northeast frac. 1/4 Sec. 2, James Craven, 1844; 80 acres.
Southeast 1/4 Section 2, Joseph White, 1842; 160 acres.
Southeast 1/4 Southwest 1/4 Sec. 2, Geo. Schnabel, 1853; 80 acres.
West 1/4 Southwest 1/4 Sec 2, A. J. Eldridge, 1842; 80 acres.
Northwest 1/4 Northwest 1/4 Sec. 2, Harvey Kimber, 1842; 62.23 acres.
Southwest 1/4 Section 3, John Bacon, 1850; 160 acres.
Southwest 1/4, Southeast frac. 1/4 Sec. 3, Frederick Grimm, 1850; 40 acres.
Northeast fraction Sec. 3, Riga Grimm, 1850; 60.02 acres.
West frac. Southeast 1/4 Sec. 3, John Bacon, 1848; 80 acres.
East 1/2 Southeast 1/4 Sec. 3, George Black, 1842; 80 acres.
Southeast 1/4 frac. Northeast 1/4 Sec. 3, John G. Schneider, 1842; 40 acres.
East 1/2 Northeast 1/4 Sec. 10, Levi Rinehart and John Bacon, 1842; 80 acres.
Northwest 1/4 Section 10, John M. Meyer, Jr., 1842; 160 acres.
Southwest 1/4 Section 10, James Craven, 1844; 160 acres.
Northeast 1/4 Southeast 1/4 Sec. 10, John M. Meier, 1842; 40 acres, Section 11, Gen. Schnozzle, 1843; 640 acres.
Fraction Section 12, John Pray, 1833; 13.96 acres.
North frac., Northeast frac. 1/4 Sec. 12, Wm. Little, 1844; 61.30 acres,
South frac. Northeast frac. 1/4 Sec. 12, Patrick Harrington, 1842; 86.94 acres.
Southeast 1/4 and Southwest 1/4 and South 1/2 Northwest 1/4 and Northwest 1/4 Northwest 1/4 Sec. 12, Joseph White, 1849; 482.27 acres.
Northwest 1/4 Section 12, George Schnabel., 1843; 160 acres.
Southwest 1/4 Section 13, A. H. Lansdale, 1842; 167.68 acres. Lots 1 and 2, Sec. 24, Jeremiah Clay, 1852; 86 acres.
West 1/2 Section 24, Jacob Faucher, 1834; 258.93 acres.
North 1/2 Southeast 1/4 and East 1/2 Northeast1/4 Sec. 24, A. H. and R. Lansdale, 1842; 132.57 acres.
RANGE TEN, TOWN SIX.
South part frac. Sec. 6, Isaac T. Dudley, 1833. 87.20 acres.
North 1/2 frac 1/2 Sec, 6, Thos. Shoemaker, 1839; 78.78 acres. Lots 1, 2, and South part Sec. 7, Joseph White, 1842; 89.89 acres.
North 1/2 Northwest 1/4 Sec. 19, Myers Shoemaker, 1842; 80 acres.
Southwest 1/4 Northwest 1/4 Sec. 19, A. H. Lansdale, 1842; 40 acres.
Southeast 1/4 Northwest frac. 1/4 Sec. 19, Myers Shoemaker, 1812; 33.40 acres.
RANGE TEN, TOWN SEVEN.
South 1/2 Section 30, James G. Harrah, 1823; 89.56 acres.
North ½, fraction Sec. 31, Geo. Rhinehart, 1839, 86.40 acres.
TRANSFERS OF REAL ESTATE.
The following record of the early sales of property is useful as showing the dates when purchasers became interested in the locality:
John Pray to William Oliver, 160 acres, lot 26 United States Reserve, $852; 1826.
R. A. Forsyth to Anthony La Point, 1828.
Same to John Van Fleet, 1829.
Francis Ditts to Jane Richardson, 1830.
Moses Thompson to Collister Haskins, tract 38, 135 acres, 1827 $203.
John Pray to Daniel Lakin, 1831. John Pray to John Pittinger, 1832.
Isaac Dudley to Alansing Watson : Sept., 1834.
Same to Capt. Elijah Kinroe, Feb., 1835.
Philander Noble, to Alfred Hamilton, 1834.
Lewis Saunver to John Fowler, 1835.
John Pray to John O. Ensign, 1835.
Oliver Pray to James Sperry, 1836.
John Winnenberg to Welcome Pray and Galen 13. Abel, 1835.
John Pray to Henry Reed,. June, 1833, 169 acres in Tract 35,$2,864.
Jacob Eberly to Paris Pray, 1833.
Daniel Metzker to Michael Uncapher, March, 1835.
John Pray to Herman S. Curtis, 1835.
Luther Hutchison to Welcome Pray, Jane Richardson, James Sperry and Ira Wilders, 1834
John Pray to Peter Roberdeaux, 1833.
John Pray to Edward D. Sargent, 1834.
John Pray to Jacob Lase, 1834.
John Pray to John L. Pray, lot 40 United States Reserve, 1833.
John Pray to Ira Dudley, 1834
Jacob Lose to. Jacob Huffman, 1835.
John Lose to George Trauger, 1835.
John Pray to Herman J. Curtis, 1835.
Alansing Watson to Oliver Pray, 1835.
John Van Fleet to H. Smith and L. E. Stone, 1835.
Guy Nearing and Neptune Nearing to Levi Beardsley and Oliver A. Morse, 1835.
Horatio Nearing to Levi Beardsley and Oliver A. Morse, 1835.
Dan. R. Miller to Archange Knaggs, May, 1835;
Indian Island, Maumee River, 93 acres; $110. April 8, 1836,
Mr. Knaggs sold this property to Chas D. Foot, Daniel Swift and Wm. Himrod for $2,500. At this time the Island was occupied by Alex. Knaggs. as a residence.
Jared Van Fleet to James Ballard, March, 1836.
Wm. and Abram Pittinger to Matthias Van Fleet, March, 1836.
Jeremiah Johnson to Almon Gibbs Johnson, March, 1836.
Ebenezer Gillett to Edward Sargent and Henry A. Cooper, February, 1836.
Fifield Richardson to John Reeves, 1836.
John Pray to Jacob Eberly, April, 1833; lot 21, Waterville, $50.
John Binger to Beder Gross, 1836.
Oliver Pray to John Pray, 1836.
Luther Hutchinson to David Hall, 1836.
In March, 1836, Saw-en-de-bans, or the Yellow Hair, alias Peter Minor (an adopted son of Ton-dog-a- -nee' Chief of the Ottawa tribe of Indians), in consideration of $60,000, sold to Robert Forsyth and Geo. B. Knaggs. 643 acres of land, which was confirmed to Minor by the President, under the negotiated treaty, with the Ottawas in February 1833; the same lying on the North side of Maumee River, at the Wolf Rapids. Angelica, wife of Peter Minor, joined in the deed. The witnesses to the conveyance were Guy Nearing and James King: the former as Justice of the Peace, taking Minor's acknowledgment of the same ; while J. H. Forsyth, Horatio Conant, C. C. P. Hunt and Oscar White certified to Minor's fitness to transact such business, and to the sufficiency of the trice paid for the property. Gen. Lewis Cass, then Secretary of War, endorsed the high respectability of these parties. In August, 1836, the same property was deeded back to Minor by the grantees of his deed, at the same price, $60,000.
Harmon J. Curtis to Abbey Cole, 1836. Philip Cripliver to John Cripliver, 1836.
John Pray to Theophilus Short and Ira Wilder, October, 1835,
Granger Island, in the Maumee River, and lots in Waterville, for $7,000; Pray reserving certain privileges, including the removal of everything in the old Mill on the island, except the Water-Wheel, and the removal of the contents of barn."
James Ballard to Ira White, February, 1837.
John Pray to Joseph E. Hall, lot 105 in the Town of Waterville, May, 18:37; trice $150.
John Pray to Herman J. Curtis, James Carnell and Henry A. Cooper, April, 1817.
David Hobart to Wm. Cox, March, 1837.
John Galloway to Henry Galloway, April, 1837.
John Pray to V. Crosby and Daniel Salpaugh, 1837.
Wm. J. Ketcham to John Van Fleet, 1836.
Willard Gunn to John Van Fleet, April, 1837
Jacob McQuilling to John Holliger, March, 1836.
John Pray to Orson Warriner, Orin Warriner and Harvey V. Mann, May, 1837.
John Pray to Thomas Blair, May, 1838.
Susan Thorp to Clarissa Thorp, July, 1837.
John Pray to Anslem Carey, June, 1838.
A. B. Crosby to John Hoag, May, 1838.
John Pray to Rial Stebbins April, 1838.
John Pray Daniel Salpaugh, May, 1838.
John Hogue to Eleanor M. Post, June, 1838.
Warren Tremaine to Jefferson Van Fleet, September, 1838.
Gilman Chedle to John Wright, November, 1837.
John Pray to Alpha Cole, Edward D. Sargent, David G. Hancock and Ebenezer Gillett, 1838.
Elisha Williams to Samuel Gould, January, 1839.
John Pray to Wm. Schenck, July, 1839.
John Pray to Welcome Pray, May, 1839 to James Carroll, May, 1839; and to Orson Ballou, May, 1839.
912 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
Hiram Smith to Henry L, Wood, April, 1839.
Edward R. Dyer, to Stephen F. Dyer and Eseck H. Dyer, April, 1839.
Wm. P. Reznor to Peter P. Bateman, September, 1839.
John Pray to Simon Bartley, February, 1840: to Chas. G. Carrolton, December. 1839; to Lorenzo P. Dudly, March, 1840; to Burton H. Hickox, July, 1839 ; to Lorenzo L. Morehouse, June, 1840.
John Van Fleet to John O. Ensign, March, 1840.
Orris V. Crosby to Eleanor N. Eldridge, April, 1840.
Warren Tremaine to Gardner Tremaine, August, 1840,
Ralph Farnsworth to John Pray, June, 1841.
Parley T. Abbottt to Alfred J. Eldridge, April, 1841.
Wm. Cox to John Miller, December, 1841.
Peter Strayer to Geo. Walters, November, 1840.
John Pray to Osmon Pray, October, 1838.
Alex. Howard et at. to Simon Bartley, June, 1841.
John fray to Constant Cook, July, 1842: to John S. Bates, November, 1841.
Jeremiah Ward to A. J. Eldridge. November, 1842.
John Pittinger to Elijah Dodd, March. 1843.
H. J. Curtis to Elijah Dodd and L. L. Morehouse, 1842.
John Pray to John Creuthers. January, 1843.
Ralph Farnsworth to Thos. Shoemaker, January, 1841.
Sally, Mary and Betsey Holmes. heirs of John Holmes, to Frances J. Holmes (widow), April, 1843.
Alpha Cole to Betsey Reed, November, 1842.
Jamess Craven to Joseph E Hall, June, 1843.
John Pray to Jacob Corson, June, 1839.
Barnard Long to Melchoir Verkerlie, October, 1842
John Pray to John O. Pierce, November, 1842.
Matthias Van Fleet to Chas. Van Fleet, September, 1843.
R. H and A. H. Lansdale to Thos. Piddell, 1843.
John Pray to Elisha Whitcomb, April, 1812.
Esek H. Dyer to Newell C. Hall, May, 1844.
James Craven to Eleanor N. Eldridge, March, 1844.
John Pray to Joel S. Richardson, March, 1844.
H. L. Wood to James Craven, February, 1844.
John Pray to win. H. Cobleigh and Sereno C. Brainard, Nov., 1844.
Patrick harrington to Nicholas Angel, July, 1844.
Henry A. Cooper to Sarah Eastman, May, 1845. John Pray to Nathan W. Pray, 1845.
Wm. H. Hickox to Ebenezer Gillett, March, 1846.
Jos. White to Ephraim Knapp, July, 1846.
John Pray to Collister Ann All, June, 1846.
Milton Rakestraw to Joseph Rakestraw, December. 1833.
Sheriff to Yarnell and Rowland Rakestraw, in partition of lands of the estate of their father, Joseph Rakestraw, deceased the Sheriff's acknowledgment was taken by M. R. Waite,
Mayor of Maumee City, October 24, 1846.
Patrick Harrington to Martin Miller, August, 1847.
Leander Demuth to Orin and Milo Gilbert, March, 1847.
John Pray to Barzilla P. Harrison, January, 1846.
Abner Moulton to Abner W. Moulton, October, 1843.
John Pray to Ozro D. Pray, March, 1845.
John C. Maag to Jacob Faatz, October. 1847.
Thos. Piddell to Jeremiah Sullivan, 1847.
The Sheriff to Edward B. Dyer, December, 1817.
Joseph White to Leander Demnuth, .July, 1846.
Joseph White to Ephraim Knapp, July, 1846.
John Pray to Purley P. Abbott, September, 1846.
Joseph white to Wm. Little, March, 1847.
John Pray to Lewis Eastwood, October, 1838.
TOWNSHIP OFFICERS AND ELECTIONS
The first, election in Waterville Township was held April 4, 1831, with Daniel Lakins, .Jacob Eberly and George W. Evans as Judges; and Ralph Farnsworth air(] William Meeker as Clerks. The result of this election was the choice of the following Township officers:
Jonas Cleveland, William Meeker and James C. Adapts, Trustees ; Willard Gum; and Jeremiah Johnson, Overseers of the Poor; Ralph Farnsworth, Clerk; George W. Evans, Treasurer; David Robbins, Constable; Richard Gunn and Jacob Eberly, Fence Viewers; John Vanfleet and Whitcomb Haskins, Supervisors of Highway.
June 21, 1831, John Vanfleet and Daniel Lakins were elected Justices of the Peace.
July 11, 1831, the Trustees divided the Township into two School Districts, as follows: District No. 1, from the North line of the Township to the line between River tracts Nos. 33 and 34; and No. 2, from thence to the South line of the Township.
Ralph Farnsworth was elected Justice of the Peace December 31, 1831.
Other Township officers were elected as follows:
1832. Trustees, Jonas Cleveland, Whitcomb Haskins and G. B. Abell. Clerk, Wm. Meeker. Treasurer, John Pray. Overseers of Poor, Jeremiah Johnson, Willard Gunn. Supervisors of Highways, Jeremiah Johnson and Jacob Eberly. Fence Viewers, Richard Gunn, Matthias S. Vanfleet. Constable, David Robbins.
1833. Trustees, Whitcomb Haskins, G. B. Abell, David Hobard. Clerk, Wm. Meeker. Treasurer, John Pray. Overseers of Poor, Willard Gunn, Jere. .Johnson. Fence Viewers, M. S. Vanfleet, Thomas Shoemaker, Richard Gunn, Supervisors, John Vanfleet, Wm. Meeker. Constable, Orson Ballou.
1834. Trustees, G. B. Abell, W. Haskins, John Vanfleet. Clerk, Wm. Ewing. Treasurer, John Pittinger. Overseers of Poor, J. C. Adams, Jere. Johnson, Willard Gunn. Fence Viewers, Jere. Johnson, Alex. Howard, Willard Gunn. Supervisors, M. S. Vanfleet, Thos. Shoemaker, Joseph Rakestraw, Hiram Theabolt. Constables, Lewis Eastwood, Dana Robbins. Solomon Cross was appointed Constable, vice Lewis Eastwood, who declined.
July 10, 1834, J. C. Adams was elected Justice of the Peace.
October 14, 1834, the first State election seems to have been held in the Township. The vote stood as follows (the first named candidates being Whigs, and the second Democrats):
Governor-James Findlay, IS; Robert Lucas, 22.
Representatives in Legislature-Joseph H. Crane, 32; Wm. Helfenstein, S.
County Commissioners-James Wilkison, 14; Epaprodatus Foot, 26.
County Surveyor-Samuel Divine, 19; Adson Smith, 192; Neptune Nearing, 6.
Assessor-Joshua Chappell, 34; G. W. Wood, 3.
December 10, 1834, Ralph Farnsworth was elected Justice of the Peace, having 31 votes, to 2 votes for Robert Ryan.
1835. Trustees, G. B. Abell, Moses Thorp, Whitcomb Haskins. Clerk, William Ewing. Treasurer, Ralph Farnsworth. Overseers of Poor, John Vanfleet, Henry Reed, Sr. Fence Viewers, Jere. Johnson, Hiram Theabolt, Thos. Shoemaker. Constables, David Robbins, Lewis Eastwood. Supervisors-District 1, M. S. Vanfleet; 2, Paris Pray ; 3, Oliver Pray ; 4, Joseph Hartwell.
1836. Trustees, Henry Reed, Sr., Lyman Dudley, M. S. Vanfleet, Clerk, Abraham P. Reed. Treasurer, .John Pittinger. Overseers of Poor, John Vanfleet, Smith Doggett. Supervisors, Abraham Pittinger, A. B. Crosby, O. V. Crosby, Benj. Atkinson. Fence Viewers, Gabriel Yount, Jared Vanfleet, Seneca Sterling. Constables, Isaac Cooper, David Robbins.
October, 1836. The result of the State election was as follows:
Governor-Joseph Vance, 42; Eli Baldwin, 43.
Congress -Patrick G. Goode, 42; James Brown, 43.
Representative State Legislature-John Hollister. 44; Amos Evans, 39.
County Commissioner-Willard P. Daniels 52.
Prosecuting Attorney--Tappan Wright, 38; E. D. Potter, 31.
Assessor-John Vanfleet, 44; G. B. Abell, 37.
At the Presidential election, November 4, 1836, the Whig Electoral ticket received 51 votes, and the Democratic ticket, 49 votes.
1837. The vote for the officers named at the TownsHip election, April 3d, stood as follows: For Clerk-Edward D. Sargent, 63; G. B. Avell, 5. Treasurer-Paris Pray, 63; R. Farnsworth, 6. Trustees- M. S. Vanfleet, 73 Thomas Shoemaker, 67; Whitcomb Haskins, 60; Lyman Dudley, 17; Henry Reed. Sr., 14.
At this election E. D. Sargent, Welcome Pray and David Smith were chosen Township School inspectors.
1838. The vote at the October election stood as
WATERVILLE TOWNSHIP. - 913
follows: Governor-Joseph Vance, 69; Wilson Shannon, 58; Congress-Patrick G. Goode, 64; William Sawyer, 62. Senator-John Hollister, 74; Curtis Bates, 53. Representative-William Taylor, 66; Parlee Carlin, 61. Commissioner-Hiram Bartlett, 49; John Vanfleet, 78. Recorder-Junius Flagg, 62; Francis L. Nichols, 58; Nathan Rathbun, 8. Assessor-Cyrus Fisher, 66; Ezra E. Dodd, 44.
Following is a list of persons voting in Waterville Township, in 1839
B. Barker, Moses Thorp, J. W. Waldren, M. S. Vanfleet, John Webb, Richard Shaw, F. Lyon, John Pray, Thomas Shoemaker, Newell C. Hall, James Carroll, E. D. Sergeant, Elijah Hanson, Martin Winslow, L. L. Morehouse, John L. Smith, Charles Robbins, John Carpenter, Ebenezer Young, John C. Puree, Alfred J. Eldredge, James H. Earl, Uriah Sullivan, Parley Abbott, John Pettinger, Oliver Pray, Denton Mervin, Lyman Dudley, H. J. Curtis, Edmund R. Dyer, Elijah Dodd, David Childs, Paris Pray, Rial Stebbins, James B. Leach, Eli Shelder, J. E. Hall, John Vanfleet, Jesse Blaker, John O. Ensign, E. M. Dyer, Wm. Dowrin, Wm. T. Smith, D. C. Middleton, David Robbins, Jr., Wm. Robbins, Henry L. Wood, Alfred Gunn Henry Ringleker, John House, David McQuilling, George Orson Ballou, David Howard, Alexander Howard, Ralph Farnsworth, David Hall, Salmon Cross, Wm. Caster, Elisha Whitcomb, Daniel Saulspaugh, Orson Warriner, George Robbins, Simon Bartley, Jacob Yount, Ambrose Pray, E. S. Frost, John Snyder, G. C. Eastman, Lewis Eastwood, John McCleaver, John Poulard, Samuel Miller, Jos. Rakestraw, Joseph Anderson, Daniel Campbell Total, 78.
1840. Township officers elected. Trustees, Thos. Shoemaker, Whitcomb Haskins, Henry Reed, Sr. Clerk, H. J. Curtis. Treasurer, Ralph Farnsworth. Overseers of Poor, John Houge, Joseph Hutchinson, Henry Reed, Sr. Constables, David Robbins, Parley Abbott. Fence Viewers, Willard Gunn, Edmund M. Dyer.
The vote at the State election, 1840, was as follows Governor-Thomas Corwin, 68; Wilson Shannon, 37. Congress, P. G. Goode, 68; Wm. Sawyer, 37. Representatives State Legislature, George B. Way and John F. Hinkel, 68; Daniel O. Morton and Loren Kennedy, 37. Commissioners-Eli Hubbard, 68; Lucian B. Lathrop, 37. Assessor-John W. Harter, 68; Samuel Durgin, 37. It is noticable that no voter " scratched " his ticket.
The vote for President in November, 1840, stood as follows: Harrison (Whig) electors, 70; Van Buren (Democratic) electors, 43.
1844. Township officers elected : Trustees, Joseph Hutchinson, Welcome Pray, Orson Ballou. Clerk, Joseph E. Hall. Assessor, John Pray. Overseers of Poor, Willard Gunn, Whitcomb Haskins. Constable, David Robbins. Treasurer, L. L. Morehouse. Supervisors-Joseph Hutchinson, District 1. ; Whitcomb Haskins, 2; Orrin Gillette, 3; Adam Dills, 4.
The vote at the State election stood : Governor - Mordecai Bartley, 51 ; David Tod, 40. Congress James W. Riley, 41 ; Wm. Sawyer, 41. Representative, Elijah Huntington, 51 ; Daniel F. Cook, 38. Senator-C. W. O'Neal, 51; Willard V. Way, 38. Commissioner-Lyman Parcher, 51; Leonard Whitmore, 41. Recorder-Junius Flagg, 51; Nathaniel Leggett, 41.
The vote for Presidential electors, in November, 1844, stood : Clay (Whig), 49 votes ; Polk (Democratic). 39.
1849. Township officers elected: Justices of the Peace, David Smith, Edward D. Sargent. Trustees, N. C. Hall, John Webb, John Vanfleet. Assessor, A. J. Eldredge. Treasurer, Elijah Dodd. Clerk, J. E. Hall. Constables, Norman Brainard, Abraham Shepler. Supervisors-Charles Vanfleet, District No.1 ; Thomas Shoemaker, No, 2 ; Orrin Gillette, No. 3 ; Orson Ballou, No. 4 ; Andrew Arborgast, No. 5; Wm. H. Demuth, No. 6; A. Pray, No. 7, and J. F. C. Burnett, No. S.
1851. Township officers elected : Trustees, Fred. Fincel, David Smith, Charles Vanfleet. Assessor, Whitcomb Haskins. Clerk, J. E. Hall. Constables, Marmaduke Pray, Daniel Campbell, Jr.
1851. At the October election the vote for Governor stood: Samuel F. Vinton (Whig), 71; Reuben Wood (Democrat), 107.
1852. The vote for President, in November, stood: Scott (Whig), 79; Pierce (Democrat). 106.
1853. Township officers elected: Trustees, Fred. Fincel, Sereno C. Brainard, Charles Vanfleet. Treasurer, John Webb. Clerk, J. E. Hall. Constables, Chas. Campbell, David Robbins. Assessor, Amos Herrick.
The first bills against the Township were allowed March 5, 1832, to wit:
1. Jacob Eberly. $150; 2. J. E. Adams, $2.25; 3. Ralph Farnsworth, $6.50; 4. Thomas Shoemaker, $0.75; 5. Jonas t Cleveland, $2.25; 6. G. B. Abell, 75c.; 7. M. S. Vanfleet, 75c.; S. S. D. English, 75c.; 9. G. W. Evans, $1.50.
The next record of bills allowed is that of March 4, 1833, when $5.09 was voted to Jeremiah Johnson, and 75 cents each to Ralph Farnsworth, Thomas Shoemaker, J. C. Adams, John Vanfleet, M. S. Vanfleet, Jonas Cleveland and Whitcomb Haskins-all but the first of these claims, evidently, were for services as election officers.
To March 7, 1836, the expenditures for the Poor of the Township amounted to $18.20.
About 1836 the Trustees held their meeting at the tavern known as the Western Exchange. It having come to the knowledge of the Trustees that there had " lately come into the Township certain persons on the Canal line, who were not legal residents thereof," and that one or more of them "were likely to become a Township charge," they issued their warrant to Lewis Eastwood, Constable, January 10, 1838, warning such persons "forthwith to leave said Township." The return made by the Constable January 22, showed that he had meantime served such warrant by reading the same to 541 different persons ; and by copy to 5 persons, making a total of 546. They seem to have been employed by the contractors oil sections 28 to 40, inclusive, of the Wabash and Erie Canal, and all within Waterville Township. The Constable's fees for service of the warrant, amounted to $53.371. The Trustees were John Pray and Willard Gunn.
May 6, 1839, Jonathan Hungerford paid a fine of $2.00, for refusing to qualify as Overseer of the Poor.
In March, 1840, Dr. Welcome Pray was allowed $2.00 for medical attendance on two paupers during the years 1834 and '35.
The following statement of Township funds was made in 1842; Receipts-Road fund,
914 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
$56.31; Township, $142.86 ; School District No. 1, $130.12; No. 2, $21.50 ; No. 3, $9.67. Total, $360.49. Balance in treasury, $95.11.
A settlement with the Township Treasurer, in 1843, showed the treasury to containCash, $36.27 ; one citizen's note, $8.25; one lot of Boots and Shoes, $10.00; and one County order, $1.00 ; total, $55.52. The Treasurer (L. L. Morehouse) was allowed $9.60 for services. Samuel R. Reed, now of Cincinnati, was then Clerk of Waterville Township, and was soon succeeded by J. E. Hall, yet of Waterville.
In 1848, J. E. Hall was allowed $6.00 in full for one year's services as Clerk and Stationery.
At the same time A. P. Reed was allowed $1.84 for services as Clerk at an election, and for a shroud furnished by him for the body of a boy drowned in the Canal.
On settlement, March 9, 1849, with James B. Steedman, Supervisor of Road District No. 4, the Trustees found in his hands two notes of residents for delinquent road work ($3.00), and "cash paid in," $0.25; total, $3.25, which was delivered to Elijah Dodd, Treasurer.
The annual meeting of Township Trustees for 1852, was held at the Columbian House.
In March, 1854, J. E. Ball, Township Clerk, was allowed $13.62 for the preceding year, viz. : For services as Clerk, $7.00; stationery, $1.62 ; for enumeration of youth for School purposes, $3.00 ; for " clerking for Board of Education," $2.00.
TAX PAYERS IN 1838.
Following is the list of residents of Waterville Township taxed on personal property in 1838:
HORSES AND CATTLE.
Adams, Jane. Haskins, Whitcomb.
Acker, John. Hall, David.
Almon, William. Howard, Alexander.
Almon, Carl. Holocker, John.
Agers, George. Hartwell, Joseph.
Anderson, - Johnson, Mary.
Abell, Galen B. Loop, Amos.
Bartley, Simon, Moulton, Abraham.
Blaker, .Jesse. McQuillen, David.
Brady, David C. North, Isaac.
Burnham, Joel. Pettinger, Abraham.
Ballou, Orson. Pettinger, John.
Curtis, Lyman D. Pray, Ambrose.
Crosby, Oris C. Pray, John L.
Crosby, A. B. Pray, Archibald.
Crosby, .John. Perry, Levi.
Crosbey, Rennssallaer. Putnam, Willard.
Cooper, Henry A. Reed, Henry.
Cripliver, John. Rakestraw, Joseph.
Cripliver, Daniel. Robbins, David.
Cable, Samuel. Robbins, David, Jr.
Culver, Sylvester. Thorp, Moses.
Cross, Salmon. Saulpaugh, .----
Dudley, Lyman. Sargeant, E. D.
Ditts. Adam. Short. Thomas.
Dodd & Morehouse. Shoemaker, Thomas.
Daggett, Smith. Shepler, Abraham.
Eastman, Guy C. Tranger, George.
Ensign, John O. Turk, A. D.
Earl, James. Van Fleet, Mathias.
Flora, Jonas. Van Fleet, John.
Gunn, Willard. Van Fleet, Jared.
Gillett, Ebenezer. Winslow, Martin.
Gillett, Orin. Woodruff, Cyrus.
Hutchinson, Joseph. Waterville Company.
Yunt, Gabriel.
ON OTHER PROPERTY.
Curtis, Herman J.* Hungerford, Jouathan. (f)
Carey, H. S. & Co.(t) McBride, Camp & Co. (f)
Cripliver, Philip. *(t) Pray, Welcome Dr.* (t}(tt)
Earl & Brothers.(t) Pray, John.* (t)
Hall, J. E. & N. C. (t) Sackett, Leander.* (t)
* Pleasure Carriages. (t) Merchant's Capital. (tt) Physician.
MILITA ROLL.
Following is a list, with the ages, of persons in Waterville liable to military duty, in 1844:
Name. Age. Name. Age.
Adam Dills, 37 John H. Haines, 43
Orson Ballou, 34 Thos. W. Granger, 31
Abner W. Moulton, 28 Edward P. Sargent, 33
Truxton Nearing, 34 Henry A. Cooper, 41
Chas. Freant, 35 Oris V. Crosby, 32
Horace Honey, 31 Sereno C. Brainard, 22
John G. Isham, 27 John Van Blarcum, 35
John H. Young, 33 Patrick Harrington, 38
Jacob Faucher, - Fred Fincil, 35
Orrin Gillette, 27 John F. C. Burnet, 38
Eseck Dyer, - Nathan White, 27
Stephen Dyer, - Whitcomb Haskins, 39
Milo Gillette, 24 Alfred Gunn, 27
Joel Burnham, 41 Samuel Davis 32
Archibald Pray, 41 Chas. Vanfleet, 22
James M. Cable, 42 Wm. N. Smith, 23
John Pittinger, 36 Orlando Hall, 23
Daniel Campbell, 43 Guy Eastman, 39
Samuel R. Reed, 24 Cornelius Vanfleet, 27
Abram P. Reed, 28 James Craven, 33
Wesley Reed, 34 James Carrell, 44
Frederick Reed, 22 Anderson Allen, 38
Joseph Hutchinson, 34 John O. Pearce, 25
Paris H. Pray, 25 Bossell Harrison, -
William K. Pray, 22 Joseph E. Hall, 28
Nathan W. Pray, 28 Elisha Whitmore, 43
Welcome Pray, 35 David Robbins, 38
Wm. Carter, 35 Robert Morrison, 38
Lewis Eastwood, 35 Amos Cooper, 33
Rhomnah Bancroft, 43 Wm. H. Cobleigh, 27
Fred T. Evans, 21 Rial Stebbins, 36
Amos R. Appleton, 23 Total, 63.
This list was intended to include all male residents, able-bodied and between the ages of' 21 and 45.
CHURCHES.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL.-The Methodist Society at Waterville is believed to have been organized the same year as that at Maumee (1834), the first preacher having been Rev. Elam Day, and the first members Jane Adams, Thomas Gleason and wife, Harriet Farnsworth, Hannah Cross, John Hoag, Elisha Hanson and Sarah Bailey. John Hoag and Elisha Hanson were leaders of the band. Mrs. Lucina Haskins was with the Class in 1835. In 1840 John Pray and wife and Whitcomb Haskins united with this Church. Rev. John A. Baughman, whose first wife was Mary, daughter of Mr. Pray, was prominent in the work in those days
WATERVILLE TOWNSHIP. - 915
of beginning. Joseph E. Hall settled at Waterville in 1836, and united with the Church in 1844. The house of worship at Waterville was commenced in 1841, Rev. Liberty Prentiss, Pastor, and completed in 1844, under Rev. Horatio S. Bradley. Elder Thomas Barkdull was first to preach in the finished building. The first resident Minister of Waterville is believed to have been Rev. Liberty Prentiss ; the next Rev. John A. Shannon, followed by Rev. Henry Warner. Previous to the organization of this Church, Revs. Henry E. Pitcher and Elnathan C. Gavitt, then of the Michigan Conference, preached there. From that time to 1875, the appointments are believed to have been as follows
1834, E. H. Pilcher, E. C. Gavitt; 1835, William Sprague; 1836, Cyrus Brooks; 1837, Orrin Mitchell, David Burns; 1838, James A. Kellam ; 1839, Oliver Burgess ; 1840-41, Jona. E. Chaplin; 1842, Eben R. Hill; 1843-4, H. S. Bradley ; 1845, Wesley J. Wells; 1846, George W. Howe; 1847, Edward R. .Jewett ; 18489, Wm. S. Lunt; 1850, Thomas J. Pope ; 1851-2, Uri Richards; 1853, Thomas J. Pope; 1854, Ralph Wilcox; 1855-6, Edmund R. Morrison ; 1857-8, W. S. Lunt; 1859, Ambrose Hollington; 1860-61, Wesley J. Welles; 1862, Lewis J. Dales; 1863-4, Jacob F. Burkholder; 1865th; Benj. Hubert; 1867, Samuel Lynch; 1868-9, Russell B. Pope ; 1870-71, Parker P. Pope ; 1872-4, Thomas N. Barkdull.
Presiding Elders have served as follows:
1834-5, James Gilruth ; 1836-7, Leonard B. Gurley; 1838-9, John Janes; 1840-42, Wesley Brock; 1843-4, John T. Kellam ; 1845-7, Thomas Barkdull; 1848-9, George W. Breckenridge ; 1850-53, Wm. C. Pierce ; 1854-7, David Gray ; 1858-61, Joseph Ayres; 1862, E. C. Gavitt; 1863-6, Samuel Lynch; 1867-70, Thomas H. Wilson; 1871, Leroy A. Belt.
PRESBYTERIAN.-In 1837, under the direction of Rev. Benjamin Woodbury, the Presbyterian Church at Waterville was organized, with 10 members-Mrs. Elizabeth Hall, and daughters Sarah and Amanda, Henry Reed, Sen., and wife Elizabeth and daughters Wealthy, Fanny and Temperance, and Hannah Pray and Mrs. Dodd. The only one of these now (1888) living, is Miss Sarah Hall.
The present house of worship was built in 1856, corner of North and Main Streets, in the Village of Waterville. It is a wooden structure, 36x50 feet in size, and cost $1,500. It was dedicated in 1856, by Rev. P. C. Baldwin.
A Sunday School, on the Union plan, was started in Waterville as early as 1833, with Henry Reed, Sen., as Superintendent.
The Church has been in charge of the following named Ministers-Revs. Benjamin Woodbury, 1837-42 ; and since 1842, have been Revs. Watson, Atwood, Morehouse, P. C. Baldwin, Charles Richards, G. A. Adams, C. C. Hadley, and Charles Manchester.
GERMAN LUTHERAN.-The first congregation was started on what is known as the "Dutch Road," in the Northern part of the Township, in September, 1866, by the Rev. C. F. Kalding, of Perrysburg, the services being held in the old School-house on the Hutchinson farm, near the Canal Bridge. Previous to that time, the nearest Church was at Maumee, in charge of Rev. Carl Markscheffel. The first Church edifice, a frame building costing about $1,000, was erected about a mile West of the Schoolhouse, and services held every other Sunday, by Rev. C. F. Balding.
In 1876, Rev. Theo. Meier, of Custer, took charge, and organized a congregation in the Village, giving alternate Sundays to each. The services in the Village were held in the Presbyterian Church until a house was built in 1886, the building being dedicated September 19th, costing $1,600, to which a parsonage is now being added. There is a Sunday School in connection, with 60 scholars,
There are about 200 families in the two Churches.
At Whitehouse there is a Mission service held alternate Sunday afternoons, by Rev. Mr. Meier, in the Union Church, but as yet no congregation.
The German Reformed Church have a congregation here, but no Church organization as yet.
SCHOOLS.
The first School in the Township of which we can find record, was kept iii the " Old Red Ox-Mill," from 1825 to 1828, by Deacon Hiram P. Barlow. Among the early teachers are Barlow, Milliken, Gunn, Hotchkiss, Austin and Eastwood, of whom Mr. Eastwood is the only one known now to be living. In the year 1832 Miss Olive Gunn taught School in a rude structure, part log and part frame. The Schools at that time were supported largely by tuition paid by pupils, public provision for which purpose being inadequate.
The first School-house in the Village was built in 1834, on the spot now used as a dwelling by Peter Ulrich, on Lot 36, corner of Main and South Streets, and was kept by L. R. Austin. The second School house was built in 1852, on lots 65 and 66, corner South and Second Streets. In the Fall of 1885 the present building was provided for. It is located on the Public Square, and is welt adapted to its object, having most of the later improvements in such structures. It was completed in 1886, at a cost of $10,000. The first Teachcr in it was Miss Kate Brown, with about 160 pupils on the roll.
In the history of the Waterville Schools, no name is more prominent than is that of Elijah W. Lenderson, now of Toledo, who for ten years was an efficient Teacher therein.
The first record found of Township School funds, is that of 1837, when the entire amount collected for Lucas County was $1,457.13, of which amount $1,106.61 was derived from taxation, and $350.52 from interest on Surplus Revenue. From such source Waterville Town-
916 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
ship that year derived School money to the amount of $111.14. In contrast wash this, may be given the figures for 1886, when Waterville Township received for School purposes, public' money to the amount of $11,005.48, of which $6,819.08 was expended in support of Schools. During that year a School-house was erected in Waterville Village, at a cost of $8,500, being valued with grounds and furniture at $10,000. The average attendance at that School was 104, with an average enrollment of 114 pupils. The cost per scholar per annum, in 1886, was $9.52.
TEMPERANCE.
As elsewhere shown, one of the first movements in Lucas County in behalf of Temperance, took place at Waterville, as early as 1837, with which prominent citizens of that locality took active part. The importance of such action, no doubt, was in a great degree enforced by the serious effects of the use of liquors among the Indians and the laborers on the Canal. It was fortunate for Waterville, that leading business men there were earnestly identified with the Work of reform. From time to time, various organizations in that behalf' existed, and as at most other points, were temporary in activity.
In 1867, a Lodge of Good Templars was organized by P. C. Holt.
Waterville Division, No. 136, Sons of Temperance, was instituted March 22, 1871, with officers as follows: John Batt, Worthy Patriarch ; Mary E. Singer, Worthy Associate; C. W. Shoemaker, Recording Scribe; Susie Heater, Assistant Recording Scribe; J. L. Pray, Financial Scribe ; Kate Pray, Treasurer; J. E. Hall, Chaplain; M. V. Shoemaker, Conductor; Addie Hall, Assistant Conductor; Alice Pray, Inside Sentinel; Gilbert Stevens, Outside Sentinel ; Thomas Pray, Past Worthy Patriarch; Charles Shoemaker, Deputy Grand Worthy Patriarch. The Division had 69 charter members, and was in active operation for about three years.
White Lodge, No. 52, Independent Order of Good Templars, was organized at Waterville July 8, 1884, with officers as follows; L. H. Lindsly, Chief Templar; Fanny J. Dodd, Vice Templar; Mrs. Lucina Haskins, Chaplain; W. S. Haskins, Secretary; Mattie McQuillen, Assistant Secretary; Maria Knaggs, Financial Scribe; W. G. Farnsworth, Treasurer ; Torry Isham, Marshal ; Fred. Cobb, Deputy Marshal ; Emma Knaggs, Inside Guard ; John Hutchinson, Outside Guard; Ida Farnsworth, Right-Hand Supporter; Mary Haskins, LeftHand Supporter ; Clara Bayer, Past Chief Templar; W. G. Farnsworth, Deputy Grand Chief Templar. The Lodge had 30 charter members, which number has been increased to about 75.
In 1875 what was known as a "Murphy Movement" in promotion of Temperance, was attended with success in Waterville.
THE MASONIC ORDER.
Wakeman Lodge, No. 522, F. and A. M., was instituted November 1, 1879, by request of Warren B. Gunn, Oscar W. Ballou, Peter Ulrich, J. L. Pray, W. B. Pinkerton, James Marston, G. T. Latcham, Elijah Dodd, W. S. Saxton, L. W. Pray, Samuel Down, C. H. Noble, S. S. Smith and Clarence Dodd. The first officers were as follows: W. B. Gunn, Master ; O. W. Ballou, Senior Warden; John L. Pray, Junior Warden ; Samuel Downs, Senior Deacon ; Elijah Dodd, Junior Deacon; T. B. Pinkerton, Secretary ; James Marston, Treasurer ; George S. Latcham, Tyler ; Lewis W. Pray, and Clarence Dodd, Stewards. Officers for 1888 are as follows: A. L. Vanfleet, Master; O. Lyon, Senior Warden ; J. L. Pray, Junior Warden. The Lodge occupies the upper story of a fine brick block erected in 1880. Its presant membership is about 45.
THE VILLAGE OF WATERVILLE.
The Village of Waterville was platted in February, 1830, and now stands as the second existing plat in Lucas County, that of Maumee City only antedating it, having been recorded in 1818. The original Port Lawrence platted in 1817, was the first in the County, but was subsequently abandoned and vacated. Waterville was platted by John Pray, and is located on the West bank of' the Maumee River, opposite what then was known as "Pray's Falls," a rapid in that stream. It comprised 50 lots, most of which contained a quarter of an acre each. It had 4 Streets-Water, running along the River; and South, Wood and Mechanics, running from the River.
In August, 1836, Daniel M. Wilson, Daniel B. Bruen, James Kinney and Gabriel O. Kinney, made an addition to the Town plat of Waterville.
In April, 1837, John Pray recorded an addition to the plat of Waterville. It contained 214 lots, in addition to the 50 lots in the plat of February, 1830.
The Town officers of Waterville for 1888, are as follows:
Mayor-George J. Cooper.
Councilmen-Oscar W. Ballou, Fred. C. Dodd, John Esworthy, Fred. Hueter, Thomas Sheon, Geo. M. Utz.
Clerk-T B. Pinkerton.
Marshal-J. W. Cripliver.
Board of Education-O. W. Ballou (President), Elijah Dodd, Samuel Downs (Clerk), C. W. Shoemaker, H. F. Vanfleet, Josephus Russell, .John W. Rupp (Treasurer).
Justice of the Peace at Waterville-M. Uter.
NATURAL GAS AND OIL.
The first effort to produce Oil in this Township, was in the fall of 1865. At that time Mr.
WATERVILLE TOWNSHIP. - 917
Hall, from Portland, Maine, sunk a well about 60 rods North of the present Ballou Gas Well No. 1. Failing to find oil in sufficient quantity to pay, he abandoned the well, after boring to a depth of about 700 feet, using the shale gas coming from the hole as fuel for the last 300 feet, that being the pioneer effort then to utilize Natural Gas as fuel. The same season Robert Dunlap and others from Detroit, drilled for oil on the Dodd farm, on the West bank of the Canal, for about 1,100 feet, at which depth the well was abandoned. Several other futile attempts were made.
During the Winter of 1886-7 Oscar W. Ballou conceived the idea that it was gas, and not oil, that was the natural product of the Earth in Waterville. On investigating the Findlay and other gas fields, he became so thoroughly convinced of the correctness of his opinion, that he opened negotiations with the Toledo and Cincinnati syndicates to operate in that territory.
The first gas well in the Township is known as "Ballou No 1," and is located about 1,000 feet South of the first oil well, on the West bank of Maumee, about half a mile Northeast of the Village of Waterville, near the center of River Tract 35. This well was commenced May 24, 1887. The total depth was 1,164, including 37 feet in Trenton rock. With the demonstration usual on such occasions the well was shot June 18, 1887, establishing the fact that Waterville was in direct communication with the great gas-belt of Northwestern Ohio. Since that time nine wells have been drilled for gas in the Township, all but one having proved successful. About half a mile West of the Village five wells have been drilled for oil, most of which have given fair returns for the investment. A seemingly fair estimate places the average cost of sinking each well at from $1,200 to 81,500.
THE VILLAGE OF WHITEHOUSE.
The Village of Whitehouse was laid out in the 1864, the plat having been recorded July 5th. It is located on the. North fractional half of Northwest fractional quarter of Section 2, Town 6 North, flange 9 East. The land was grst entered by Harvy Kembar, October 6, 1842, and by him conveyed to James (.'raven, July 20, 1850, who sold it to John R. Osborn Sept. 9, 1855. The same month it was conveyed to Edward Whitehouse of New York, then a Director in the Wabash Railroad Company, whose name the Village bears.
The first Blacksmith Shop in Whitehouse, was that of Michael Goodman, established in 1858. In the same year, A. J. Eldridge opened there a general Store, and Alexander Walp was appointed Postmaster. In 1874, the Stoker House (now Union Hotel) was built by John Stoker. Myers & Stone erected a Feed Mill in 1881.
The present School-House was built in 1877, at a cost of $8,000. It is of brick and stone, and was built to replace a frame house destroyed by fire.
The Methodist Protestant Church at Whitehouse was organized in 1846, the members then being Mr. and Mrs. George Almond, Rev. John Poster, Mrs. Eldridge, Mrs. Franklin, Mrs. Gilson, Mrs. Huffman, Mr. and Mrs. O. H. Noble. The first Quarterly Conference was held at Stony Ridge, near Whitehouse, November 24, 1849, of which John B. Peat was Chairman, and P. B. Scott Secretary. Among the early members were Luke and Wm. Tipton, John Jones, Elisha Trowbridge, Nelson Coulson, John Officer, Alonzo Crosby, Matthew Cowling, Thos. Beney, P. B. Scott, David Lucas and Daniel Hubbell. The first Preachers and Ministers in charge were John B. Peat, Wm. Tipton, John Jones, Elisha Trowbridge, R. H. Davis, J. N. Kidd, S. B. Abbott, M. S. Reynolds, S. Elliott, B. F. Tucker, C. F. Bradley, Rufus A. Washburn, G. Scott. fit 1872 the Society erected a house of worship, at a cost of $1,800.
Whitehouse, from the first, has been a Station on the Wabash Railroad, and a point of local interest, in furnishing limited market for the neighborhood. The -following business establishments are now (1888) in operation there:
General Stores -L. Black & Co., Albert Canfield, Geo. Oswald & Co. Hardware-Michael Goodman. Drugs and Medicines-Dr. F. M. Heath and Dr. M. F. Leach. Furniture-Henry Schmidt. BlacksmithW. J. Demuth and .Jones brothers. MiIlinery-Mrs. L. Stebbins.
The corporation officers of Whitehouse for 1888 are as follows :
Mayor-M. F. Leach. Marshal-Eugene Barker.
Councilmen-J. C. Myers (President), John Strohl, Wm. Jones, John Hollicker, F. A. Butlier. Treasurer-John Weckerly. Clerk-George Weckery.'
Board of Education-Solomon Wolf (President), L. W. Black, J. C. Spicer, F. H. Butler, John Ryan (Treasurer), George Weckerly (Secretary).
Justice of the Peace at Whitehouse-Fred Butler.
STONE QUARRIES,-From very early date, Waterville Township, with other localities of this region, has been prominent in the quantity and quality of its quarry-stone. Attention was first definitely drawn to these deposits during the construction of the Miami and Erie Canal, in which' work large quantities of stone became necessary. The first quarry opened was on the Dodd farm in 1838, since which time operations there have been continued, the demand of late years being chiefly for lime, for road-bed and for ballasting.
The next opening is known as the Stony Ridge Quarry, located two miles West of Waterville. The bed is underlaid with a thick strata of glass sand, for which a rapidly in-
918 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
creasing demand exists, with Glass Works now being established at Toledo, Maumee and other more distant points.
The most important operations in stone traffic, are those of the Whitehouse Quarries. What is known as the Pray & Hall Quarry, was opened by John Williams and A. Walp, in 1860, on the land of J. E. Hall. In 1870, N. C. Hall and A. Wall) assumed management of this Quarry, which continued until 1876. J. L. Pray and J. E. Hall (Pray & Hall), merchants at Whitehouse, then assumed charge of the operations. At this time (1888) the business is wholly in the hands of Mr. Pray, whose facilities are practically unlimited. The Quarry is about one mile by 60 rods in extent, with all conveniences, including steam power and a mile of rail-track in connection with the Wabash Railway. That Road, as far West as the Mississippi, has been largely ballasted with stone from this and other Whitehouse Quarries, while other Western Roads have used the same for like purpose.
The Osborn Quarry was opened in 1865, but not actively worked until 1875, when John Ryan commenced operations there for Railroad ballast and macadamizing. This Quarry is now (1888) owned and managed by O. W. Ryan, with large facilities for shipment.
The Brogan Quarry was opened in 1868, by the present owner, Stephen Brogan.
These Quarries lie East of Whitehouse, and seem to be practically inexhaustible in supply. They now give employment for 40 men, being the main industry of that locality. They have supplied large quantities of foundation -stone for the principal buildings erected in Toledo, as they also did for the new Insane Asylum, near Toledo.
JAMES M. BRIGHAM was born at Oxford, Chenango County, New York, in 1816, and died in Toledo, May 3, 1869. He was a son of David Brigham, and of Scotch descent. He had one brother, Charles, for some years Editor of the Pittsburgh Commercial, and now a resident of Florida, and two sisters, Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Pierrepont. His childhood and youth were spent in Oxford, he being educated at the Academy in that place. After leaving School, he became a Civil Engineer, and acted in that capacity in the construction of the Chenango (New York) Canal. In pursuit of the same calling, he came to Ohio during the construction of the Miami and Erie Canal. Not obtaining employment in that connection, he taught a District School in Providence, Lucas County, for one Winter. For a time he was in business at Waterville. About 1845, he was appointed Superintendent of the Eastern Division of the Miami and Erie Canal, which position he held for several years and until there was a political change in the management of Ohio Public Works. In 1849, with the late L. L. Morehouse, he formed the partnership of Brigham & Morehouse, so long and so usefully identified with the business interests of Waterville, their special trade being the sale of merchandise and Milling. No business firm in Lucas County ever attained to more honorable position than did that, and to its enterprise and high character was Waterville largely indebted for many years. In 1864 these partners, with John B. Ketcham, organized the Wholesale Grocery firm of Ketcham, Brigham & Co., at Toledo, which continued in successful operation until the death of Mr. Brigham, in 1869. In addition to their Waterville operations, Brigham & Morehouse, in 1859, in connection with S. W. Whitmore, formerly a Clerk with them, opened a store at Tontogany, Wood County. In 1868, they disposed of their Waterville Store to H. H. Wakeman & Co. In all that constitutes a true man, a genial and liberal-hearted citizen and energetic business operator, Mr. Brigham was fully endowed. An old and specially intimate friend of his most justly speaks of him as "in every position in life filling the measure of an intelligent, honest and large-hearted man." He was of large body and large brain, a genial companion, warmly attached to his friends. Politically, he was a Whig until that party was merged into the Republican organization, after which he acted with the latter. While ever actively interested in political affairs, he habitually avoided official position. His wife, Mrs. Eliza Ann Brigham, now (1888) resides at Oxford, New York. They had one child, Julia (deceased), wife of Ezra S. Dodd, of Toledo.
LORENZO LEWIS MOREHOUSE was born in Charlton, Saratoga County, New York, January 27, 1811, and died at Waterville January 28, 1872. He came to Ohio in October, 1837, and. took an interest with Elijah Dood in a contract in the construction of the Miami and Erie Canal, in which connection they had a store in Waterville. In 1846 Mr. Morehouse built a Grist-Mill, which is still in operation at Waterville. In 1849 he entered into partnership with James M. Brigham, which continued until the death of that gentleman in 1869, including the Wholesale Grocery house of Ketcham, Brigham & Co. in Toledo. In all his business relations, extending over more than a third of a century of time, embracing vast amounts in trade, and bringing him into contact with a great variety of persons, his character for high personal honor was never questioned. For several years he was County Commissioner; for two years a Representative in the State Legislature, to which office he declined a renomination. It was during the second session of his term in that body that he laid the foundation for the disease which finally resulted in his death, as prior to that time he enjoyed
WATERVILLE TOWNSHIP. - 919
robust and vigorous health. In 1835, Mr. Morehouse was married with Miss Mary Ann Wakeman, at Saratoga Springs. They had four children-Helen, Sarah, Alice and Mary Ann-all of whom are now dead. Mrs. Morehouse, died in1853. September 20, 1855, Mr. Morehouse was married with Maryette A. Sutton, daughter of John B. and Matilda (Feagles) Sutton. One child-a son, Lewis-was born to them, he dying in infancy. The wife survived him but a year, and Alice only eight months, leaving him without kith or kin.
PERSONAL MENTION.
More special mention than has been riven seems due to the memory of Waterville's chief pioneer. John Pray was born in Rhode Island. October 6, 1783. He was third son of Reverend John Pray. When 12 years of age he went to Saratoga, New York; and at 21, with his brother James, he engaged in the manufacture of potash. In May, 1817, with his brother James and five others, he sat out for the West in search of a site for a Colony, traveling by stage to Buffalo, and by a small Sloop to Detroit; thence by pack-horses, they proceeded to the point of destination-the Maumee Valley. Following the River ill) to Fort Defiance, they found no resident white man between Port Meigs and that place. From there they went to Dayton, Ohio, and thence to Cleveland. At that point, not having found a satisfactory site fin- the purposed settlement, all of the party, save John Pray, returned to New York, while he, not disposed to abandon his pursuit of a Western home, came back to the Maumee Valley, and soon determined to settle at Waterville. In such decision he was greatly aided by the prospective water-power at that point. Returning to New York, he remained there until May, 1818, when he sat out on his return, with his wife, four children and a nephew. They travelled in a wagon to Buffalo, and there took a 15-ton Schooner, Captain Charter, for the Maumee. So scant was the supply of sails, that the passengers were required to use their clothes for such. A passage of nine days took them to Waterville, where they found temporary quarters in an unfinished log-cabin of Mr. Adams, who was among the few settlers who had arrived since Mr. Pray's, visit the previous year, all whom gave cordial welcome to the recruits. There was then no Grist-Mill nearer than Monroe, Michigan (some 40 miles). Mr. Pray at once sat about a change in conditions, and in 1821 he built on Granger Island, the first Grist-Mill on the Lower Maumee. For several years it had customers for a distance of 45 miles, (Defiance included). Ere long Mr. Pray added machinery for carding wool, a hemp machine and a Distillery. In 1831, he laid out the Village of Waterville; and in 1832 removed his mills to the main land; and in 1837 built the Columbian House then the best hotel in that section. He purchased large quantities of lands, in what are now Lucas, Wood and Fulton Counties. As elsewhere stated, he was of the first Board of Commissioners of Wood County, in 18'20 ; was for nine years a Justice of the Peace and was the first Postmaster at Waterville. The "latch-string " of his home was always "out" to travelers, great numbers of whom gladly accepted the hospitalities thus extended. he was well educated, and thus specially fitted to promote both the moral and material interests of' the community. Until 47 years old, he adhered to the religious belief' of the Universalists; but in 1840, he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and became an active member of' the same. In his 90th Year, he closed his long, active and honorable life, dying at Waterville, October 18, 1872. Mr. Pray was married March 21, 1809, with Miss Lucy Dunham, of Smithfield, Madison County, New York, who was born at Fort Edwards, New York, October 28, 1789. They lived together in happy marital relations for the extraordinary period of 63 years, of which 54 were spent at Waterville. Their children were as follows: Harriet, born October 9, 1810; John L., born January 25, 1812; Mary, January 19, 1814; James R. February 24, 1817; Paris II., May 5, 1519; William K., November 26. 1821; Ozro D., March 4, 1824; Thomas, April 9, 1828; Lucy, October 1',1,831 ; :md Caroline, March 18, 1535. Of these the following are now (1888) living: Paris H., at Whitehouse ; Ozro D., at Grizzly Flats, California: and Thomas, at Waterville.
Among the more prominent business men of Waterville Township for several years past, has been John Lansing Pray, of Whitehouse. He was born February 17, 1839, at the Pray homestead farm, near Waterville. His father was John Lansing Pray, a son of John Pray, the pioneer. His mother was Lucina (Cross) Pray, a daughter of Salmon Cross, a pioneer and prominent citizen of Waterville. She is now the widow of Whitcomb Haskins, one of the first settlers of Waterville. The son was educated at the Waterville Public Schools. During the Winter of 1858-59, he taught a School in Illinois. and the following Winter in Wood County. He enlisted in Battery H, First Ohio Light Artillery, September 25,1861, and served until the end of the War. He was appointed Bugler for the Battery, and served as such until February, 1864, n hen he was transferred to tie United States Signal Service, where 110 remained to the close. He gained special recognition in the latter capacity, having been, as Sergeant, placed in charge of' the Signal party accompanying the Fifth Army Corps. Since the War, few Soldiers have done more than has he toward cultivating and maintaining among the
920 - HISTORY OF TOLEDO AND LUCAS COUNTY.
country's defenders the true spirit of patriotism and social relations. Upon his return from the field of War, he taught School for one year at Waterville, and afterwards engaged in trade at Waterville with Joseph E. Hall. Subseqently the firm decided to develop the valuable Stone deposits near Whitehouse, and for that purpose opened quarries and established a Store, their operations in such connection being referred to elsewhere. Mr. Pray, from early life, has been actively identified with interests concerning his fellow-citizens, and by act and influence has contributed much to their moral and material welfare. He was married with Miss Pamelia C. Hall, daughter of J. E. Hall, of Waterville, March 28,1866. Their children are John Emmons, Mable C., and Pamelia D., of Whitehouse. The mother died April 4, 1881. Mr. Pray was married May 21, 1884, with Miss Mary E. Singer, a native of Waterville. They have one child, Carrie Louise.
Henry Reed, Sen., was born in Ridgefield, Connecticut, March 31, 1784, and died in Toledo, July 27, 1864. He removed to Sharon, Connecticut, in 1804, and to Waterville in 1833. Mrs. Reed died at Waterville in 1857, where Mr. Reed remained until 1859. From his advent at Waterville, Mr. Reed took an active interest in the moral and religious interests of the community. On the first Sabbath after his arrival he gave out notice that religious services would be held at a given place, and he took charge of the same, led in the usual exercises, and maintained such appointments until a Church was established, in which he always was an active member. In the Temperance cause he was also prominent, and in different ways contibuted to the moulding of a sound sentiment among the settlers, the effects of which have been enjoyed there ever since. He was for several years Associate Judge of the County, and served in other public capacities. Notwithstanding the embarrasments attending the charge of a large family in a country so new, Mr. Reed was enabled to rear his family to a degree of intelligence, usefulness and influence rarely seen even under more favorable circumstances. It is quite safe to state, that no other family of settlers in the Maumee Valley constituted as liberal an addition in numbers to the population, as did Mr. Reed. It included the parents and 12 children. The names of the latter now living, are as follows: henry, at San Francisco, California ; Samuel R., Cincinnati ; Frederick, New York City; George, Forest, Florida :, Alexander, Walla Walla, Washington Territory; and Mrs. W. P. Gregory, Omaha, Nebraska. Those who died were-Elizabeth, wife of Abner' L. Backus, Toledo; Abraham P., Elias, Mrs. Frances Lamb, Louis, and -Mrs. Temperance Tucker. One son, Frank, born at Waterville, is also dead.
Oscar W. Ballou is a son of Orson and Emily (Underwood) Ballou. He was born in Waterville, October 1, 1836. His parents both dated their residence in Waterville back to 1818-the very start of settlement at that point. His father held a leading position in the Township for many years. He was a Major in the Ohio forces during the "Toledo War of 1835. Oscar W. served in Company I, 14th Ohio Infantry, at the outbreak of the Rebellion in 1861. His brother, Orson G., Lieutenant, Company F, 100th Ohio Infantry, was captured and died from starvation in Libby Prison. Mr. Ballou's political views and action have always been with the Democratic party. He has for many years been actively identified with public affairs at Waterville, having held nearly every office in the Town, being at this time President of the Board of Education and a member of the Council, with both of which bodies he has been connected since their organization. As elsewhere stated, he took the leading part in the development of natural gas, which now promises so much for the future, not of Waterville alone, but of Maumee, Toledo and other points whose interest therein is yet to be shown. Mr. Ballou was married September 20,186 3, with Miss Lina, daughter of Lewis and Amanda (Hall) Eastwood, who was born in Waterville, September 25, 1843. Her parents came to that Township in 1831, the father now being the oldest man there. Mr. Ballou has two children-Clifford G., born September 10, 1864, who was graduated at the Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, with highest honors, in 1888, and is the only College graduate of Waterville; and Minnie O., born October 31, 1870.
Hiram P. Barlow came to the Maumee Valley in 1816, settling; at Orleans (Fort Meigs). Subsequently he took a farm at Presque Isle, on the North side of the liver, and near to Turkey-Foot Rock, where he built a house. e taught School at Orleans during the winter of 1816-17, and is believed to have been the first School teacher in the Maumee Valley. He was married with a daughter of Victory Jennison, one of the early settlers at the Foot of the Rapids. Mr. Barlow, near Waterville, bull! (for John Pray) the first Distillery, and one of the first Grist-Mills, in the Valley. The Mill was driven by ox-power. The first waterpower Mill was built at Brunersburgh, now Henry County, by Mr. Perkins. The first Saw-Mill was that of Leaming, father of Thos. Leaming, at Monclova, in 1812. Driven away by the Indians as the Mill was nearly completed, Mr. Leaming returned to find it in ashes. Subsequently he rebuilt, a short distance from the former site, and where a Mill now stands.