500 - HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO years. Dr. Joseph Billings located here in 1824, but his death occurred in less than a year. Dr. Simeon A. Conch, a fellow student, took up Doctor Billings' practice, and also married the girl, a Miss Holmes, to whom Doctor Billings had been engaged. He also died within two years after his arrival. The early deaths of these pioneer physicians was undoubtedly due, in part at least, to the hardships which they were compelled to undergo. The first seven doctors who located in Marion passed away in less than three years after their arrival, with a single notable exception. Only those with the most rugged constitutions survived. The first physician to withstand the hardships and exposure of the times was Dr. George Holloway, who came in 1825. He was very successful, and soon acquired a large practice. His specialties were billiousness, which he treated with heroic doses of calomel, usually forty grains, and the "trembles," or "milk sickness," which was even more dreaded than the malaria. There was something in the marshy soil that seemed to give cattle a disease, which was imparted to those who used either meat or dairy products. He continued in practice until the time of his death, in 1867, at the matured age of, eighty-five years. Dr. Basil Holmes located at Marion in 1825, and practiced a few years, after which he removed to Delaware, Ohio. He was one of Marion's early postmasters. Dr. William H. Reid practiced here for about three years, prior to his death in the early '30s. Dr. J. Livingston reached here in 1832, and was followed a year later by Dr. William C. Johnson, and they practiced here in the county for many years in partnership. Dr. John C. Norton, a graduate of Yale ; Dr. H. A. True, who afterwards became a successful banker; and Dr. T. B. Fisher, who probably saw the longest continuous service, were also among the early practitioners in the county. In addition to attending to a very large practice for many long years, Doctor Fisher served a term in each of the houses of the Ohio Legislature, and was Mayor of the city for two terms. CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS The Methodists were probably the first religious society to begin work within the boundaries of Marion County. The first " class" was formed at Jacob Idleman's house, six miles south of the City of Marion. It consisted of Jacob Idleman and his wife, Christian Staley and his wife, and their four children. It was organized by a local preacher named Steward, in April, 1820. Regular preaching was given to this class, and all others who might gather for the meetings, by Reverend. Bacon, the preacher in charge of the Delaware Circuit. A church was built on the Idleman farm in 1823. It was a very simple structure of hewed logs, with clapboard roof and rough benches for seats, and was the first religious edifice in the county. It was during the pastorate of Rev. Erastus Felton that a class was organized in Marion, composed of John Ashbaugh and wife, Benjamin Williams, with his wife and two daughters, Sarah Hillman, and Henry Peters. The Marion Circuit was formed in 1826, with Rev. James Gilruth the preacher in charge. It was a large one, embracing Bucyrus, Little Sandusky, Little Wyandot, Rayl's Corners, and Judge Idleman's. In 1831 the Methodists began to build their first "meeting house," which stood near the entrance to the Old Marion Cemetery. It was completed in 1834, and was used as a place of worship for ten years. When the Rev. Henry E. Pilcher held a protracted meeting in Marion, during the winter of 1842 and 1843, the conversions were so numerous that it became necessary to seek larger quarters. A new church was then begun, and completed in 1845.. It was a two-story stone structure. This building afterwards became the first permanent home of the HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO - 501 Catholic congregation, and was also used for a while by the Huber factory. Marion became a station about this time, and Rev. Mr. Pilcher was the first minister. There are now two English Methodist and one German Methodist congregations in the city. The splendid Epworth Church was dedicated in 1891, and has one of the largest congregations in the old Central Ohio Conference. The Free Baptist Church was the first society organized in the City of Marion. This was in 1824, in the brick schoolhouse of that day on Prospect Street. The first members were Hezekiah Gorton, a Mrs. Higgins, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Alvin and Betsy Priest, John and Betsy Tompkins, and a few others. The early ministers were the Rev. D. Dudley, Rev. S. Bradford, Rev. A. Hatch, and Rev. J. Wallace. Rev. Isaac Datson held a revival in the barn of Jacob Ulsh, in 1841, and in the following year a frame church was built on Mount Vernon Avenue. This building still stands, but is not used as a church. Under the pastorate of the Rev. George W. Baker, in 1850, the church was moved farther up town. A fine brick church was completed in 1867, which served the congregation for more than a third of a century. The early citizens of Marion, who were members of the Presbyterian faith, were compelled to attend services at Delaware, Liberty, or Radnor. The first meeting held in Marion was in 1828, in the old brick schoolhouse heretofore mentioned. The ministers present were Rev. Henry Van Deman and Rev. Ahab Jenks. The church was organized with forty-six members, September 9, 1828, and in the same year a charter was granted to it. The first elders were Joseph Noyd, Schubael W. Knapp, and Adam Uncapher. The first communion was administered in the grove near the schoolhouse, because the building was too small to accommodate the communicants. A small brick building was erected in 1834, which served the congregation for a number of years. A windstorm finally took off the roof in 1849, and another brick structure was erected soon afterwards. In 1896 the congregation completed the church at the corner of Prospect and Church streets. There were few Catholics in Marion, prior to 1849. The first Catholic service of which we have a record was celebrated in the village in 1849, by Father Burgess. Services were held in the homes of different Catholics for a number of years by priests from adjoining towns. The first permanent place of worship was the old stone Methodist Church, which was purchased by the society. Father Grogan was the second priest to hold services in the village. The first resident pastor was Father McSweeney, who served from 1854 to 1859. It was not until 1866 that the society had the undivided services of a priest, and in this year Father Mackey was assigned to the congregation. The land upon which the new parochial school stands was donated to the congregation in 1853, by Timothy Fahey. The present church is Gothic in style, built of white sandstone at a cost of $75,000, and was completed in 1895. A small class of the United Brethren in Christ was organized at the home of John Gruber in 1837, and from this has grown a strong congregation. The first Christian Church was formed at Letimberville in 1840, with sixteen members, by Rev. Jackson Dowling. A church of the denomination was first built at Marion in 1880. In 1835 a Lutheran society was organized in Richland Township, in connection with the German Reformed Church. A log church was erected on land donated by John Jacoby, Jr. The parish of St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church was organized April 25, 1849, in Marion. The last religious society to enter Marion is the First Church of Christ, Scientist, which held its first meeting in 1895. A fine Young Men's Christian Association Building has been built 502 - HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO for the use of this splendid organization of young men. The schools were a matter of slow growth. The Marion Academy for a number of years filled a great need. It was opened in 1840, with John J. Williams in charge. John A. Dunlap, the Presbyterian minister, was also one of the instructors. There were thirty-five students enrolled during the first term. The tuition was low and the students greatly increased the following year, but it was not a financial success. When the union schools were organized in 1851, John Bartram, John R. Knapp, Sr., John J. Williams, R. Patte, B. W. Williams, and W. W. Concklin were elected the first school board. Mr. Bartram was chosen as the first president. The first principal employed was W. L. Terrill. His term of services was. one year, "if he and the board, could so long agree." He did remain for five years, when he was succeeded by G. H. Hampson. Two institutions of which the county is proud are the Marion County Children's Home and the Old Ladies' Home, both of which are due to the generosity of Benjamin Waddell. The former was opened for public use on January 1, 1902. It is on a farm of sixty acres, 2 1/9 miles south of Marion. It was an absolute gift of the donor, and is under the management of four trustees appointed by the county commissioners. The Old Ladies' Home is within the City of Marion. It is a strictly charitable institution, supported by endowment and donations. It was opened on March 23, 1905. The building was built and equipped by Mr. Waddell. He was born in 1829 within the county. He became a successful trader, and accumulated a comfortable fortune. His memory will ever be cherished because of his gifts for the benefit of helpless youth and the equally helpless old age. THE PRESS Marion is blessed with excellent newspapers. The oldest one now in existence is the Marion Mirror. This publication began as the Marion Democratic Mirror on June 4, 1842, three-quarters of a century ago. Ever since that time it has left its impress upon Marion affairs, and has maintained its devotion to the cause of democracy. It has had a number of distinguished editors. HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO - 503 Among these are Thomas H. Hodder, James K. Newcomer, George B. Christian, L. A. Brunner, Robert Dunn, and Dr. J. W. Thatcher. The founders of the paper were John R. and Russel A. Knapp. During the succeeding ten years there were a number of changes in both owners and editors. The daily edition of this paper was launched in 1890, with R. R. Bartram as the moving spirit. The Mirror absorbed the Dollar Democrat, which was started by Ned Thatcher, formerly of the Mirror. The Democrat did not succeed in gaining sufficient patronage to make it a success. The Marion Star also had a number of predecessors. Among these were The Eagle, founded by J. W. and S. R. Dumble ; the Saturday Morning Visitor, and the Freeman's Banner, which was edited by Cooper K. Watson in the early '40s. Following the Eagle came the Independent, which was succeeded by the Transcript, and it was absorbed by the Star in 1906. The Star began in 1877, being the second country daily paper to be established in Ohio. Some amateur printers had dabbled with a paper, called the Daily Pebble, and then Willis and Harry Hume indulged in their boyish longings by issuing the Star from a job press. Samuel Hume, the father, considered the idea of making a serious venture in the daily field. It was then that Marion's Star began to shine. It was sold to Demster and Harding in 1884. In a month the office was closed through financial troubles, and it had so many changes during that year that no one knew who would be the publisher on the next day. In November of that year, it passed into the hands of Warren G. Harding, F. M. Warwick, and J. A. Sickle, who incorporated the Star Publishing Company. Both Sickle and Warwick retired within a year, but Mr. Harding has continued his connection with the paper during all the succeeding years, and has conducted it as a vigorous republican organ. At the present time he is one of the United States senators from Ohio. The Marion Deutsche Presse is a German weekly publication of Marion. Its present owner, Richard Horn, came to Marion from Cleveland and founded the publication August 21, 1890. The Presse has a generous circulation among the Germans in Marion and adjoining counties. For forty years newspapers have been successfully published in Caledonia, La Rue, and Prospect. The Caledonia Enterprise succeeded the Argus, established in 1875 by Will H. Warner. The La Rue News dates from 1876. It was founded by Glemming and Tritt. The Prospect Monitor first was given to the public in 1875. It was begun by A. M. Vaughn, who probably started more village papers than almost anyone else in this section of the state. The original Monitor failed, and was succeeded by the Advocate. This paper went the same road of failure, when the Monitor was given life by H. R. Clowes, and is still published regularly. FRATERNAL SOCIETIES Both the city and county of Marion are well supplied with fraternal societies. The first lodge of Master Masons was organized under a dispensation, dated July 18, 1840. The lodge was opened in the office of the county auditor, on the evening of September 18th of that year. John G. Bruce was the first presiding officer. The charter for Marion Lodge, No. 70, Free and Ancient Masons, was granted October 21, 1841. John Bartram was then elected to the office of W. M. By a fire in 1877 the chapter and council lost practically all its lodge effects and records. The Marion Commandery, No. 36, Knights Templar, was organized in 1880, with thirty-three members. T. B. Fisher was the first E. C. Its present membership now exceeds 300. The masonic bodies now occupy the beautiful Ma- 504 - HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO sonic Temple, for which the corner stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies on November 20, 1901. Kosciusko Lodge, No. 58, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted March 4, 1846. The first officers were George W. Howe, N. G.; T. P. Wallace, V. G.; R. F. Gray, secretary. Mizpah Encampment was organized under dispensation in 1851, and now has a large membership. Canby Lodge, No. 51, of Marion, Knights of Pythias, was organized April 24, 1874. It is the oldest lodge of this order in the county, and one of the strongest in the state. A. C. Bowen was the first C. C. of the lodge. Marion Lodge separated from the parent organization in 1890. The Marion Commandery, No. 17, Uniform Rank, was instituted May 25, 1882, with W. C. Rapp as captain. The Marion Lodge of Elks, No. 32, was organized September 14, 1885, and is now a strong and active society, with a membership of over 500. In 1914 the Elks completed and removed into a temple on State Street costing $100,000. There are many other fraternal organizations, including the Grand Army of the Republic, Knights of Columbus, Knights of St. John, Woodmen of the World, Modern Woodmen of America, National Union, etc. MARION Just who was the first white settler within the present limits of Marion is unknown. John and Ebenezer Ballentine, who reached here in the fall of 1820, found a double log cabin which was occupied by two squatters, John Chandler and Edmund Hanford. These two men left shortly after the arrival of the Ballentines. There was also a man, whose name was Wright, that had settled near by. When Eber Baker, the founder of Marion, arrived on or about March 4, 1821, he found the Ballentines, Alexander Berry, and Calvin Barnett living there. He immediately took possession of the cabin, which had formerly been occupied by Chandler and Hanford, and in this building kept the first tavern in the village. Berry had just entered a quarter section of land, embracing what was afterwards called Gospel Hill. William Saniuel and James Holmes came to this settlement in the same year as Mr. Ballentine. These men were brothers of Alexander Holmes, one of the proprietors of the town afterwards laid out, although he never became a resident of the place. It is said that Eber Baker came here as his agent, and it was undoubtedly due to him that the county seat of the county was located at Marion. Benjamin Davis was also one of the early settlers, and his daughter, Minerva Marion, was the first white girl born in the village. It was a little more than a year after Eber Baker arrived, that he and Alexander Holmes acknowledged the town plat of Marion. It was filed for record with the recorder of Delaware County, on April 18, 1822. On this plat the ground now occupied by the courthouse was designated as "public ground," and was donated by the proprietors for the exclusive purpose of public buildings. Two other lots were granted to the county to dispose of as they might see fit. Two lots were given for churches, and another two lots were set aside for schools. On the same day the two proprietors executed a bond for $800 to the treasurer of Marion County, which recites that the "county seat has been located this day" on land owned by them, and contains the condition that they shall furnish and deliver on the "Public Grounds" for the public buildings, including courthouse, jail, etc., $400 worth of good merchantable and necessary material for the erection of the public buildings, within four months after being notified by the treasurer. Thus a town was created, although there was only one house and a' cleared patch of ground of perhaps five or six acres on the site. When the commis- HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO - 505 sioners appointed for the purpose officially located the county seat at Marion, there was great jollification, and the enthusiasm of the few inhabitants knew no bounds. Not having any cannon on hand, they bored holes in several large oak trees with a 2-inch auger. Into these holes they placed charges of powder, and then ignited them. Some of the trees were shattered to fragments by the explosions. As towns were incorporated by a special act of the Legislature, under the old constitution of the state, an act incorporating the town was passed February 22, 1830. This act provided for an election to be held in March, for the purpose of choosing a mayor, recorder, and five trustees. These officials constituted the town council and, under the laws as they stood at that time, a fine of $3 was placed upon any person who refused to take an office in the corporation. In these later years such a fine is not necessary. The recorder filled the duties of the official known as city clerk today. The tax duplicate was made up by him, and delivered to the marshal for collection. For his services in making the collections, the marshal received 6 per cent of all moneys put into the treasury. Mount Vernon, Troy, and Centerville were all incorporated in the same year as was Marion. The first election under the act was held on the 15th day of March, 1830, at the courthouse. George Holloway and Benjamin Williams were the judges of the election, and George H. Busby clerk. The election resulted in the selection of Nathan Peters as mayor, Benjamin Davis as recorder, and Benjamin Williams, Eber Baker, Samuel Calvert, David Jenkins, and Edward Smith as trustees. The first business of the council as entered in the record is as follows : "Henry Peters, present, pleaded to be excused from serving as marshal, on account of his brother Nathan being mayor. J. A. Pomeroy was appointed to the office of marshal in place of Henry Peters." To show that Marion did not immediately leap into prominence and prosperity, the Legislature repealed the charter of the Town of Marion, in 1843, because the business of the village did not justify the expense of the organization. So little interest was manifested in the town affairs that in an entire year there had been not a single entry made in the journal of council proceedings. Four years later, however, the demand for a village government had increased to such an extent that Marion was again incorporated by a special act of the Legislature, on February 8, 1847. In 1890 the village council passed a. resolution to submit the question of the ad vancement of the village to a city of the second class to a vote. This resolution was carried by a large majority, and Marion became a city of the fourth grade of the second class in that same year. By this time the city had grown greatly through the inclusion of several additions, and the population numbered almost 8,000. John S. Dudley was the first mayor under the city government. The first public building erected in Marion was a "house in the town of Marion for the use of a Court, School and Meeting house." Eber Baker, Dr. George Miller, and Adam Unchaper were appointed to superintend its construction. It was a brick building, and for a number of years was the only available building for court, school, and church services. In 1828 the commissioners decided to provide themselves and their county officials with a more suitable home. In 1831 they let the building of the courthouse to Solomon Beller, the lowest bidder, for the sum of $5,779. Bonds were issued for the payment of the cost. The building was accepted on the 3rd day of September, 1833. It was then completed, with a few trifling ex ceptions. This courthouse was of brick, with a large portico in front. It was two stories high, with a courtroom and the treasurer's office below. The last term of court held in 506 - HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO this building was on February 3, 1883, when it was demolished to make room for the splendid new building. For half a century its walls had echoed to the voices of some of the most eminent practitioners at the Ohio bar. On June 10, 1824, the board of county commissioners decided to erect a log jail. On the following day Eber Baker contracted to build the jail, and deed a lot for the site, for which he was to receive $400. This old jail was torn down in 1842, and a new stone jail built on the same site. This was two stories high, and it is said that the principal occupants of it were horse thieves, who did a thriving business in this part of Ohio in the early days. This jail was built near the present building, which is both a jail and sheriff's residence. In 1878, the Town Council of Marion erected a town hall, 35 by 80 feet in dimensions and two stories high, on the corner of Church and Prospect streets. The first postmaster of Marion was John Ballantine, who was appointed in 1821. He was succeeded by William Holmes in the next year, and in 1825 Eber Baker was appointed postmaster. The story is told of Dr. Robert Holmes, also one of the early postmasters, that he always wore a high silk hat, and carried the letters around in it, which he delivered as he made his rounds to his patients. He delivered an average of five letters a day, and the recipient of the letter paid the postage at so much an ounce. The postal business has grown so greatly since that time that the Government has erected a fine building for its exclusive use. Prior to 1840, there were no banks in the county. The most of the banking was done at Delaware, though Sandusky was a strong competitor, because the greater part of the grain raised in the county was hauled to that port for shipment. In 1840, J. S. Reed, Dr. H. A. True, and R. H. Johnson organized a private bank, with a capital of $30,000, under the firm name of J. S. Reed & Co., of which J. S. Reed became president and Dr. H. A. True cashier. Three years later this bank was organized under the name of the Marion County Bank, a name retained to this day by its successor. In 1851 the Bank of Marion was organized by Judge Ozias Bowen and his associates. This bank is still doing business, and is known now as the Marion National Bank. Twenty years later Timothy Fahey started a private bank, with a capital of $12,000. This bank grew, and in 1893 became the Fahey Banking Company. After thirty more years of financial growth, or in 1901, the City National Bank came into existence, and three years later the Marion Savings Bank was established. From their very organization, the business methods of these financial institutions have been such as to commend them to the public. Through the most severe financial panics of the country, these institutions have passed without the least shadow of suspicion as to their solvency, and, in times of the city's greatest prosperity, they are found amply able to accommodate the large demands which are incident to the continued and successful operation of numerous large manufacturing plants. Marion has grown very rapidly in the past quarter of a century. The founder of this new and greater Marion was Edward Huber. He was born September 1, 1837, of German extraction. He first learned the blacksmith's trade, and very early in life began to develop marked skill in designing and manufacturing numerous useful articles. One of his inventions was a revolving wooden hay rake. In casting about for a suitable site to manufacture this article, and hearing that wood was plentiful in this region, he journeyed from his home in Indiana to Marion in 1865, with the result that a company was formed in the same year to manufacture the rake. This was only the beginning of a long list of valuable inventions and local enterprises to his credit. There is scarcely a manufacturing industry in Ma- HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO - 507 rion that has not, in its beginning, received his financial and moral support. He was a rare and generous man, a liberal and considerate employer, and in all things relating to civic matters a thoughtful and patriotic citizen. His death on August 26, 1904, was an irreparable loss to the community, which his energy and inventive genius had converted from a country village into a city of many diverse business and manufacturing enterprises. The Huber Manufacturing Company grew into a great industry, and Marion began to attract attention as a manufacturing center. It succeeded the old partnership of Huber, Gunn & Company. The company manufactures threshing machinery of many kinds, together with their accessories, and traction engines for motor power. Its plant covers thirty acres, and a number of branch houses are maintained. The Marion Steam Shovel Company has attracted wide attention. It is one of the largest factories manufacturing steam shovels, dredges, placer mining outfits, etc. Its plant covers forty acres of land. H. M. Barnhard and George W. King were the original inventors of this machinery, and both located in Marion because of the encouragement of Mr. Huber. The company was incorporated in 1884, when the construction of two shovels was begun. Although containing no mineral wealth, Marion County has been very fortunate in its beds of fine limestone. These deposits were known and utilized in pioneer days. The first man to turn toward the stone deposits on a commercial basis was Josiah S. Copeland, about the year 1839. He was a resident of Zanesville, but came here and opened up a quarry with a force of men in that year. This original quarry is now filled up. Mr. Copeland also burned lime, and sold both lime and building stone. This industry has now been developed on an extensive scale, and employs several hundred men. The products are shipped to a dozen different states. VILLAGES In the early days, there was a little town called Big Island, in the township of that name. For many years after the county seat was removed to Marion, the enterprising citizens of Big Island endeavored to have the county capital removed there. The efforts were not wholly abandoned until the courthouse was built in 1832. At that time there were but three stores and two taverns in Big Island. It was a favorite rendezvous on military muster day. This event was usually held on Saturday afternoon, and was accompanied by much drinking and the resulting fighting. On one occasion, on Christmas day, it is said that thirteen fights were in full swing at the same time. As early as August 25, 1821, a town was laid out near the whetstone on the land of Joshua B. Bears, being platted and surveyed by Col. James Kilbourn, and by him given the beautiful and historic name of Claridon. At the time it was thought that it would be a suitable location for the county seat, owing to the fact that it was at that time very nearly the center of the county. With this in view, it was laid out in "magnificent style," covering some 102 acres of land. In the center of the town a large square was donated for a site for county buildings and a park, otherwise to be used for buildings for literary purposes. The avenues were 99 feet wide, and the streets 66 feet. It was the first town laid out in the county and thrived until Marion was selected as the county seat. Caledonia was surveyed and platted on April 11, 1834, by Samuel Holmes, for the proprietors, John Parcel and William F. Farrington. Each of these men had conducted a small store for several years previously at that place. The first practicing physician to 508 - HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO locate in the settlement was Doctor Disbrough. There was no municipal government in Caledonia for almost forty years. In 1873 a petition was presented to the county commissioners, stating that the village contained more than 500 inhabitants, and asking that it be incorporated as a village. This petition was granted. Two railroads pass through the village, and there are three churches—Methodist, Presbyterian, and Universalist. La Rue was platted in 1851 by William La Rue. The occasion of the platting was that the Bellefontaine and Indiana Railroad had just been surveyed through there. The right of way was donated by Mr. La Rue through his land, and a generous subscription made as well, and in return the company agreed to stop all trains at La Rue and establish a watering place at that point. The first store was established in the same year by Henry C. Seigler, and in the following year Horace Roberts opened up the Union House. It is a thriving village of about 1,000 inhabitants, and was incorporated many years ago. Prospect is situated on the left bank of the Scioto River. It was surveyed by Christian Gast in 1835, and was first named Middletown. The name was changed on petition of the citizens in 1876, because there were several other towns named Middletown. A small stream running through Prospect is called Battle Run, because of a skirmish between the Indians and some settlers in 1820. No one was hurt, but one Indian, who had been knocked down, was considerably bruised. By the terms of truce the Indian agreed to give his assailant a saddle of venison, and the white man promised a load of pumpkins. The pipe of peace was then passed around. The population of Prospect is now about 1,000. Other villages in Marion County are Waldo, incorporated in 1845 ; Morral, incorporated in 1904; Green Camp, incorporated in 1875; and the unincorporated villages of Martel and Agosta. CHAPTER XXXIX MERCER COUNTY JAMES K. CARLIN, CELINA In historic interest Mercer County possesses matter of rare value. It was on this soil that General St. Clair suffered his disastrous defeat at the hands of the Indians, on the banks of the Wabash River, and only a few miles from its source. Within its borders other sanguinary skirmishes have taken place between the white men and the red men, and the blood-curdling war cry of the Indians has been echoed and re-echoed many times in the primeval forests which once covered the county. Fort Recovery was erected on the site of St. Clair's defeat. by Gen. Anthony Wayne, in December, 1793. The village of that name now is a monument to the defeat of St. Clair and the victory of Wayne. On the 30th of August, 1851, a mass meeting of the citizens of Mercer and adjoining counties was held to make arrangements to partake in the solemnities of the reinterment of the remains of those who fell on the battlefield of Fort Recovery. While General Wayne was occupying the fort he offered a reward for the collection of the remains of the soldiers who had perished there. Several hundred skulls were collected and placed in a grave within the walls of the stockade. The remains of these were discovered in 1838, soon after the Town of Fort Recovery was laid out. These bones were reburied in the village cemetery. In July, 1851, while searching for bullets on the site of the old battlefield, John S. Rhodes and David J. Rook discovered a human skull in one of the streets of the town adjacent to the ground upon which the fort stood, in the northwestern part of the village. A search was made which resulted in the finding of the skeletons of some sixty persons in a fair state of preservation. On the 10th of September, 1851, the exercises took place, to which a general invitation had been extended to the surviving soldiers of this and other states who had participated in the campaign of Harmar, St. Clair, and Wayne, and several thousand persons gathered for the occasion from Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio. The bones were placed in thirteen large black walnut coffins, and placed in the burial ground at the south side of the village. The number of coffins was placed at thirteen because there were thirteen states in the union at the time the battle was fought and because, in all human probability, every state was represented in that battle. "We handled a number," says the Standard of that date, "that had been perforated by a bullet, and had also a gash—smoothly cut by the tomahawk ; and, in different parts, marks made by a sharp instrument were discernible, said by old soldiers present to have been produced by the scalping knife. We saw a number of relics that were found on and near the battlefield, such as a sword, iron and lead balls, knives, ramrods, etc. The sword was about three feet long, and had a heavy brass guard around the hilt. The blade, on the edge and back, and the guard, bore evident marks of a desperate conflict, being literally cut in gaps and gashes." The procession was a column a mile long and under the direction of Gen. James Watson Riley, - 509 - 510 - HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO and an oration was delivered by Bellamy Storer, of Cincinnati. In 1891 a centennial celebration was held at Fort Recovery in commemoration of the battle of the 4th of November, 100 years earlier. A number of distinguished men were present and addressed the gathering. On this occasion the remains of the soldiers who had been buried in the old cemetery in 1851 were again removed to a plot of ground specially purchased for that purpose, where a monument was erected by Congress in 1910. Isaiah Duncan reached Mercer County in 1818, and settled near the present Town of Mendon. One of the very earliest pioneers in Mercer County was Michael Harner, who arrived here in 1819. The year 1822 marks the arrival of Andrew Coil and his son-in-law, Thomas Parrott., who built a cabin on the banks of Twelve-Mile Creek. Mr. Coil laid out a town in the following year, which was named Coiltown, and which competed with St. Marys and Shanesville for the seat of justice in 1824. Justin Hamilton reached the county in 1823, and soon became prominent in its affairs. He became one of the earliest justices of the peace, and also served as county surveyor, member of the Legislature, and associate judge. William B. Hedges and John T. Greaves conducted an Indian trading post for many years. John Simison was one of the first settlers at Fort Recovery in 1817. He farmed and his sons hunted. A few years afterwards Peter Studebaker established himself in the same neighborhood and married a daughter of Mr. Simison. A still later arrival, HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO - 511 John G. Blake, held the office of justice of the peace for twenty-one years. A third pioneer there was Samuel McDowell. "Samuel McDowell enlisted in the service of the United States in 1791, and was of General Butler's regiment at the disastrous defeat of St. Clair. When the retreat was sounded, all that could rushed pell-mell on the back track in shameful confusion. McDowell was among those who covered the retreat, and kept the enemy in check. A horse came dashing by, which he caught, and seeing a soldier limping along, assisted him to mount, by which he soon gained the front, and thus saved his life. Many years afterwards, as McDowell was traveling, and had registered his name in the tavern in which he was to tarry for the night, a stranger, who by accident saw it, and that he was from Recovery, Ohio, entered into conversation with him, and soon found he was the generous soldier who assisted him to escape the savage massacre. The surprise was mutual. The stranger took him to his house and made him a present of a splendid suit of clothes, which McDowell always wore on the anniversary of that day, and the 4th of July. McDowell lived to be over eighty years of age, and died near Recovery." David and Obed Beardsley were also among the pioneers ; Henry Lipps was a later com-er. He helped to lay out the town and became a member of the Legislature. Dr. J. S. Fair was probably the earliest physician. Henry Bernard and James Rover, Henry and Bernard Bruns, and Henry Beckman were prominent among the pioneers and their descendants are still prominent in the county, and especially in the neighborhood of St. Henry. The settlers for a number of years were few and far between. The arrivals began to be more numerous in the thirties. Rev. Timothy Hawkins was one of the earliest settlers in Liberty Township, and assisted in building the first church in the county. This was the old Bethel Church on Eight-Mile Creek. Rev. James Drury, who came in 1838, was possibly the first. Baptist minister in the county. Robert Linzee located on a farm near Celina, in 1834. In his lifetime he donated the site for a school building. The deed is in his own handwriting, and recites that the title is conveyed for that purpose "as long as water runs and wood grows." When James Duncan and Sara Roebuck decided to get married, they walked all the way to Wapakoneta in order to have the ceremony performed by Rev. Isaac Harvey. What is said to have been the earliest grist-mill in the county was built by David Anderson on the Wabash River, not far from Fort Recovery in 1830. The stone was quarried and dressed by William McDowell. One of the earliest flour mills on the St. Marys River was erected by John Rhodes. John Oswald built one of the earliest, steam mills at Recovery prior to the Civil War. On Chickasaw Creek Samuel Gray, Charles Botkin, and John Miller were in the van. The early settlers had a keen sense of humour, and loved to play jokes as well as their descendants. The following incidents are taken from Knapp 's History of the Maumee Valley : "Fire hunting was a profitable sport, either for fish or deer. At night, the deer would gather in the river to stamp and splash water on themselves to keep off the mosquitoes and gnats, and when a light came along, they would stand gazing at it. until the hunter approached close enough to shoot them down. Newcomers, of course wanted fresh meat, and these adepts in the art of fire hunting by torchlight, would agree to show them for a certain sum, to be paid that night in whisky how it was done. They would generally supply the tyros with an old worthless boat or canoe, where they could be seated, while their instructors would have a pirogue large enough to hold themselves and several deer. All ready—off they would start, flambeau in hand. They were most always successful, as game was plenty. When they wished 512 - HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO to return home, they would kindly tell the newcomers that where they were the river had a large bayou and island, and for them to keep down the main stream, while they would make a little excursion, and would soon fall in with them below. On, on, the newcomers would go, hearing nothing of their comrades, and daylight generally found them some twenty miles from home, and the next day they had the fun of footing it back. This was called 'initiating' the new settlers in the art of fire hunting. Doctor Pulltoggle, as he was nicknamed, loved to be bell-wether on all public days and occasions, and to make the oration on the 4th of July. Colonel Hedges disliked him, and on more than one occasion outwitted him. On a certain 4th of July, he was chosen orator—a stand for the speaker was erected, and seats constructed for the accommodation of the people. Hedges tied a string to a fresh coon skin, and gave a boy a quarter to drag it across the speaker's stand, and around on the seats. The meeting was largely attended, and the Declaration of Independence read, when the speaker arose with all self-assurance to make a big display. Hedges then let loose thirty-two hounds, and they instinctively took the trail of the coon skin, and such screams and ‘getting up stairs you never did see !' The meeting was dissolved, and the wrath of the speaker had no bounds." The history of Mercer County dates from 1820, its formation being coeval with fourteen other counties. At that time it was still a wilderness, where the Indians had full sway only a few years earlier, and only a few hardy pioneers had settled within its boundaries. At Fort Recovery and at Shane's Crossing there was quite a trading post. The St. Marys River at that time provided a means for the transportation of goods and merchandise from the settlements in the older sections of the country. It was on the route from the neighborhood of Cincinnati to Fort Wayne, and only a very short portage was required when the streams were filled with water. Over 1,116 persons were enumerated in 1830, when the first census was taken. The transformation of the county since that time has been marvelous. The wilderness of the days long past has become an agricultural paradise, and Mercer County now boasts of as fine farms and as good school houses as any part of our state. For a long time the greatest drawback of the county was the lack of improved roads, and it was not until 1880 that any advance was begun in this line. Since that time a great many pikes have been constructed, until the present time the county has the best highways in Northwestern Ohio, including many miles of brick and concrete roads. Mercer County was named in honor of General Hugh Mercer, a distinguished officer of the Revolution. He was commissioned a brigadier-general by Congress, and took a prominent part in the operations against the British forces until he fell mortally wounded on the battlefield of Princeton. When first organized, the county was attached to Darke for judicial purposes. It was detached from Darke in 1824, and then officially organized, with St. Marys as the county seat. In 1849 a part of the county was detached in order to form Auglaize County, but a part of Darke was added to it as a measure of compensation. As now constituted there are fourteen townships in the county, as follows : Black Creek, Dublin, Union, Center, Jefferson, Franklin, Marion, Granville, Gibson, Recovery, Washington, Liberty, Hopewell, and Butler. The Grand Reservoir or, as it is sometimes called, Lake Mercer, is mostly situated in Mercer County. It is from three to five miles in width, and almost ten miles in length, the western end reaching the corporate limits of Celina. It contains 17,000 acres. This reservoir was begun in 1837 and completed in 1845. Long before the location of this reser- HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO - 513 voir, several adventurers had settled within the prairie which then formed its site. Some of the exciting events that occurred during the construction of the reservoir and immediately afterwards are related under the chapter devoted to Auglaize County. The lake is today a popular resort and place for recreation. An interesting incident of the county's history is that connected with the colonization of negroes in the thirties. Augustus Wattles, a native of Connecticut, had become interested in the colored population of Cincinnati, who were shut off from every avenue of mental and moral improvement. He decided to move them to the country for an experiment. Land was purchased in the south end of this county in 1835 and several hundred former slaves were scattered through the townships of Marion, Granville, and Franklin. Mr. Wattles accompanied the negroes and purchased a farm for himself in the northwest corner of Marion Township, upon which a school was established for the education of the blacks. Aid was given the enterprise by the trustees of the estate of Samuel Emlen, of New Jersey, and the school became known as the Emlen Institute. The school, or institute, was on the present site of the buildings of St. Charles Catholic Seminary, at Carthagena, the home of the Society of the Most Precious Blood Fathers, and one of the largest schools for the education of priests in the state. This influx of the Wattles negroes was objected to by the whites, and a number of small disturbances arose. These reached a climax in June, 1846, when word reached the neighborhood of the coming of some 400 more negroes. The whites then organized, including residents of both Mercer and Auglaize counties. Silas Young was made captain, and Samuel Grunden, vice captain, both of this county ; Judge Benjamin Linzee, of Wapakoneta, was chosen as secretary. This was the opposition that met the Randolph slaves at Vol. I-3 3 Bremen. In the neighborhood of Carthagena, Marion Township, on and near the site of the former Emlen Institute, now reside the only negroes living in the county. Of the many who were settled in this territory between the years of 1835 and 1846, but a couple of dozen families remain. In July, 1866, quite a delegation of the blacks left this country for Liberia, South Africa. Among this number was Thomas Dillon, one of the best educated negroes of the Emlen Institute, who, a couple of years after reaching Liberia, was elected president of that little colored republic, serving for a number of years. The records in the office of the county clerk are interesting reading, as they record certificates which record is known as the "record of free blacks." Every negro who was manumitted in any way in the South was given a certificate of that fact, and these certificates were recorded in this way in order to avoid any legal proceedings against the negroes who had been slaves. One of the records of free negroes reads as follows : "John Harper, of Randolph County, North Carolina, made his will December 2, 1850, admitted to probate May, 1851, manumitting his faithful and obedient servants, Francis, Julie, Sylvanie, Sandy and Little Harry, and such issue as may be born of either of them, and to go to some of the free States ; requiring some of his nephews, J. H. and R. G. Lindsay, to see that the slaves be permitted to have and use the following property devised for them :— "To Harry, $250, his saddle, bridle, and martingale, with his mattress and wearing apparel. "To Kitty, his feather bed, bedstead, and furniture in the lower room, one side saddle, one loom and his stock of bees. "To his servant York, $100; also to York, Julie, James, Condie, and Sylva each a feather bed, bedstead, and necessary furniture. Harry to get his choice of two horses, and Kitty his 514 - HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO wife two cows and calves, and $500 in money to be invested for their benefit ; and if Harry, Kitty and their children go to Liberia or some of the free States, then Harry is to get the horses, and Kitty the cow and also $500 ; but in case of Kitty's death, to be divided among her children. "Mr. Harper also provided that if any of the white legatees of his will oppose the emancipation of his slaves, he or she shall receive no portion of his estate, but that share to be, divided among the others ; and if all of the legatees opposed, then one-half. of his estate goes to the American Bible Society, and the other half to the Colonization Society. He also provided for the other slaves that man and wife should not be separated. "Entered November 1, 1854. "H. F. JUNEMAN, Clerk." The first commissioners of the county were Lucas Van Ansdall, Ansel Blossom, and Thomas Scott, and they held their initial session at St. Marys on April 17, 1824. Samuel Hanson, the deputy treasurer appointed by them, agreed to collect all the taxes in. Mercer and Van Wert counties for $5. When John P. Hedges, the first treasurer, retired in 1825, the auditor was "directed to issue an order in favor of the said John P. Hedges for two dollars and ninety-one cents, being his legal percentage on seventy-two dollars and seventy-five cents, received and paid over by. W. B. Hedges for John P. Hedges." The first term of the common pleas court was held at St. ,Marys, in February, 1825. Joseph H. Crane was the presiding judge, and his associates were James Wolcott, Thomas Scott, and Joseph Greer. The only case on the docket was the chancery suit entitled Samuel Dungan vs. Edmund Gilbert. There is not to be found a state case upon the calendar until several years after the organization of the county—the very light docket exhibiting, only business now coming before the Probate Court, and at some terms a chancery case or two. This only speaks well for the early citizens of the county. The first court was held in Celina in 1840. William L. Helfenstein presided, and his associates were Judges Linzee, Hays, and Parks. The first courthouse of the county was a frame structure, 20x24 feet in dimensions and two stories high, and located at St. Marys. It was built in 1829 by W. McCluney. The price paid was $291.49, which included the price of. the lot, valued at $40. The furniture cost $57.371/2, which shows the minuteness with which these records were kept. Previous to the completion of this building the Court of Common Pleas had held sessions in the tavern of John Pickerell, to whom the commissioners at one time allowed $5.00 for the use of the room. In 1839 'the commissioners and auditor met to select thirty-four lots donated by the proprietors of Celina to aid in the erection of public buildings. The first twenty of these lots were sold for a little over $600. The commissioners then contracted with Samuel Hunter and John McGee for the erection of a new courthouse in that town. It was not many years until this building was outgrown, and in 1866 the commissioners resolved to erect a still larger courthouse to be three stories in height. The contract was awarded to R. G. Blake and F. C. Le Blond. In 1825 the first jail was built by Aza Hinkle at St. Marys, for which he was given five lots in the village and $150 in cash. A second jail was erected in 1842 at Celina by Gustavus Darnold. The present jail was built in 1875, and combines the sheriff's residence with the confinement place for prisoners. The first officers of the county in the various offices were as follows : auditor, William B. Hedges, 1824 ; clerk, of courts, James Watson Riley, 1824; prosecuting attorney, W. L. Thomas, 1824 ; treasurer, J. P. Hedges, 1824; sheriff, H. W. Hinkle, 1825; recorder, James HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO - 515 Watson Riley, 1825 ; surveyor, Justin Hamilton, 1827 ; coroner, L. D. McMahon, 1837 ; probate judge, W. L. Blocher, 1852 ; board of infirmary directors, Thomas Upton, G. W. Mosier, and B. F. Suwalde, 1863. Mercer County has sent two of its citizens to Congress. Francis C. Le Blond served from 1863 to 1867, and W. E. Tou Velle was elected in the fall of 1906, both of Celina. It was represented in the Constitutional Convention of 1871 by Thomas J. Godfrey, of Celina, and in the last Constitutional Convention by Henry C. Fox, of Coldwater. Mercer County Methodism had its beginning about the year 1829 in a camp meeting held at St. Marys, then the county seat. There were a number of conversions at this meeting, which was under the charge of Rev. Robert Finley, assisted by William H. Raper and John P. Wright. The work of the mission was then extended westward to Twelve-Mile Creek and Shane's Prairie and Willshire. Some of the appointments were a day's journey apart, and the minister was compelled to carry subsistence for himself and his horse. The work was then called St. Marys Mission, Maumee District, Ohio Conference. In 1832 a society was formed at or near the mouth of Twelve-Mile Creek in a log schoolhouse, the members being Israel Forbes and wife, Samuel Hanson and wife, Joseph Rider and wife, and George Parrott. This is believed to be the first "class" formed in what is now Mercer County, and Rev. Jesse Pryor was the missionary. In 1838 the appointments were St. Marys, Mercer, Shanesville, Harpers, Will-shire, Van Wert, Sugar Ridge, Tomlinson's, Pring's, Goefford's, Duck Creek, Mendon, Eight-Mile (now Bethel) and Roebuck's, and was called "St. Marys Mission, Michigan Conference." A large society was shortly afterwards formed in the vicinity now known as Bethel. Abel Wright was the first leader, and James Wright the exhorter. In 1833 Rev. James Finley and Rev. John Alexander were the missionaries. The class in Celina was organized in 1838 by Rev. George Armstrong and Reverend Mr. Vincent. Its members were Eben Foster and wife, Janes Foster, William Allen and his wife, Mrs. McMahon, Christian Maurer and wife, Levi Dibble and wife, and Ira Foster and wife, with Ira Foster as class leader. The first church built was the Old Bethel Church, and a church built in Celina was begun in the same year of 1839. In 1853 St. Marys was made a station and the Celina circuit was formed, and Rev. Gersham Lease was the minister. Even at this time a part of the support of the minister came from the parent society. In the succeeding years the work was divided a number of times, as the various appointments became stronger and the membership more numerous. The original St. Paul's Church was built in 1856, but it was replaced by the present edifice in 1892. Owing to the large number of Germans settling in Mercer County, the Roman Catholic Church has become very strong and has a number of edifices scattered over the south end of the county. Catholicism was first introduced in the village of Minster, which is now in Auglaize County. The history of the church here is closely connected up with that of the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood, and the priests of that order have generally organized and supplied the churches in the county. One of the first churches of the Catholic congregations in the county was St. John's Church, in the town of that name. It was established as early as 1837, and now occupies a beautiful edifice that was erected in 1888. St. Rose's Church, in Marion Township, a couple of miles west, was established in the same year. St. Joseph's Church is a few miles distant from Fort Recovery, and is one of the earliest churches in the county. It was organized a year later than the two just mentioned, the first priest being Rev. John Her-, zog. St. Henry's Church was established 516 - HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO few years later, and its first priest was Father Bartels. The splendid new church now in use was dedicated on the 25th of July, 1897. St. Anthony's Church, at Padua, was founded by the Fathers of the Most Precious Blood, the first priest being Rev. Joseph Albrecht, who held the first service at the house of John Stelzer. St. Mary's Church at Cassella dates from 1847. A plot of ground was afterwards secured, on which a strong frame building was constructed, which served as a church until the new brick edifice was built, under the pastorate of Rev. Peter Herberthur. Another church of the same name is located at Philothea, which was established in 1851.. St. Sebastian Church, at Sebastian, was established in 1852. The pioneers of this congregation were Adam Gerlach, John Will, and B. Frohning. St. Aloysius Church, near Carthagena, was first organized about 1856. The Church of the Immaculate Conception at Celina, now the largest congregation in the county, was established in the spring of 1864. The first Catholic services held in Celina were conducted by missionaries of the Most Precious Blood Society at the home of Joseph Zender, in 1861. Three years later a little brick church was built under the pastorate of Rev. Father Bernard Dickman, the congregation consisting of seven families. In 1880 an addition was added, and six years later the present parochial school buildings were erected. In the spring of 1903 the present church was dedicated under the pastorate of the very Rev. George Hindelang, C. P. P. S., present provincial of the Society of the Most Precious Blood. It is one of the largest and finest decorated Catholic edifices in the state. Other Catholic churches in the county are St. Wendelin's, at Wendelin ; St. Peter's Church, in Recovery Township ; St. Francis Church, at Cranberry Prairie ; Holy Trinity Church, at Coldwater; St. Paul's Church, at Sharpsburg; St. Bernard's Church, at Burketville ; Church of Mary Help of Christians, at Fort Recovery ; and the Church of the Most Precious Blood, at Chickasaw. In 1859 the Society of the Most Precious Blood secured the old negro industrial school, known as the Emlen Institute, at Carthagena, in the northwestern corner of Marion Township, together with an extensive tract of land. Suitable buildings were at once erected, and in September, 1860, the seminary was opened. At present many large brick buildings and a beautiful chapel constitute the home of the society known as St. Charles Seminary. In 1884, the society acquired an extensive tract of land near Burkettsville, where buildings were erected and a novitiate for lay brothers was opened. This is known as the St. Marys Novitiate. CELINA The name of the county seat of Mercer County was bestowed upon it by James Watson Riley, one of the original proprietors. Because of its particular location on the edge of the reservoir, he named it after the town of Selina, of New York, situated at the head of Onondaga Lake, but changed the spelling in order to avoid any confusion which might result from the similarity of the names. The associates of Mr. Riley in the platting of the town were Rufus Wilson Stearns, Robert Linzee 2d, and Peter Aughenbaugh. The surveying was done by Mr. Riley, who was a deputy surveyor. A public square was dedicated for public use, and a lot was donated to the Methodist Episcopal, Baptist, and Presbyterian churches "to be used for no other purpose." The plat was acknowledged in 1834 by the proprietors before Associate Judge Stacey Taylor. They "severally acknowledged that they have given the name of Celina ; that the within plat and the description are accurate ; and that in addition thereto they will give three acres of land near said town for a burial grounds on some eligible situation free to all denominations." HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO - 517 Mr. Riley's life was a long and eventful one, and his name will be found identified in many ways with Mercer and the adjoining counties. He helped in locating Van Wert, Paulding, and Celina, the seats of justice of three different counties. To clear the site of timber, a "chopping bee" was arranged. Of this occasion, W. Wiltshire Riley, brother of the founder, says "I fixed a day in November and issued nearly 100 invitations to a chopping 'bee.' Those at a great distance came on the day preceding the 'bee,' and were provided for as well as our accommodations would warrant. On the day of the `bee' all were to be provided with refreshments, consisting of eggnog, sandwiches and doughnuts, and a grand supper in the new brick building, then floored and roofed, but yet unfinished. After supper a dance was to be given. As part of the preparations I sent to Fort Recovery for musicians, and to Piqua for two barrels of whiskey, six dozen tin cups, and the same number of plates, knives and forks, spoons and tin pails. Venison, turkeys, pigs and chickens were procured, and all the ladies engaged to do the cooking. Arrangements were made at the hotels for those who came the day before. The day arrived—a beautiful Indian summer day—and with it came about 70 experienced choppers to Celina, with axes sharp and glistening, reminding one of the descriptions of the axes of the ancient headsmen. The woodsmen divided into companies of from 15 to 20, under a leader who selected trees in rows, so that by cutting them off and moving in this manner to the east side, the last row was allowed to fall against the others, causing them all to fall with a thunder-crash, at intervals of about an hour. Eggnog was served in tin pails, with all the sandwiches and doughnuts desired. A barrel of whiskey was used, although a few of those present used coffee alone." At this time the site of the new town was heavily timbered, and the mud was tramped knee deep by the teams engaged in the excavations of the work of public and private buildings in the new town. Celina was incorporated as a village, on the 2d of June, 1860. The first mayor elected was Dr. Joseph N. Hetzler, and he was succeeded by T. G. Tou Velle, and he was succeeded in turn by Philo Le Blond. The first town 518 - HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO council consisted of four members, who were Adam Baker, John Luck, John M. Pohlman, and S. S. Snyder. The first postmaster of the town was Samuel Ruckman. The first newspaper in Celina was dated the fourth of August, 1848. There appeared on the first page the names of J. S. Millard, printer, and L. G. Smith, publisher. A couple of years later the paper fell into the hands of W. L. Blocher and S. S. Snyder, and was published by this firm under the name of the Western Standard for four years. A. P. J. Snyder came to Celina in 1851, first working in the office as compositor, and then he bought the interest of Judge Blocher. He finally became the sole owner of the newspaper, which is still published and known as the Mercer County Standard. In 1905, the publication of the Daily Standard was begun in connection with the weekly, and this marked a new era in local newspaper enterprises. The Standard is one of the oldest newspaper plants in Northwest Ohio, and has always been loyal to the upbuilding of Celina and Mercer County. The Western Democrat was established in 1874, with D. J. Callen as the editor. It finally came into the possession of J. E. Blizzard in 1876, and the name was changed to Mercer County Observer. This paper is the one republican newspaper in the county. The Bote is a weekly German paper, and was established in 1883 by William Stelzer. The Democrat, a weekly, was established by Carlin and Phillips in 1895. The Shakespeare Club of Celina is to be credited with the establishment of the library here. This club invited all those whom they thought would be interested in a library movement to meet together during the year 1897. A lecture course was promoted from which the surplus funds were to be expended for books. A book shower was afterwards given in Riley's Hall, and the books thus obtained became the nucleus of the first library in Celina. The library was maintained through the efforts of the Shakespeare Club for a time. The History Club of Celina took an interest in the movement to provide a library building. It was decided to ask Andrew Carnegie for assistance. This movement was finally a success, and funds were provided by Mr. Carnegie for the erection of the building now in use. Masonry made its entry in Celina in 1853, when a petition was presented to the grand master of Ohio. The first meeting was held during that same year in a hall prepared for the occasion. Smith H. Clark was the first worshipful master, and William Hunter was the secretary. This lodge is known as Celina Lodge Free and Accepted Masons No. 241. A dispensation was granted in 1869 for the establishment of a chapter of the Royal Arch Masons. When instituted this chapter became known as Celina Chapter No. 120. Joseph N. Hetzler was the first presiding officer and James H. Day was the secretary. Celina Chapter No. 91, order of the Eastern Star, was granted a charter in 1896. The first officers of the chapter were Susan A. Riley, worthy matron and Tennie Zay. Celina Lodge No. 399, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was constituted at Celina in 1867 by John A. Lee, grand master of Ohio. Celina Encampment No. 231, and Queen Rebecca Lodge No. 245, are also chapters of this order that are located in Celina. Celina Lodge No. 129, Knights of Pythias, was organized and instituted on the 8th day of September, 1881. The original officers were John W. McKee, past master ; John W. Loree, chancelor commander, and J. P. McAfee, keeper of records and seals. A chapter of Pythian sisters was organized in 1903. Le Blond Lodge No. 171, Grand Army of the Republic dated from 1881. D. J. Roop was the first commander of the order. HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO - 519 ROCKFORD Rockford is the oldest settlement in the county, and one of the oldest in Northwest Ohio. It antedates any of the surrounding county seats. Under the name of Shanesville, it had the distinction of being the seat of justice of the county for a time. It is situated on the south bank of the St. Marys River, near the site of the old Indian village called Old Town. The town was settled as early as 1819, and even prior to this date a trading post had been established here by Anthony Madore, a Frenchman. The Town of Shanesville, as it was known, was laid out by Anthony Shane on land granted to him by the United States Government. It was platted and surveyed in June, 1820, and the plat acknowledged before John Beers, a justice of the peace of Darke County. Shane was a half breed Indian, and remained here until the removal of the Shawnees to Kansas. The name as given to the postoffice was Shane's Crossing. When the town was first incorporated, in 1866, it was given the name of Shane's Crossing. The reason for this name was that it was the old home of Anthony Shane, and the place where General Wayne crossed the river. This name clung to the village until it was changed by a decree of court to Rockford, in 1890. From the first the growth of the town was slow, but in recent years it has increased more rapidly. George F. Borchers, a German by birth, was one of the prominent citizens in the years before and during the Civil .War. He, served as postmaster for eighteen years, and also as justice of the peace and mayor for many years. At the first election held in the incorporated Village of Shane's Crossing, forty-four votes were cast. P. F. Robinson was the successful candidate for mayor. C. W. Alexander was elected clerk. N. C. McGraven was chosen as treasurer, and H. F. Holbrook as marshal. The council elected were Henry Van Tilburg, Davis Guy, Lewis Fulman, C. R. Bintz, and Joshua Van Fleet. The Rockford Free Press, a weekly newspaper, now known as the Rockford Press, was established in 1883 by D. C. Kinder. ST. HENRY St. Henry is another thriving and prosperous village of Mercer County. It was laid out by Henry Romer in 1837. H. Burns built the second cabin and started a blacksmith business, which in later years grew to be an important place in the town. The village was incorporated. It is surrounded by fine agricultural country, and is a trading place for a considerable district. MENDON In 1834 Justin Hamilton and Thomas Parrot laid out the town of Guilford, on the south bank of the St. Marys River. The proprietors soon afterwards changed the name to Mendon. For years the chief features of the town were a schoolhouse, a store, and a horse-mill. The village was incorporated in 1881. L. A. Barber was elected the first mayor, and J. H. Moore the first clerk. The councilmen were A. H. Lininger, F. S. Collins, J. W. Murlin, John Bevan, and Joseph Hesser. FORT RECOVERY The Town of Fort Recovery is laid out on the site of the old fort of the same name. It was platted by David Beardslee in 1836. It was incorporated in 1858, under the name of Recovery, upon the petition of fifty citizens, and is the oldest village corporated in the county. The Wabash River flows through the northern part of the village. In 1887 a great gas well was struck here, which was named the "Mad Anthony." 520 - HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO OTHER VILLAGES Neptune has a history that dates back to 1837. Its founder was William Bonafield, one of the pioneers who entered land there about 1827. He laid out the town and engaged in the hotel business, his hostelry being known as the "Half-way House." He was a carpenter by trade and also followed that occupation. Jason and Atwater Hall settled in the village soon afterwards and built homes. Then there came "Doc" Keyser, who spent a long life in Neptune. The fact that the old Fort Wayne road passed through here made it a good trading point in the early days. It formerly possessed a postoffice, but none is found there today. Mercer was laid out by Bernard Brewster in 1833. It is one of the oldest towns in the county, but has never grown greatly. St. Joseph was laid out in 1861 by Archbishop Purcell. At one time it supported a small store and grocery, but its main feature today is the St. Joseph's Catholic Church, one of the oldest churches of that denomination in the county. Burkettsville dates from 1876, when it was platted by Bernard Romer Jr., Edward Frummel, William Sutherland, and Jackson Galder. It was incorporated in 1901. Chickasaw was laid out in 1838 by John Nutter and James Brooks. It did not progress rapidly at first, and was not incorporated until 1890. Maria Stein is the name of a thriving village of several inhabitants. Montezuma dates from 1835. It was incorporated in 1894, and its first mayor was William A. Lacey. Coldwater was laid out by William A. 0. Munsell in 1859. It was duly incorporated as a village in 1883. CHAPTER XL OTTAWA COUNTY SCOTT STAHL, PORT CLINTON The name "Ottawa" was given to this county from the tribe of Indians who had their home on the banks of the Maumee, and whose hunting ground embraced this county, as well as other adjacent territory. The word is of Indian origin, and signifies "trader." The surface of the county is generally level and, excepting that portion known as the "Peninsula," lies almost wholly within the Black Swamp. It is small in comparison with some other counties but, as it is rich in material wealth, it is also rich in historic incident of the character that is authentic as well as that which exists in tradition. A small portion of the eastern part, comprising the Township of Danbury and nearly all of Catawba Island, lies within what is generally known as the "Fire Lands." This was land that was given to citizens of Connecticut as compensation for damages which they had sustained by reason of property destroyed in British raids. Five hundred thousand acres were set off for that purpose at the extreme western end of the Connecticut Western Reserve. Each person obtained an undivided interest in proportion to the value of his property destroyed, as estimated by a committee appointed by the Connecticut Legislature and stated in pounds, shillings, and pence. It was afterwards apportioned in severalty, by lot, in the most peculiar fashion. It will be observed that this grant, which was in the nature of a pension given to compensate for sacrifices made in the Revolutionary War, was granted in that part of the territory belonging to Connecticut most distant from home and from the then settled part of the country. All that part of the Western Reserve not thus granted to the "sufferers" was granted by the state to a corporation, known as The Connecticut Land Company, and a curious dispute arose between the "sufferers" and The Connecticut Land Company over the location of the eastern boundary of the "sufferers" land. The Connecticut Land Company insisted that Sandusky Bay should be estimated as land. If this had been done, the western line of the Connecticut Land Company's grant would have been located farther west than it was. The "sufferers" insisted that this should not be done, and the dispute was finally settled in an agreement by which Sandusky Bay was estimated as water, but The Harbors, which lie on the northern shore, were included as land. This is an early record of an odd claim. It is hard to see, now, how it could ever have been contended that Sandusky Bay is land, and it illustrates the value of compromise, because it is not possible to see how The Harbors could be considered as land any more than could Sandusky Bay, as they are covered with water from one to four feet in depth, and are actually navigable to some extent. The granting of title in this way to land covered with navigable water has been productive of some queer litigation, and has resulted in the Supreme Court of Ohio laying down rules of property that one would not believe would be necessary in Ohio. Ottawa County was created on the 6th day of March, 1840, from portion detached from Sandusky, Erie, and Lucas counties into a - 521 - 522 - HISTORY OE NORTH WEST OHIO new subdivision. The first session of the county commissioners was held at Port Clinton, April 13, 1840, at which Ezekiel Rice and William Gill were present. James Kingham filled the office of clerk on this occasion. The other officials at this time were James King-ham, auditor; Cyrus Moore, treasurer; William B. Craighill, appraiser; Eli Vogelsang, assessor; and Henry J. Miller, sheriff. All of those officials filed their bond. The first term of court was held at Port Clinton, on April 5, 1840, by Associate Judges Samuel Hollinshead, Roger Kirk, Samuel and Galbraith Stewart. The clerk was Stanton H. Brown. The principal business transaction at this session of the court was the naturalization of several foreigners. The lawyers who transacted business at several of the early terms of court were John L. Green, R. P. Buckland, W. F. Sloan, Spink & Hosmer, Charles L. Boalt, Joseph M. Root, George Reber, William W. Ainer, Parish & Saddler, J. H. Magruder, Lucas S. Beecher, Pitt Cooke, and Homer Everett. Most of these lawyers came from Fremont or Sandusky. The record of the early settlers of the county is very incomplete, but exists with tolerable accuracy in the traditions of the county. Along the shores of the lake, including The Harbors, there were in the early days of the county wide stretches of marshland, back of which the land was heavily wooded. The marshes and the woods were the home of vast numbers of fur-bearing animals, and along the edge of the marshes there settled in early times many persons of French Canadian descent. These early settlers found a livelihood, in part, in hunting and trapping these fur-bearing animals, and their descendants aided in clearing up the territory. One of the creeks of the county is called The Tousaint, a name in keeping with the descendants of the people who first located near its mouth. These early settlers had all of the characteristics that many of the late writers of Canadian stories have wound into pleasant books. The term "Tousangers" has long been a local name for the residents of this district. These " Tousangers" furnish a curious link between the hardships of the early day and the easier means of livelihood of the present generation. "De Mushrat," to a large extent, furnished a means of sustenance to these people long before it became a sort of luxury served at the muskrat suppers given by the many societies in the cities along the shores of Lake Erie. There is a curious story told of a campaign for mayor of Port Clinton, between two citizens of that town after many Germans had located there. One candidate, of German descent, invited his opponent to meet with the Germans. Limburger cheese was served in the way of refreshment. The opponent, who was of French descent, could not eat limburger cheese and he was loudly jeered. It appeared that his chances of election were lost indeed. But, an evening or two afterwards, the opposing candidate invited the man of German descent to another party at which the citizens of French descent were present, and muskrat was served. Here the German was in as great difficulty as the Frenchman was at the first party, because he could not eat muskrat, and he was as loudly jeered by the muskrat eaters. And, as those who could eat muskrat outnumbered the citizens who could not, the German, with his limburger cheese method of campaign, was sorely defeated at the election. The citizens of this county of this blood have kept pace with the development of the country and constitute a rough, honorable and important part of the citizenship of the county. A great many of the citizens of the county find themselves located there because of an incident that happened to their forefathers. A boat which was taking a large number of people of Scotch blood from Buffalo to Chicago was wrecked and cast upon the shores HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO - 523 near Port Clinton. Being unable to go farther, they set themselves about adjusting their affairs to meet the conditions surrounding them. They located at or near Port Clinton, purchased land and cleared it, and they and their descendants have accomplished much in the development of the county. Among the persons cast there at that time was Jane McRitchie, who was born in Scotland. She lived to a very ripe old age, and was generally known as " Grandma McRitchie." She endured all the hardships of an early settler, performing those various acts of kindness which one in that situation finds it possible to do. She attended the sick and cared for the suffering, when care was not easy to obtain, and was, indeed, one of those remarkably pure and good women with the strong character that only this kind of hardship can develop. She died a few years ago with the respect and affection of an entire community. After 1849, the emigration from Germany was considerable, and much of the older population of the county is of that origin. The first trial of arms in the War of 1812 in Ohio, occurred in two skirmishes on the   peninsula between the Indians and a party of American soldiers on the 29th of September, 1812. One of those who took part was Joshua R. Giddings. Later, Giddings returned and caused a monument to be erected on the site of this skirmish to commemorate this historic event. It is located near a spring close to the road "around the horn," and is an object of interest at this time to automobilists who take that beautiful drive. An interesting trial that took place during the Civil War involved the question of recognition of the Confederate States as a government de facto. It resulted from the arrest of Bennet G. Burley. Burley was tried in the Common Pleas Court at Fort Clinton on the charge of robbery in forcibly taking the watch of W. O. Ashley, the clerk of the steamer Philo Parsons. In bar of these proceedings was pleaded the fact that the defendant was the authorized agent and acting under the direction of the Confederate Government in all that he did, and that he did nothing not warranted by the laws and usages of war. Judge John Fitch, presiding, held that the Confederate States were, at the time named, a government de facto, exercising sovereignty ; 524 - HISTORY OF NORTHWEST OHIO being in a state of war with the Federal Government, the defendant could not be held amenable under the civil laws for acts performed under the authority of the Confederate Government. The court, however, held that in case the jury should believe that the taking of Ashley's watch was for the personal benefit of the defendant, and not in the interest of the Confederate Government, he was punishable under the state laws. The result was a disagreement of the jury, which stood eight for guilty and four for his discharge. Burley escaped from the jail after the disagreement of the jury. James P. Latimore was, at that time, sheriff of the county, and he was unable to retake his prisoner. Burley stayed for a few days with a farmer living in Bay Township, a few miles west of Port Clinton. This farmer, whose name was William Mulcahy, put him on horseback and went with him to Detroit. Mulcahy later returned home leading the horse which Burley had ridden to Detroit. After reaching Canada, Burley wrote to Sheriff Latimore and requested him to send Burley some books which he had left at the jail, and sent Latimore some money to pay for certain expenses which the sheriff had paid for Burley. The escape of Burley was without fault of the sheriff, but Mr. Latimore says that he was a most congenial and interesting gentleman. Later Burley became a war correspondent for one of the great London dailies. A very interesting section of the mainland of Ottawa County is what is known as the "Peninsula." This comprises a little more than thirty square miles in area, lying between , Lake Erie and Sandusky Bay, all being in Danbury Township, in which Lakeside is located. Nearly all of Catawba Island Township, before the organization of Erie or Ottawa counties, constituted a 'part of the territory of Huron County. In the earlier days these two townships were known as Peninsular Township, in Huron County, and later the name was changed to Danbury Township, in Huron County. This name was given after the name of the Town of Danbury, in Connecticut. The Peninsula is one of the most picturesque sections of Northwest Ohio. There is no more beautiful drive than what is known as "around the horn." The road is near, or in sight of, the open water for almost the entire distance, and the glimpses obtained of the blue waters of the lake and bay are most fascinating. Johnson's Island and Kelly's Island, Put-in-Bay, and the City of Sandusky are clearly visible upon a bright day, and there is an ever varying change to the scenery without even a trace of monotony. The lighthouse and life-saving station at Marblehead are favorite spots with all visitors. The soil and the climate, because of the presence of such a large body of water, is favorable to the cultivation of peaches, which has become the chief product of the territory, and the richest fruits are produced in large quantities. A million bushels of peaches are harvested and shipped annually from the eastern end of Ottawa County. The farmers in that section have grown rich and they live in beautiful homes, surrounded with all the conveniences that the genius of the age has produced. Catawba Island, as it is called, is really a part of the "Peninsula," and is entitled to the name "island" only because it is nearly severed from the mainland by a narrow stream of water, and what is known as The Harbors. There is, however, the supposition in support of the name "island," that the Portage River once ran beyond Port Clinton and emptied into what is called West Harbor, thus separating Catawba Island from the mainland. To the student of geology, there is no part of Ohio more interesting or more filled with revelation of the ages that have gone by than the Peninsula. Along the shore of the lake, especially near Lakeside and Marblehead, and on Kelly's Island, directly opposite, the glacier