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CHAPTER XXII.
LOUDON TOWNSHIP AND FOSTORIA CITY.
THIS is one of the western tier of townships of Seneca County. Its eastern line is within six miles of the county seat; and it comprises within itself one of the most enterprising and progressive cities in this portion of Ohio. The township was surveyed in 1820; but, for some years after settlers refused to seek a home in the Wolf Creek wilderness, although the sale of lands there was begun in 1821. A very small area presents a broken surface; but rolling lands are common. In general it is a slightly undulating plain, possessing a soil well adapted to the growth of cereals and esculent roots.
Wolf Creek and its tributaries appear to beg for supply sources throughout the township. These streams are found rambling around everywhere within its bound, if we except the immediate neighborhood of the Fostoria divide. All the heads of the west fork of this meandering creek may be said to find a home here in Sections 7, 18 and 29, forming a stream at the northeast corner of Section 17, and flowing thence northeast, entering Jackson Township,
580 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.
in Section 35. Harrison Creek heads in two creeks on Sections 33 and 34, which flow north to Section 14, where they form one stream. This flows north by east, leaving the township just east of the west line of Section 1. One of the principal tributaries of the main stream of Wolf Creek rises near the south line of the township in its southeast quarter, flows through Sections 35, 36, 25 and 24, and enters Hopewell in Section 19 of that township.
The railroads which run through the township are the Baltimore & Ohio, the Ohio Central and the Columbus, Hocking Valley & Toledo. The Lake Erie & Western runs northeasterly through Fostoria, leaving the township in the northwest quarter of Section 5. The " Nickel Plate " also runs through Fostoria in a northeasterly direction, and leaves the township at Section 4.
The population of this township, outside of Rome Village, in 1835, was 200; five years later, in 1840, the population of the township, including Rome, was 763; and forty years later, in 1880, 4,315, exclusive of those parts of Fostoria. in Jackson Township, and in Hancock County.
Organic and Official.-The first town election for Loudon was held April 1, 1832, when Abner Wade was elected justice; Benjamin Stevens, Peter F. King and John Ricketts, trustees; John Tennis, clerk; Samuel Carbaugh, constable; Benjamin Hartley, supervisor; Abner Wade and Nathan Shippey, overseers of the poor; Benjamin Stevens, treasurer; Nathan Shippey, John Kase and John Shellars, fence viewers.
In 1833 the trustees and clerk were re-elected, and Peter Eversole was chosen treasurer. The township was districted for school purposes this year.
In March, 1834, the township was set off into road districts. Charles W. Foster was elected clerk and justice of the peace, while the treasurer and trustees were re-elected. School trustees were elected for the first time this year. The trustees, clerks and justices of the peace, elected since 1834, are named as follows:
In 1835, Daniel Shively, W. Bennett and James Anderson, trustees: David Headley, clerk, and Abner Wade, justice of the peace. Same officers elected in 1830, and re-elected in 1837.
In 1837, C. W. Foster, Alonzo Lockwood, and William Peterson were elected school examiners, and C. W. Foster, justice of the peace.
In 1838, B. Stevens, James Anderson and Daniel Shively were elected trustees; John Tennis, clerk; Abner Wade, justice of the peace, and re-elected in 1839.
In 1840, Robert M. Ranney, Henry Ebersole and James Anderson were elected trustees; Alonzo Lockwood, justice of the peace, and John Tennis, clerk.
In 1841, Henry Ebersole, Robert McKay and Alonzo Lockwood were trustees; C. W . Foster, treasurer; Thomas Chance, clerk.
The elections of 1842 resulted in the choice of Abner Wade, Henry Ebersole and James Anderson, trustees; Thomas Chance, clerk, and Eli Weaver, justice of the peace.
In 1843 there were elected Abner Wade, David Headley and Thomas E. Belknap, trustees; Eli Weaver, clerk; C. W. Foster, treasurer; Alonzo Lockwood, justice of the peace, and re-elected in 1844.
In 1845 Jacob Anton, David Young and Peter I. King, trustees; Eli Weaver, clerk, and C. W. Foster, treasurer, were elected.
The election of 1846 resulted in the choice of Joel Hales, Philip Hennessy and Eli Weaver, trustees; A. K. Needham, clerk, and C. W. Foster, treasurer. The trustees were re-elected in 1847, with clerk and treasurer; Joel Hales and and M. P. Skinner, justice of the peace.
LOUDON TOWNSHIP - 581
In April. 1847, Abner Wade, Thomas E. Belknap and Thomas Foughty, trustees of Section 16, rented to W. S. Sprales for seven years, and to others, parts of school section.
The trustees elected in 1848 were Abner Wade, Phillip Hennessy and Joel Hales; clerk and treasurer re-elected.
The trustees elected in 1849 were John Fritcher, John Cooper and Joseph Ames; Junius V. Jones was chosen clerk, and C. W. Foster, treasurer; Samuel Dewees, justice of the peace.
The elections of 1850 resulted as follows: John Fritcher, John Cooper and Joseph Ames, trustees; clerk and treasurer re-elected, and Peter Ebersole, justice of the peace.
TRUSTEES. CLERKS. TREASURERS. JUSTICES.
1851-G.W.Patterson, P.Hennessy, D. Young. ..P. J. Kinnaman. . .C.W.Foster.. . . .J. Ames
1852-G.W.Patterson, P.Hennessy, D.Young . .P. J. Kinnaman. . C.W.Foster.. . . .G.W.Patterson
1853-S. W. Ricketts, J. Fritcher, D. Young. . . .J. V. Jones . . . . . . C.W.Foster.. .. J. V. Jones
1854-S. Grove, J. Dillon, J. Fritcher. . . . . . .. . .J. V. Jones . .. . . . C.W.Foster.. . . .Joel Hales
1855-C. Grove, W. Braden, R. A. Kirkwood . . J. V. Jones . . . . . .C.W.Foster. . . . Joel Hales .
1855-J. C. Millhime and R. A. Patterson..
were appointed vice Braden and Kirk-
wood removed
1856-C.Grove, J.H.Clay, A. R. Brandebery. .. . J.V. Jones. . . . . . .C.W.Foster. . . . .J.V. Jones
1857-M. Fruth, J. Cuthbertson, C. Grove. .. . . J. V. Jones. . . . . . C.W.Foster.. . . . J.V. Jones
1858-C. Grove, M. Fruth, J. Anderson . . . . .. .. J. V. Jones. . . . . . .C.W.Foster.. . . .J.V. Jones
1859-G. Dillon, P. Byers, D. Young. . . . . . . . . .J. V. Jones . . . . . C.W.Foster.. .. J. V. Jones
1860-W.D. Sherwood, P. Byers, J.G.Austien . . J. V. Jones ...... . . .C.W.Foster.. . . .J.W. Arnold
1861 *J. Lewis, J. Cuthbertson, P. Byers . . . . . .J. V. Jones .. . . . . C.W.Foster.. . . .J. V. Jones
1862-P. Byers, P. Chance, J.Adelsperger. . . . . . J. V. Jones . . . . . . C.W.Foster.. . . .J. V. Jones
1863-J. Bick, P. Chance, N. Lower . . . . . . . . . . J. V. Jones . . . . . . C.W.Foster.. . . .J. V. Jones
1864-Joel Hales, P.Chance, C. C. Nestlerode.. . Ira Allerton. . . . ...C.W.Foster.. . . J. V. Jones
1865-Joel Hales, P.Chance, C. C. Nestlerode.. . S. W.Clay . . . . . . C. W.Foster.. .. J.W.Arnold
1866-Joel Hales, P.Chance, C. C. Nestlerode.. . .S. Stearns . . . . . . . C.W.Foster.. . . P. Byers.
1867-Joel Hales, P.Chance, C. C. Nestlerode.. . .N. P, Robbins. . . . C.W.Foster.. . . J. V. Jones
1868-.I. W. Arnold, J. V. Jones, P. Byers . . . . . N. P. Robbins. . . . C.W.Foster.. . . .J.A.Bradner
1869-.J. V. Jones, S. Kiser, S. Good . . . . . . . . . .N. P. Robbins. . . . .C.W.Foster.. . . J.A.Bradner
1870-J. V. .Jones, L. Niebel. J. W. Arnold. . . . . N. P. Robbins .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J.A.Bradner
1871-.J. V. Jones, I. Stultz, Isaac Good . . . . . . . N. P. Robbins . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . J.A.Bradner
1872-J. V. Jones, I. Stultz, Isaac Good . . . . . . . .N. P. Robbins . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . J.A.Bradner
1873-A. Emerine, J. A. Bonnell, H. W. Eyler.. . G. D. Acker ... .. . . M.P.Skinner. . . P. Byers
1874-A. Emerine, G. Dillon, P. Ricketts. . . . . .. G. A. Knight. ... .. M.P.Skinner. . . . J.A. Hottel
1875-A. Emerine, G. Dillon, I. Stultz. . . . . .. . . A. Weaver . . . . . . .M.P.Skinner
1876-P. Duffy, I.Stultz, J. Hoffman . . . . . . . . . . G. A. Knight. . . . ...M.P.Skinner.. . .D.W.Wood
1877-R. Adams, J. Andes, 1. Stultz. . . . . .. . . . . . G. A. Knight . . . . .A. Emerine.. . . .J. Heilman
1878-S. Kizer, D. Asire, I. Stultz.......... . . . . . . .. .G. A. Knight . ... . . I.L Mickey. . . .J.A.Bradner
1879-G. D. Acker, 1. Stultz, D. Asire. . . . . .. . .. G. A. Knight . . . . . I.L.Mickey. . . D. H.Everett
1880-D. Asire, G. D. Acker, John Andes . . . . . .. .G. A. Knight . . . . . I.L.Mickey. . . W. Cramer
1881-D. Asire, J. Andes, 1. Stultz. . . . . . . . .. . . . .G. A. Knight . . . . . I.L.Mickey. . . .G.A.Knight
1882-J. Andes, D. Peters, J. V. Jones . . . . . . . . . . G. A. Knight . . . . . I.L.Mickey. . . J.A.Bradner
1883-J. Andes, D. Peters, G. D. Acker ........ . . . . Wm. O. Bulger. . . . I.L.Mickey . .. J.A.Bradner
1884-J. Andes, G. D. Acker, D. Peters . . . . . . . . . G. A. Knight . . . . .I.L.Mickey. . . C.W.Hughes
he elections of 1885 resulted in the choice of the following named officers: Trustees, David Asire, George W. Young and J. J. Worman; clerk, J. M. Schatzell; treasurer, James L. Mickey; assessors, W. H. H. Leech and John J. Peter; constables, Thomas Leedy and Philip Fox.
Pioneers and Pioneer Incidents.-When the pioneers first looked in upon the township, Indians inhabited the country all around, and made daily calls at the cabins of their new white neighbors. The bear and wolf were also frequent visitors, and following them came the ague-- the most unwelcome, troublesome and injurious visitor of pioneer days. Who the pioneers and old settlers of this township were is told in the following review of old residents and old events:
* J. Lewis and J. Cuthbertson were appointed.-
582 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.
George D. Acker, born in Pennsylvania in 1834, moved to Fostoria in 1853 . . . . . John and Violetta (Clark) Adams, natives of Ohio, came here at an early (late . . . . John and Mary A. (Albert) Adelsperger, former of Maryland, latter of Pennsylvania, parents of Mrs. James V. Magers, of Tiffin, are numbered among the pioneers of Loudon . ...John Q. Albert, born in Pennsylvania in 1827, settled at Fostoria in 1843 . . . . Thomas and Nancy Adams are old residents of this township . . . . Jacob Alexy settled in Loudon Township about 1833, near the southeast corner ... . John Anderson died January 24, 1872 . . . . Mary Anderson, the oldest resident of Fostoria at time of her death, died Juno 22, 1882, aged over ninety-two years . . . . John W. Arnold, born in Philadelphia in 1818, came to Loudon in 1851 . . . . John and Philebema (Reise) Andes, of Fostoria, are referred to in other pages among the old settlers . . . . David Asire, a native of Ohio, settled here in 1858.
Samuel Baer, of Fostoria; Henry Bucher, of Loudon, and Charles Bohsein are old residents . . . . Dr. Simon Bricker died in 1856, and was the first adult buried in the city cemetery of Fostoria . . . . Horace S. Belknap died May 3, 1857 . . . . Godfrey Bites, a native of Germany, born in 1829, came to Seneca County in 1843, and after moving about from time to time settled finally in London in 1865 . . . . C. Bonnell and B. W. Bonnell, natives of Ohio, came here in 1844 . . . . John L. Benson in 1848 . . . . Philip Byers in 1853 . . . . Dr. J. W. Bricker, referred to in the chapter on physicians, settled here in 1846 . . . . Edward Burns, now living in Loudon, is among the old residents . . . . The Braden family settled at Fostoria at an early date. Mathias Hollopeter, a local preacher, had the bodies of Mrs. Braden and members of his family transferred to the new cemetery in 1856.
Roswell Crocker, a native of New York State, born in 1806, father of Rawson Crocker, of Fostoria (who was born here in 1841), came to Fostoria in 1832, and built a saw-mill, the first in the place and in the western part of the county. He now resides in what is said to be the first frame house built in Fostoria . . . . The pioneer John Crocker died November 11, 1854 . . . . James Cahill was one of the pioneers and Moses Cadwallader one of the oldest residents . . . . Robert F. and Charlotte L. Caples, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively, parents of Bartholomew L. and Philip D. Caples (both of Fostoria, natives of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, former born in 1812, latter in 1816), came to Jackson Township from Wayne County, Ohio, in 1832, where Mr. Caples died in 1834 . . . . John Cooper, still a resident of Fostoria, is one of the pioneers of the county. His daughter, Miss Mary Annie Cooper, married Roswell Crocker, one of the first settlers and founders of Fostoria . . . . A. Cramer, a native of Pennsylvania, one of the old postmasters of the township, settled here in 1842 . . . . Samuel Carbaugh, maternal grandfather of Mrs. John A. Peters, of Loudon Township, was a pioneer of Loudon Township . . . . Aaron and Mary (Devilbiss) Cover, parents of Mrs. John C. Hartley, were among the early settlers here . . . . A. E. Civas resided a half mile south of the McDougal settlement, and to this place the Methodist class, known as Ebenezer Church, moved its quarters in 1847 . . . . John and Catherine (Slote) Cramer, parents of Daniel (born in Pennsylvania in 1818) and Adam Cramer (born in Pennsylvania in 1827), settled in Loudon township in 1838. Here Mrs. Cramer died in 1854, aged sixty-two years, and Mr. Cramer in 1855, aged sixty-five years .... Jeremiah Crowley settled here at an early date, died at Tiffin . . . . Samuel Curran, another pioneer, died March 10, 1843.
Samuel and Elizabeth (Miller) Daly, formerly of Philadelphia, parents of Mrs. Isaac Stultz, came to Tiffin in 1822, and it is said erected one of the first log-houses there, near Drennon's . . . Dennis Daugherty came to Tiffin in the
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"thirties," died prior to the war . . . . The Dana family is referred to in the history of Fostoria . . . . Jacob Dillon, a former resident of London, died in April, 1885, at his home in Eaton County, Mich., aged seventy-five years. Mr. Dillon was an old pioneer of Seneca County, having located in Loudon Township in 1832 . . . . . Thomas and Mary (Adams) Dillon, parents of Thomas and George Dillon, of Loudon Township, both natives of Virginia (former born in 1818, latter in 1820), came to Loudon Township in 1835 and settled on the farm now owned by George Dillon, where they died . . . . John C. and. Artemesia ('Mason) DeWitt, parents of Mrs. Francis 14. Stewart,, of Fostoria, settled herein 1835. Mrs. DeWitt died in April, 1885; she was born in Connecticut June 28, 1808. She came to Ohio in 1834 and was married February 10, 1835, and resided in Seneca County over fifty years. Mrs. DeWitt formerly lived near McCutchenville . . . . John W. Dicken, of Fostoria, was appointed special United States marshal of Nashville, Tenn., District... .Julia M., wife of Evan Dorsey, died July 11, 1852, aged forty-three years, three months, eleven days . . . . Patrick Duffy, of Loudon, is one of the old residents.
Andrew and Sarah (Baer) Emerine, have been residents of Fostoria for ever forty years ....George and Ellen (O'Brien) Emerine, are also old settlers . . . . Peter Ebersole, grandfather of A. E. Ebersole, of Fostoria, and a native of Pennsylvania, settled in London Township in 1831, and died here in 1857, and Peter Ebersole, his son (father of A. E. Ebersole, who was born in London Township in 1843), resided here from 1831 to 1880.
Jacob and Sarah (Stevens) Fruth, former a native of Germany, latter of Pennsylvania, parents of Frederick M. Fruth (who was born here in 1848), came to this township about 1832, where Jacob died in 1861 . . . . George and Margaret (Shobach) Fruth, parents of Mrs. John Heilman, settled here in 1833 . . . . David Ferrier, one of the pioneers, erected a grist-mill in 1834, on Wolf Creek. Horse-power was used there for years. In June, 1874, the buhrs used in this primitive manufacturing concern, were presented to Mr. DeWolf, of the Review . . . . J. S, Farmun, a native of Pennsylvania, settled here in 1854 . . . . E. Fayes, a German, came in 1850 . . . . Mrs. M. L. Faux, a Pennsylvanian, settled in the county in 1855 . . . . Jacob and Elizabeth (Peter) Fruth, parents of Frederick Fruth (who was born in Germany in 1824), came to Seneca County about 1833, settling, where they died .... Jacob and Civilla (Shardon) Fruth, natives of Germany, parents of Abraham Fruth, of Fostoria (who was born in Germany in 1848), came to America in 1854, and in 1856 settled in London Township, where Jacob Fruth died in 1872 . . . . Charles W. Foster was born in Brookfield, Worcester Co., Mass., on the 21st of November, 1800, and had therefore nearly reached his eighty-third, year at date of his death, April 26, 1883. His father moved with his family to western New York, then sparsely settled, and located in Rochester in 1820. In 1826 Mr. Foster came to Seneca County to visit the family of Mr. Crocker, a New York gentleman, who settled in Seneca Township. Here he met the romance of his life in the person of Mr. Crocker's beautiful daughter Laura. The young people had met in New York previously, and a slight attachment had sprung up between them. Mr. Foster found Miss Laura in bad health and took her to Saratoga Springs, in New York, where she was restored to good health. On the 7th of June following, the young people were married and returned to Seneca, and lived with the Crocker family. Jointly with his father-in-law, John Crocker, and his brother-in-law, Roswell Crocker, he entered 2,000 acres of unimproved land in the town and neighborhood. Immediately after the arrival of the party, Rome was laid out, and in November, 1832, Mr. Foster and his father-in-law opened a stock of goods in a cabin in Rome on the same spot where the
586 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.
mammoth dry goods house of Foster & Co. now stands. The business continued for ten years, when Mr. Crocker retired and Mr. Foster assumed control. Simultaneously with the rise of Rome the neighboring town of Risdon sprang up, planted by John Gorsuch and named after its surveyor, David Risdon. The two towns began crowding each other, and in 1852 they were consolidated and called Fostoria, in honor of Mr. Foster. Seven years previous to this Mr. Foster was joined in business by his son, Charles, and the then embryo country store rapidly developed into more pretentious proportions. From doing a business of a few thousands per year, the receipts of late years have been upward of $1,000,000. The foregoing sketch of one of the most useful pioneers of northwestern Ohio is taken from the local press of April, 1883. A reference to the history of Fostoria,. points out more minutely the part which he played in the drama of the settlement and progress of the city which bears his name .... Owen Fanning, an uncle of Dr. Fanning, of Tiffin, and father of John Fanning, was an old settler of Loudon even at the beginning of the fifth decade of this century. He died in this township some years ago . . . . James Fanning, father of Dr. Fanning, died during the winter of 1884-85 at Tiffin, . . . John Fanning dates his settlement back to 1839 . . . . James B. Fox, of Fostoria, was born in Eden Township in 1840, where his parents were pioneers.
Henry Grady now residing at Tiffin, was one of the pioneers . . . . George Germond, a pioneer resident of Fostoria, was killed by the cars near Oberlin, Ohio. August 16, 1883. He had been to Kipton, five miles west, and when within two miles of Oberlin on his return home, sat down on the track, was struck by the train and instantly killed. Germond was for a number of years an attorney at Toledo. Previous to his death he removed to Oberlin .. Manuel Green, a native of Ohio, settled here in 1850 . . . . Adam Gwinner, a German, came to the township in 1833 . . . . John and Margaret (Lambright) Good, former a native of Ohio, latter of Maryland, parents of John Good (who was born in Richland County, Ohio, in 1833),. came to Loudon Township in 1834, settling on the farm now owned by Samuel Good, where John Good, Sr., died in 1872, at the age of sixty-five years. His widow survives him at the age of seventy-two.
John Harsh, maternal grandfather of Dr. Frank L. Myers, was a pioneer of Seneca County, coming here from Carroll County, Ohio ....Benjamin and Catherine (Rake) Hartley, former a native of Virginia, latter of Pennsylvania, parents of John C. Hartley, of Loudon Township (who was born in Pennsylvania in 1828), settled in this township in 1831 . . . . Maurice Hartnett, said to be the oldest person in the county, still resides at Tiffin. He was one of the early settlers of London . . ..Marshall and Margaret (Musser) Hays, natives of Pennsylvania, parents of Frank Hays, of Fostoria (who was born here in 1853), were among the pioneers of Fostoria . . . . David Hays, a name so favorably known in connection with the city, came here in 1834 from Pennsylvania . . . . Thomas and Elizabeth (Mickey) Hays, parents of Charles Hays, of Fostoria (who was born here in 1851), located in Fostoria in an early day. Thomas Hays died in 1869 . . . . John F. Heilman, of Fostoria, born in Pennsylvania in 1817, settled in Bloom Township about 1843, and in 1873 moved to Fostoria.. . William and Margaret (Fruth) Heilman, natives of Bavaria, parents of John Heilman (who was born in Bavaria in 1842), came here in 1848 and died here . . . . William and Margaret (Schrock nee Smith) Heilman, stepfather and mother of George Schrock, of Fostoria (who was born in Germany in 1830), came with George Schreck to this county, in 1848, settling in Loudon Township, where Mr. and Mrs. Heilman died. George Schreck located in Fostoria in 1875 . . . . Jacob and Catherine (Smith) Helfrick, natives of Germany, parents of
LOUDON TOWNSHIP. - 587
Adam Helfrick (who was born in Germany in 1820), came in 1839 from Carroll County, whither they had emigrated in 1835, to Loudon Township, settling on Section 18. Mrs. Helfrick died in 1847; Mr. Helfrick in 1868 . . . . Melchior Heisserman settled in Loudon in 1833 . . . . George Heming, a native of Pennsylvania and a pioneer of the county, died July 16, 1864, in his seventy-sixth year. He was one of the pioneer surveyors of the county . . . . Thomas Heming had a nursery at Fostoria as early as 1860 . . . . The Hennessy family, viz.: Philip. Patrick, William, John, David, Thomas, James and Cornelius Hennossy, brothers and Mary Hennessy, are children of James Hennessy, one of the pioneer settlers of Loudon, who died October 12, 1849 aged ninety-fivo years . . . . William Hickey, a resident of the county for over half a century, is now a resident of New Riegel . . . . Patrick Hickey came from Ireland in 1847, and for years has been one of the leading farmers of this part of the county.. . Washington and Mary Henry are old settlers of Fostoria, as are also Daniel R. and Anna (Simmons) Henry, of Loudon Township . . . . George and Sarah (Sawlaw) Histe, parents of William T. Histe (who was born in Columbiana County Ohio, in 1826), settled in Fostoria in 1844. Mr. Histe died November 6, 1884, aged eighty-five; his widow is now eighty-three years of age. He voted at every presidential election, beginning with the third and ending with the election of November, 1884 . . . . Samuel and Laura (Robinson) Howell, natives of New York, parents of Edward B. Howell, of Fostoria, settled at Risdon in 1845. Mrs. Howell died in 1852, and Mr. Howell in 1871.
Junius V. Jones, born in Gallia County, Ohio, in 1823, settled in Fostoria in 1846 . . . . Thomas Johnson, a pioneer of Loudon Township, was found dead in a corn-field near Fostoria, July 14, 1884. He was seventy-four years old.
Edward Kenny settled in Loudon Township and died in 1883 . . . . Edmund Kenney settled here in 1841 . . . . Martin Kingseed, who came from Germaiiv in 1834 to this county, has been for years an important factor in the commercial life of Fostoria . . . . Jacob and Charlotte Kinnaman have resided here for years . . Jacob and Elizabeth (Grove) Kiser, parents of Daniel and Samuel Kiser, natives of Stark County, Ohio (the former born in 1823, and the latter in 1828), came to Loudon Township in 1834. Mrs. Kiser died in 1857, aged seventy-one years, and Mr. Kiser in 1859 . . . . Thomas Kelley, born in April. 1800, has a Scotch granite monument erected in Fostoria Cemetery, but is yet living.
Joseph Lease, uncle of Lloyd Lease, died November 14, 1884, at the age of seventy-eight years. He resided at Bowling Green for twenty years . . . . Benjamin and Elizabeth (Crum) Leonard are old residents . . . .Owen Leahy of London Township, and one of its pioneers, died about a year ago . . . . David Leaky. Also deceased, was a pioneer .... James Lewis, a native of New York, settled here in 1847, since which time he has taken a full part in the social, religious and official life of the city* . . . . Nicholas Lauer, the blacksmith, came from Germany in 1836 . . . . Dr. Alonzo Lockwood died September 25, 1878.
*About the time the Anderson Church was brought into existence, James Lewis organized the first church choir in western Seneca, and led the choir for years. It is related by Mr. Lewis himself that during the time he led this choir, one Miss Sabina Root and the Widow Cory were conversing on the subject of church music, and the latter placed before the leader some new sheet music just purchased. While he was looking through it the widow repeatedly leaned over his shoulder to point out some peculiarity in the scale, and he good-naturedly kissed her. Miss Root was shocked, horror stricken, and informed Rev. Mr. Collier of the fact. This gentleman brought the culprit (?) to trial, and prevailed upon the court to expel Lewis. The latter, who took the matter as a huge joke so far, now defended himself, and wrung from Rev. Mr. Collier an explanation of the manner in which the trial was conducted by him, and the evidence procured, also a fall apology and a request that the injured church member should be restored to all his rights. This is not the only story related of this old settler m connection with the choir. On one occasion, while acting as leader, lie called out: "Stop! stop! I have lost my beat." Next morning a number of posters appeared around the vilage, bearing the words:
LOST!
One Beat.
ONE LARGE BEET.
ONE LARGE RED BEET.
588 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.
Gottfiied Mergenthaler, a native of Germany, father of Melchor Morgentahler, of Fostoria, latter born in Loudon Township in 1841, settled here in 1834. Melcher wither moved into Fostoria in 1859 . . . . J. L. Mickey, a name prominent in the history of Fostoria, came to Fostoria in 1834 . . Nicholas and Theresa (Kohl) Marks, natives of Germany, parents of Edward Marks, of Fostoria (who was born in Big Spring Township, this county, in 1851), settled in this township in 1849 . . . . William Malony, who died about five years ago, settled in London at an early date near the line of Big Spring. Another family of the same name were among the pioneers of Bloom Township, moving to London about bout 1843 . . . . Henry and Anna Maraches, parents of Mrs. George E. Yarger, of Fostoria, came to Big Spring Township in 1832 . . . .Michael Martin settled west of John Whalen's house at an early date, and is still living . . . . Patrick and John McCarty were among the old settlers of Loudon. Patrick died three years ago, and John McCarty died May 12, 1875, aged sixty-nine years. He z came to Loudon from Pennsylvania in 1841; was in California from 1852 to 1857 . . . . Matthew McCarty also went to California in 1849, but returned and died in 1883 . . . .James McIntire and Johnny Myers are said to have ridden to the county in 1831, and settled in Adams Township . . . . James McCauley. now living in Loudon, is one of the old residents of that division of the county .. . . D. W. McMeen, a native of Ohio, and for years engaged in the harness business, came in 1847 . . . .Henry Miller settled in the township in 1832 .... The McDougal family settled on Wolf Creek at an early date, and there, in 1841, Ebenezer Church was founded .... Jeremiah and Sarah (Loman) Mickey, Former a native of Pennsylvania, latter of Maryland, parents of James L. Mickey, of Fostoria (born in what is now Ashland County, Ohio, in 1831), settled in what is now Fostoria in 1832, and Jeremiah Mickey kept the first 'hotel in what was then known as Risdon, conducting it till 1841, when he was killed in a ditch by a bank caving in on him . . . . Jacob J. Myers, a native of Pennsylvania, father of Dr. Park L. Myers, of Fostoria, settled in Fostoria about 1848, and died in 1875.
Thaddeus Newcomb, an old settler, who died June 1, 1875, wrote for his epitaph:
"Earls and monarchs of the dead,
That so many worms have fed,
I am coming to your chilly bed;
Edge close and give me room."
Myron anti Sarah (Lantz) Newcomb, natives of Ohio, parents of V. D. Newcomb, of Jackson Township (who was born in London Township, this county, in 1849), were pioneers of Seneca County ....Levi and Elizabeth (hitter) Niebel, parents of Elijah Niebel, of London Township (who was born in Berwick, this county, in 1839), were pioneers. He settled in London in 1854 . . . . . William and Rebecca (Lytle) Noble, parents of Mrs. William T. Histe, of Fostoria, were early settlers of Jackson. William Noble died April 1, 1863, aged eighty-one years . . . . P. T. Norris, a native of Ohio, settled in the county in 1832 . . . . Elijah Niebel came in 1855.
Patrick O'Brien, who left Waterford County, Ireland, for the United States in 1849, resided in Pennsylvania for some time; was joined by his family in the fall of 1849, and in May, 1852, purchased lands in Loudon Township; moved to Tiffin in 1876, and died there March 19, 1885. James O'Brien, lumberman at Tiffin, is a son of this old settler . . . . Thomas and Margaret (McCarty) O'Brien, natives of Ireland, parents of John F. O'Brien (who was born in London Township in 1855), settled here in 1851, and in 1870 moved to Fostoria. . . .John G. born in Prussia in 1801, came to America in 1833,
LOUDON TOWNSHIP. - 589
and resided in Wayne County, Ohio, till 1840, when he removed to Tiffin and the following year to Loudon Township, where he had entered land in 1834. On this land he lived till 1867, when he again made Tiffin his home until 1877, and then moved to Hopewell Township.
E. J. Padgham, a native of England, came to Fostoria in 1854 . . . . Edward Preble, a Pennsylvanian, came in 1844 . . . . John Peter, a German, in 1840 . . . . John and Magdalena (Bohna) Portz, natives of Prussia, parents of Nicholas Portz (who was born in Jackson Township in 1839), came to that township in 1838, and in 1840 moved to Fostoria, where Mr. Portz, who was a wagonmaker, died in 1873 . . . . John J. and Elizabeth (Hahn) Peter, natives of Germany, parents of David Peter, of Loudon Township, who was born in Loudon Township in 1842), came to this county in 1833, settling in this township. John J. died in 1878, aged sixty-eight; his widow is now aged seventy-six years . . . . . Abraham and Barbara (Shobach) Peter, natives of Bavaria, parents of John and Abraham Peter, also natives of Bavaria (former born in 1821, latter in 1830), came to America in 1840 and settled in Loudon Township on eighty acres of land now owned by E. Kinney. Mrs. Peter died eleven weeks after coming to America, and Mr. Peter died in Big Spring Township in 1871, in his eighty-first year.
Charles L. and Alary (Dillon) Reynolds, parents of Gen. E. Reynolds, of Fostoria, who was born in Loudon Township in 1852, were among the early settlers of this township; in 1878 Charles L. Reynolds removed to Michigan; in 1880 G. E. Reynolds moved into Fostoria.... John and Catherine (Wininger) Rinebold, former (deceased) a native of Pennsylvania, latter (still living) a native of Germany, parents of Jacob, John and Abraham Rinebold, of Loudon Township, came to this county from Richland County, Ohio, in 1834, settling in Loudon Township. John Rinebold died in 1854. His widow is now eighty-four years old .... John Richards, a native of Ohio, settled here in 1837 . . . . David Risdon, after whom the old town of Risdon was named, came to the count), in 1820, resided for a while in one of the log-houses at Fort Ball, and aided the United States surveyors in the survey of the townships.. . Abraham and Ann Elizabeth (Fruth) Rinebold, parents of John Rinebold, who was born in Jackson Township in 1850, were early settlers. : . . David and Mary (Johnson) Ritchart parents of John F. and William H. Ritchart, natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in 1820, the latter in 1827, settled in London Township in 1847, and here died.
James and Agnes (Bunting) Scott are old residents . . . . Zebina Sellen, who died in 1836, left a widow and large family in this county, although his property was near Wapakonetta . . . . D. Shea, who died about fifteen years ago, was one of the first settlers, entering his land when there was only a bridle path from Tiffin westward . . . . Henry Sheller, a native of Pennsylvania, paternal grandfather of Amos Sheller, of Loudon Township, settled in 1832 on the farm now owned by H. Stuckey, in London Wownship, and here died. His son Samuel, father of Amos, came to Loudon Township from Hancock County in 1868, then in 1876 moved to Michigan . . . . . Christian Siegchrist, born in Germany in 1816, came to Tiffin in 1841, where he was a carpenter and afterward brewer. About 1860 he took up farming in this township . . . . William and Mary Simons, parents of Mrs. John Noble, were early settlers of the county .... John and Elizabeth (Ecker) Signs, natives of Wayne County, Ohio, were born in 1818, came to this county in the spring of 1843 and settled in Loudon Township. Mrs. Signs died June 19, 1884, aged sixty-six years, four months and nineteen days . . . . John Seever, a native of Ohio, came here in 1853 . . . . . Mrs. Jane M. Skinner, daughter of John and Jane (Duncan) Searles,
590 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.
who settled in Eden Township in 1821, is the widow of the late Morris P. Skinner, and is said to have been the first white child to see the light of day in Eden Township, where she was born in 1821 . . . . Morris P. Skinner, a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1811, came to Seneca County in 1832, settling in what is now Fostoria. He died in 1876. His son, Orlo D. Skinner died Januarv 1, 1883. The Morris P. Skinner monument of Scotch granite was put up by W. D. Robbins . . . . Benjamin Stevens, a native of Pennsylvania, maternal grandfather of Frederick M. Fruth, of Loudon Township, settled in Loudon Township in 1832 ; he was one of the first trustees elected in the township, and was altogether a prominent man . . . . The Stoner family, after one of whom a postoffice was named, were old settlers . . . . Thomas D. and Fanny (Riddell) Stewart, parents of Francis R. Stewart (who was born in Pennsylvania in 1835), settled in Clinton Township in 1838, then in 1854 moved to Wood County, Ohio, where Thomas D. died in his seventy first year. Francis R. moved to Fostoria in 1858 . . . .Isaac and Martha (Daley) Stultz, the former born in Maryland in 1806, came to Ohio in 1834 and located at Tiffin, then in 1845 moved into this township . . . . John C. Springer, of Fostoria, served in the Mexican war . . . . Jerry Sullivan, an early settler of Tiffin, who opened a quarry on North Washington Street, is said to be now living at Fremont.
The Thomas family settled here some years prior to the consolidation of Rome and Risdon. E. W. Thomas wrote the first history of Fostoria.
John and Elizabeth (Smilsmer) Vesper,i parents of Mrs. Abraham Peter, settled in London Township in 1843 . . . . . John F. Veon, an old settler of Tiffin, who removed to Fostoria years ago, died in November, 1884 . . . . . John W. Vrooman, a native of Now York State, born in 1799 father of Mrs. Coridon R. Sackett, of Fostoria, came to this county in 1832 and located in Liberty Township. He was the first merchant at Bettsville, and after some years moved to Fostoria. He died in 1873.
Abner Wade, paternal grandfather of Mrs. John A. Peters, of Loudon Township, settled in this township in 1832, was one of its organizers and one of its first officials. Patrick W Walsh settled with his family in Loudon, and died there July 1, 1847. It appears that on this day he went down to clean the well on his farm, but was overcome with foul air and died before help arrived. His daughter, a girl of eighteen summers, went down to aid her father, but was, like him, killed by the foul current, John Walsh, a son of this pioneer, is in the jewelry business at Delphos, Ohio, while Thomas is engaged as salesman at Tiffin. The family owned land on the southwestern section of the township . . . . . John Walding, a native of England and a tailor, came here in 1854 . . . . . Nicholas and Margaret Walters are old residents Eli and Mary (Dillon) Weaver, parents of Alpheus Weaver, of Fostoria (who was born in Loudon Township in 1843), settled in the township in 1838, where Eli Weaver died. His widow subsequently married C. L. Reynolds, of Fostoria, and is now residing in Michigan. About 1866-67 Alpheus Weaver settled in Fostoria . . . . . Benjamin Wells, born in 1825 in Carroll County, Ohio, came to Fostoria in 1842. Levi Wells, another old settler, has an elaborate monument erected over the grave, which he has prepared for himself in the Fostoria Cemetery . . . . .On Henry Wetzel's monument in Fostoria Cemetery are the words, "Died. October 6, 1863," and the verse:
"Behold, my friends, as you pass by,
As you are now so once was I;
As I am so you must be;
Prepare for death and follow me."
LOUDON TOWNSHIP. - 591
. . . . John and Mary B. (Swalley) Whealan, the former a native of Ireland, the latter of Pennsylvania, parents of John Whealan (who was born in Loudon Township in 1840) and of Sheriff Thomas Whealan, settled here in 1833, and cleared the farm where Mr. Whealan still resides at the age of eighty-four, one of the oldest resident pioneers of the township . . . . John and Eliza (Bucher) Wilson, the former a native of New York, the latter of Pennsylvania, parents of Andrew J. Wilson, of Fostoria (who was born in Fostoria in 1851), came to Seneca County in 1843 and operated a saw-mill until 1882. Both now live at Fostoria . . . . James R. and Rachel Williams, of Fostoria, are among the pioneers.
David and Hannah (Kiser) Young, parents of Mrs. Elijah Niebel, were pioneers of this township.
Schools of Loudon.-In April, 1833, school districts were set off. Sections 1, 2, 11 and 12 forming the first district; 3, 4, 9 and 10 the second; 5, 6, 7 and 8 the third; 17, 18, 19 and 20 the fourth; 15, 16, 21 and 22 the fifth; 13, 14, 23 and 24 the sixth; 25, 26, 35 and 36 the seventh; 27, 28, 33 and 34 the eighth, and 23, 30, 31 and 32 the ninth. In June, 1834, the town was redistricted for school purposes. In March, 1834, Wade, Hartley and Ferrier were elected school trustees, and James Anderson, treasurer of school section. In October, 1834, Charles W. Foster was elected justice of the peace.
The sale of Section 16, Loudon Township, was decided on by vote, October 10, 1848, when 128 votes were given for and fifty-four against the sale of school lands. Joel Hales Abner Wade and Philip Hennessy were judges. The lands were sold by Auditor F. W. Greene, February 23, 1849, for $7,886 to the persons named as follows: George Adams, east half of the northeast quarter; Philip Slure, west half of the northeast quarter; . William Beems, east half of the northwest quarter; Samuel Deveese and G. A. Hudson, west half of the northwest quarter;. Peter Helfer, east half of the southeast quarter; David Young, west half of the southeast quarter; Andrew Lugenbeel, east half of the southwest quarter; George Englert, west half of the southwest quarter. A few parcels of land were not entirely paid for by original purchasers, and were resold by the county. The schools of Loudon Township in August, 188-1, presented the following statistics: Number of male pupils, 188; of female, 113; number of schoolhouses, 10; value of property, $8,000; number of teachers, 17 ; average pay, $40 and $30; local tax, $2,177.14;-total revenue, $4,360; expenditures, $2,768.54.
General Statistics.-The assessment roll of Loudon Township, in 1841, gives 18,970 acres valued at $37,508; value of town lots, $2,737; horses, 123, valued at $4,920; cattle, 290, valued at $2,320; mercantile capital and moneys at interest, $2 400; total value, $49,885; total tax, $735.80; delinquencies from 1840, $116.68.
The valuation and taxation of Loudon Township, in 1884, are as follows: 21,518 acres valued at $790,490, and personal property valued at $329,980, aggregating, $1,120, 470, or $878.80 per capita (population 1,275, exclusive of Fostoria in 1880). The total tax is $12,225.03 with $174 dog tax. A true estimate of the worth of this township is $2,900,000. The population in 1850 was 1,781; in 1860, 2,465; in 1870, 3,133, and, in 1880, including Fostoria, 7,355.
Predial Statistics.-The agricultural statistics for 1884, are 4,137 acres of wheat, product, 45,916 bushels; 31 acres of rye; 17 of buckwheat; 1,088 of oats, product about 35,000 bushels; barley, 230 acres, 4,529 bushels; corn, 2,504 acres, product 50,000 bushels; acres of meadow, 1,580, tons of hay, 2,075; acres of clover, 524, tons of hay, 597, bushels of seed, 644, acres
592 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.
plowed under, 30; potatoes, 82 acres, product, 10, 962 bushels; milk sold for family use, 1,100 gallons; home-made butter, 58,595; sorghum, 5 acres, 90 pounds sugar and 286 gallons of syrup; maple syrup, 40 gallons; 136 hives. product, 620 pounds of honey; eggs, 22,230 dozens; 1 acre vineyard 1,750 pounds of grapes (1883), 36 gallons of wine; orchards, 353 acres 7,010 bushels of apples, 4 of peaches, 11 of pears and 4 of plums; cultivated lands. 12,882; pasture 1,173; woodland, 4,213; wasteland, 56; total acreage, 18.324; wool shorn in 1883, 3,653 pounds; milch cows, 585; dogs, 174; killed and injured sheep, 64; animals died of disease, 217 hogs, 26 sheep, 32 cattle, and 8 horses.
REVIEW.
The names of the greater number of pioneers given in the foregoing pages must necessarily recall many, if not all, of the incidents of early settlement, and bring to mind the varied processes by which the township has been raised to its present proud position. Looking back about fifty-four years to that day in April, 1832, when the pioneers assembled to elect officers for their township, no one can fail to be interested in the story of their settlement. At that time a few freeholders came from out the wilderness by different bridle paths to meet as hardworking, hopeful, earnest, honest men may meet. They left their cabins at early morning to cast an unpurchasable vote, and under one excuse or another remained at the polls until late in the evening, and returned far .into the night. They urged their political lessons in a homely way; spoke freely of the several candidates; cast their votes, and returned to their clearings in the wilderness, to battle with pioneer obstacles, until the fall election called them from their homes again. Going to mill, of course, and marketing rd Rome or Tiffin were delightful holidays to them until David Ferriers' old horse-mill on Wolf Creek came to dissipate the fond dream of a long milling visit, and the store of Foster & Crocker, at Rome, destroyed their hopes of a visit to the county seat. The statistics of the township for 1884, as well as ;.he general statistics embraced in Chapter XIII, convey at once what the pioneers and the enterprising spirits who followed them have accomplished.
FOSTORIA CITY.
In the histories of Loudon and Jackson Townships, a large number of names arid a few incidents connected with the founding of the villages once known as [tome and Risdon, are presented to the reader. In this part of the chapter other names and incidents connected with the actual settlement of the old villages, up to the period of their consolidation under the name "Fostoria," and the story of the city's progress are related-the information being almost solely based on public and private records.
The location of the city on the northwest quarter of London Township, parts of Sections 31 and 32, Jackson Township, and part of Section 1, Washington Township, Hancock County, extending into the southeastern corner of Wood County gives to the city an influence guarded by the principles of localization, i. e. it claims a large portion of each of three counties as tributary territory, without creating local jealousies. The eastern fork of Black Swamp Portage flows through the northwestern corner of the city, while one of the feeders of Wolf Creek approaches it from the south. The land upon which the city stands is slightly rolling north and south of the ridge on which Tiffin Street runs, and broken along Portage Creek.
The early settlers of Fostoria were not backwoodsmen previous to their coming here. They were from a region cleared by their fathers, and were
PAGE 593 - PICTURE OF J. W. HUFFMAN
PAGE 594 - BLANK
LOUDON TOWNSHIP. - 595
little accustomed to the use of the ax. To them a heavy growth of timber and the great fallen trees were formidable. A tree was not then, as now, a little mine of wealth it was a nuisance to be rid of and to the task of destroying the forest and subjugating the wilderness, the pioneers applied themselves assiduously. However, the original forest has not entirely disappeared; even where the woodman began his work of destruction, a new race of trees, planted in regular lines, has sprung up to relieve the face of the country and to offer to it that shelter and beauty of which the old time mania for improvement robbed it. There are many well-kept gardens, lawns and terraced grounds throughout, the city, which, with the trees ranged regularly along the parkways, lend a peculiar beauty to the city.
The geology of the district is referred to in the first chapter of the history of the county. * The lime manufactured at Fostoria from Niagara rock claims the following constituents: carbonate of lime, 55.40; carbonate of magnesia, 43.28; silica, .20; alumina and iron, .60. This analysis made about thirteen years ago, points out the lime produced from the Niagara, in Seneca County, to be equal to that manufactured at Springfield and Carey.
The climate does not vary from that of any other part of the county. What it was when the pioneers first settled in the townships west of the Sandusky, may be gleaned from the following record, made by the pioneer JohnCrocker:
January 26 1826, 21° below. May 8, 1832, apple-trees in bloom; some had
April 10, 1826, snow five inches deep. to plant corn two or three times.
April 23, 1826, maple buds green. June 1, 1832, very cold summer, corn hardly
January 20, 1827, 31 below. got ripe.
Squirrels destroyed wheat and corn in 1827. January 5, 1833, wild geese went toward
October 30 1827, snow fell six inches. lake; very forward spring.
March 29, 1828 great flood. April 11, to 26, 1834 heavy frosts.
April 25, 1829, two inches of snow. February -, 1835, hay $10 at Tiffin; coldest
February 2 1830, snow thirteen inches deep. weather ever known here.
December 22 1830 41 below. February 24, 1836, snow eleven inches deep.
February 7, 1831, 42 below. March 13, 1836, snow fell twelve inches.
April 8, 1831, two inches of snow fell. May -, 1836, high water.
May 3, 1831 apple-trees in bloom. February -, 1837, snow fell flfteen inches,
July 25, 1831 river very high; wet summer. great sugar year.
October 10, 1831 high flood. May 11, 1837 corn rotted in ground.
November 21, 1831, winter commenced. January 2,1838, weather very warm.
January - 1832 great thaw. January 6 and 7, 1838, John Morrison
February 14, 1832, high water; corn, 3 shil- plowed two days.
lings; wheat, 6 shillings; rye, 4 shillings.
The valuation and taxation of Fostoria for 1884 are shown as follows: 838 acres valued at $891,090, and personal property valued at $526,180 (a very low valuation), aggregating $1,417,270, or $443.10 per capita (population in 1880 within the county being 3,198). The total tax for 1884-85 was $32,687.82, together with $190 dog tax. The great increase in population since 1880 would point out a marked decrease in individual worth. The amount of actual moneys expended for year ending March 22, 1884, was $36,736.34. The expenditures for year ending April 1, 1885, amount to about $23,000.
In the last chapter of the general history the statistics of population are given.
* D. P. Lloyd's and Bradner & Williams' quarries on the county line, between Jackson and Perry Townships, just northwest of the old town of Risdon, produce a good building limestone, and a first-class white stone for burning.
The record of strata made while boring the Fostoria gas well in July and August, 1885, and that of the wells at Findlay and Bowling Green are thus given:
FINDLAY. BOWLING GREEN. FOSTORIA.
Upper Silurian Limestone ............................................277 305 307
Medina Shale ............................................................... 53 80 213
Hudson River Shale .................................................... 474 410 480
Utica Shale ..................................................... ........... 282 275 253
Trenton Limestone, bored through from 1250 .......... 1775
596 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.
The city is well endowed in the matter of railroads. No less than five important roads run in and out, affording all the advantages which thirty-four passenger-carrying trains per day may offer. The Baltimore & Ohio, the Lake Erie & Western and the "Nickel Plate" run east and west, and the Columbus, Hocking Valley & Toledo and the Ohio Central north and south. The history of these roads is given in Chapter XI.
The first notice of the location of Fostoria dates back to 1825. In this year Neal McGaffey and some companions from Fort Ball, while engaged in the search for Elijah Brayton's child (September 20, 1825), camped where Rome Village was subsequently platted. His companions named the camp Fort McGaffey.
Original Survey and Additions.-Rome was platted on the east half of the southwest quarter of Section 6 (lands patented to Crocker, April 15, 1833), Town 2 north, Range 13 east, by David Risdon for Roswell Crocker, August 31, 1832. This extended each side of Main Street, extending north from South Street to North Street, and the name was suggested as an antithesis to the Very unclassical one of Fort McGaffey. Foster's addition was surveyed by Thomas Homing for Charles W. Foster, in November, 1846.
Foster's second addition to Rome was surveyed by Gideon Jones, in November, 1849, and January, 1850, for Charles W. Foster. This extended from High Street, on both sides of Main, to the angle of Perry Street, and along South Main Street, on west side.
Frank's addition was surveyed by Gideon Jones for Luther M. Frank, May 11, 1852. This was the southeast corner of the east half of the northwest quarter of Section 6, Loudon Township.
James Anderson's addition, west of and adjoining original town, was platted, in November, 1853, by Gideon Jones, surveyor. In the history of the churches reference is made to this last addition to the old village of Rome.
Risdon was laid off on the northwest corner of Section 6, Township 2 north, Range 13 east, and approved September 6, 1832, for the owner, John Gorsuch, by the surveyors David Risdon and William L. Henderson.
Minear's addition was surveyed by Gideon Jones, October 12, 1842, for Adam Minear. Minear's second addition was made in 1843.
Additions to Fostoria.-In September, 1853, the inhabitants of Risdon petitioned. the county board to be annexed to the incorporated village of Rome. This petition was granted in January, 1854. In July of that year the name was changed to Fostoria, and all additions to Rome or Risdon since that date are known as additions to Fostoria.
C. W. Foster and M. P. Skinner donated lots for public use to Fostoria, in January and February, 1855. James and E. M. Fisher's addition to Fostoria was surveyed by G. Jones, November 15, 1855. M. P. Skinner's addition, on west half of northwest quarter of Section 6, Town 2, Range 13 east, was surveyed by Gideon Jones, May 31, 1856. Foster's first addition to Fostoria was surveyed by Gideon Jones, in September, 1859, for Charles W. Foster on a part of the east half of northwest quarter of Section 6, Town 2 Range 13. James Fisher's second addition of out-lots on east end of south half of northeast quarter of Section 6, Town 2, Range 13, was surveyed in May, 1860, by Gideon Jones. Andrew Emerine's subdivision of west end of outlet 2, Fostoria, was surveyed December 17, 1860, by Gideon Jones. Skinner's addition, west of his first addition, was surveyed in January, 1861, by Gideon Jones. Charles W. Foster's subdivision of out-lot 9, in Fostoria, was surveyed by Gideon Jones in February, 1863. Bement's addition was surveyed in August, 1865, for A. S. Bement, each side of Union Street from the Lake
LOUDON TOWNSHIP. - 597
Erie & Western Railroad to Fremont Street. Southern addition was made in October, 1865, by G. H. Homing, for Roswell Crocker, Joel Hales, J. F. Richart, Thomas S. Green, Daniel Dunham and Susannah W. Dunham. James Anderson's second addition, on northwest corner of west half of southwest half of Section 6, was surveyed by G. Jones in October, 1866. David Keller's subdivision of out-lots 28 and 29, between William, Union and Fremont Streets east to the alley, was surveyed by Dennis Maley in December, 1869. R. C. Caple's addition, south of Plank Road to Union Street and east to Caple Street, was laid out by Dennis Maloy in March, 1871. Benjamin Leonard's addition, Section 31 Jackson Township, was surveyed by Dennis Maley in November, 1871. Foster's subdivision of south half of northwest quarter of Section 5, Loudon Township, was surveyed in May, 1872, by Dennis Maloy, for Charles W. and Laura Foster. Samuel Cadwallader's addition, being the west part of southeast quarter, Section 6, Town 2, Range 13 cast, embracing 22.70 acres, bounded by Crocker, Poplar and Union Streets, was surveyed by John L. Fisher in June, 1872. Crocker's addition was surveyed in June, 1872, by John L. Fisher, for Roswell Crocker, C. W. Lytle and S. W. Dunham. This extended from South to a point below Lytle Street, and from Wood to East Streets. Bradner's s addition was surveyed by Dennis Maloy in 1872, on north half of Section 6, Town 2 north, Range 13 east, for Thomas Kelly, A. Brown, I. Nestlerode, J. A. Bradner, W. H. Hambel, A. S. Williams and J. J. Myers. James Fritcher's addition was surveyed by Dennis Maloy in 1872. Anderson's addition, bounded by South and Hale Streets, extending from county line to Wood Street, was surveyed in 1872, for J. L. Kenower, J. W. Bricker and Eliza Fritcher. Leonard & Emerine's addition was surveyed by Dennis Maloy in September, 1872. Emerine's addition was surveyed by James Lewis, and John Hielman's by James Lewis, in September, 1873. Williams' addition to Fostoria was surveyed by J. Lewis in November, 1873. . In November, 1874, the petition of Fostoria council, praying for the annexation of contiguous territory in Sections 31 and 32, Town 3 north, Range 13 east, Jackson Township, and in Town 2 north, Range 12 east, was granted by the commissioners. B. Leonard's subdivision, on Spruce Street, was surveyed by Dennis Maloy in 1874. J. L. Kenower & Co.'s addition was surveyed by Cook in July, 1874. J. L. Kenower's addition was surveyed by Cook in November, 1876. R. C. Caple's subdivision of part of Lots 598 and 599 was surveyed by James Lewis in February, 1877. M. P. Skinner's first partition addition was made in June 1, 1878. Foster. Sheldon & Co.'s addition was surveyed by Cook, in February, 1881. I. Walding's subdivision was surveyed by James Lewis in October, 1881. Lewis Street, Fostoria, was surveyed for C. W. Lytle by James Lewis in December, 1881; and J. L. Kenower's south division of outlot No. 78, was surveyed in September, 1882, by James Lewis.
Organic and Official History of Rome.-Rome Village was organized in 1851, and the first village meeting held April 2 that year, when Charles W. Foster was elected mayor, P. J. Kinnaman. clerk, and Charles Foster, treasurer. R. C. Caples, Jacob Fritcher, A. R. Brandenburg, Joel Hales and John Gibbons were elected councilmen; Seth H. Fairchilds, marshal; Charles Foster, treasurer. Ordinances for the government of Rome were adopted May 12, 1851. R. C. Caples was elected mayor in 1852, and P. J. Kinnaman and Charles Foster re-elected to their respective positions. Jacob Fritcher was chosen mayor in 1853 and re-elected in 1854. T. Hays was elected clerk in 1853 and Junius V. Jones in 1854, Charles Foster still holding the office of treasurer.
The council of Rome in 1852 comprised C. W. Foster, Ira Alerton, Joel
598 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.
Hale, C. Foster and Jacob Fritcher; marshal, David Hays; street Commissioner, John Dougherty.
The council in 1853 was made up as follows: C. W. Foster, A. R. Brandenburg, R. C. Caples, William Sabins and Henry Cove; marshal, Ira Alerton; street commissioner, L. M. Francis.
The council of Rome, 1854, comprised Charles Foster, James Anderson, Joel Hales, R. C. Caples and P. D. Caples. The marshal was Jasper Taber, and street commissioner, John H. Dildine.
A petition was presented to the court of common pleas July 11, 1854, asking that the name "Rome" be changed to "Fostoria." This petition was granted. At the close of the fiscal year, 1854, the exhibits of receipts gave $500.26, including $239.47, carried over from 1853; and that of expenditures gave $223.82, leaving a balance in favor of 1855 of $276.44. The expenses of the village government for 1851 were $96.87.
Organic and Official History of Fostoria-A petition signed by W. Braden, Thomas Brian, H. I. Vosburgh, W. Weaver, A. S. Bement, E. F. Robinson, Ch. Bonnell, John O. Albert, Reuben Brian, I. M. Coe, John Wilson, George Gear, Lyrnan Kittell, Daniel Free, Abram Metz, Robert Dake, E. Bement, E. W. Thomas, D. D. Miller, H. W. Cole, James Lewis, Umphrey England and John M. Stewart was presented to the commissioners in 1853 (vide Transactions of the Commissioners' board-Chapter IV), asking the annexation of the west half of the northwest quarter of Section 6, London to Rome Village. This petition was granted January 2, 1854, and Rome and Risdon became united under one government.
Following named served in their respective offices from 1855 to 1885 inclusive.
1855.-Charles Foster, R. C. Caples, E. W. Thomas, William Braden and Edwin Bement, council; Joseph Taber, marshal; James Lewis, street commissioner.
1856.-Charles Foster, E. W. Thomas, James Lewis, D. Hays and Jacob Fritcher, council; R. Adams, marshal; J. H. Dildine, street commissioner.
1857.-Charles W. Foster, D. Dunham, Israel Nestlerode, John Miller, Sr., and Morris P. Skinner, council; Joseph Taber, marshal; Peter Carney, street commissioner.
1858.-Charles Foster, J. W. Bricker, Aug. Bement, R. W. Hale and George Gear, council; Josiah McDaniel, marshal; James Lewis, street commissioner.
1859.-Same council, with James Sabins, marshal.
1860.-Same council; James Sabins, marshal, and J. Lewis, street commissioner.
1861.-Charles Foster, R. C. Caples, E. Bement, Martin Kingseed and Andrew Emerine, council; George W. Bronson, marshal, and J. Lewis, street commissioner.
1862.-James Leach, Thomas J. Green, Chris. Bonnell, Martin Kingseed and Andrew Emerine, council; F. Huffman, marshal, and Martin Adams, street commissioner.
1863.-C. Foster, R. C. Caples, John Bick, Levi Moore and E. Miller, council, and W. Ritchart, marshal.
1864.-C. Foster, A. S. Bement, Daniel Rhoad, A. Bronson and R. W. Hale, council.
1865.-Charles Foster, P. D. Caples, J. L. Mickey, J. C. Haines and John A. Bradner, council.
1866.-P. D. Caples, Charles Foster, G. D. Aker, James L. Mickey and Joseph C. Haines, council.
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1867.--P. D. Caples, Charles Foster, J. J. Myers, James L. Mickey and J. C. Johnson, council.
1868-69.----John Wilson, L. D. Mussetter, Charles Foster, J. L. Mickey and J. J. Myers, council.
1870.---C. Foster, P. D. Caples, J. J. Myers, J. L. Mickey, J. F. Ritchart and John Wilson, council. John A. Bradner was elected city attorney, and Robert Adams, street commissioner and marshal. (City government reorganized.)
1871.---M. V. Green, W. H. Grapes, J. F. Ritchart, council.
1872.----J. J. Myers, J. L. Mickey and A. Emerine, council. W. S. Eberly was elected attorney, and B. L. Caples street commissioner and marshal.
1873.- Charles Foster, Isaac Warner and J. F. Ritchart, council. Alexander Brown was elected attorney.
1874.--C. Bonnell, J. L. Mickey and J. J. Myers, council. The attorney elected was John A. Bradner; marshal, James B. Fox, and street commissioner, James Lewis.
1875.--Rawson Crocker, A. Emerine and Alexander Brown, council. The assessor elected was B. L. Caples.
1876.-R. W. Hale, C. W. Thomas, John Wilson, council. The attorney was J. A. Bradner; marshal, J. B. Fox; street commissioner, J. Lewis, and assessor, B. L. Caples.
1877.---J. J. Warman, Benjamin Nichols and J. L. Mickey, council. The attorney elected was W. H. England.
1878.----C. W. Thomas, J. Warner and John Wilson, council. J. M. Bever was elected attorney; G. H. McDonnell, marshal, and James Lewis,, street commissioner.
1879. ----Charles Foster, J. F. Ritchart, E. J. Cunningham, council.
1880. - John A. Bradner, John Noble, W. H. Konkle, Isaac Warner, council; J. M. Bever, attorney, and James Lewis, street commissioner.
1881.-E. J. Padgliam, Isaac Warner, J. F. Ritchart, council.
1882.-E. J. Cunningham, Frederick Werner, C. A. Henry, M. D.,council.
1883.-J. F. Ritchart, E. J. Padgham and P. W. Hathaway, council.
1884. --Charles A. Henry, Isaac Warner and John Noble, council; Alexander Brown, attorney; James B. Fox, marshal, and Nicholas Burtscher, street commissioner. The old members of the council elected in 1883 served until April, 1885.
James Lewis was elected street commissioner in 1873, tend held the office until April, 1884,
1885. P. W. Hathaway, J. F. Ritchart and E. J. Padgham, council. L. J. Eshelman and Dr. F. J. Schaufelberger, board of education; J. B. Springer, James Lewis and W. D. Robbins, cemetery trustees.
In the following list the first named is the mayor, the last the clerk:
1855.-David Hays, mayor; J. V. Jones, clerk.
1856.--Edwin Bement; J. V. Jones.
1857.----James Anderson; J. V. Jones.
1858.---B. L. Caples; J. V. Jones.
1859-60.-J. F. Ritchart; J. V. Jones.
1861.-W. D. Sherwood; E. W. Thomas.
1862.---G. A. Hudson; Thomas Hays.
1863.---Jacob Kridler; Thomas Hays.
1864.-James Leach; James Hays.
1865.--James Leach; E. W. Thomas.
1866 .- John A. Bradner; E. W. Thomas.
600 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.
1867.-C. C. Nestlerode; N. P. Robbins.
1868.-John A. Bradner; N. P. Robbins.
1869.-F. R. Stewart; N. P. Robbins.
1870-72.-J. W. Bricker; N. P. Robbins.
1872-74.-John A. Bradner; John Bender.
1874-76.-William J. Rigby; A. M. Dildine.
1876-78.-J. V. Jones; G. A. Knight.
1878-80.-William J. Rigby; S. Stearns,
1879.---George R. Fralick was clerk.
1880-82.-William J. Rigby; George R. Fralick.
1882-84.-David Asire; George R. Fralick and J. M. Bever.
1884-86.--Joseph M. Bever; Jacob M. Schatzel.
Charles Foster was elected treasurer from 1855 to 1864, when he was sue ceeded by C. Olmsted.
Settlement and Progress.--The first settlors at Risdon were Henry Welch, Jeremiah Mickey and John P. Gordon. John Gorsuch came in 1832. In the same year the Crockers and Fosters settled at Rome; and the beginnings of two villages were made. The work of progress, however, must be credited to the late Charles W. Foster and his brother-in-law, Roswell Crocker; for to them is credited the beginnings of the commercial and manufacturing interests of the town of Rome, which they founded. In the following copy of the original agreement between John and Roswell Crocker and C. W. Foster the history of founding the village is told:
Articles of Agreement, made by and between Roswell Crocker of the first part and John Crocker and Charles . Foster of the second part
Witnesseth, That the said Roswell Crocker of the first part doth agree to release and pay unto the parties of the second part, severally, one-fourth part of the profits arising from the sale of lots in the town of Rome, Seneca Co., Ohio, on the following conditions, namely:
Said Charles W. Foster and the said John Crocker doth severally agree to pay unto the said Roswell Crocker $5 per acre for one-fourth of what land the said town plat now contains. Now the said John Crocker, Roswell Crocker and Charles W. Foster, for a company, each being bound to pay according to his proportion all the expenses that have accrued, or may accrue, after the public sale of said town lots, the said Roswell Crocker having one-half, J. Crocker and C. W. Foster each one-fourth. Then, after the public sale, Charles W. Foster agrees to become their agent, and do all their business, the said John and Roswell Crocker, concerning said town. For compensation for the same Charles W. Foster is to have the southwest corner block. next to the square, and the said John Crocker is to reserve one corner lot, and the said Roswell Crocker two. The said John Crocker furthermore agrees to help .Charles W. Foster build a house, and Charles W. Foster is to pay him back for the same.
ROSWELL CROCKER,
JOHN CROCKER,
CHARLES W. FOSTER.
There is no date to the original document, but that it was signed early in 1832 is admitted by Roswell Crocker, still a resident.
Following the agreement Rome Village was platted, and the first store opened. Let us look at this early commercial venture in the wilderness.
Foster & Crocker bought of Samuel Waggoner, October 16, 1832, calico, gingham shirting, white flannel,, buckram, linen, green baize and frieze, aggregating $166.36, and sundry dry goods amounting to $258.61 aggregating $424.97, being the first bill of goods bought from Waggoner. A second bill amounting to $261.81 for silk and notions, and a third bill of $98.31, gives a total of $785.09 as the value of goods received from Samuel Waggoner before the close of October 1832. About the same time Williams & Co., of Buffalo. N. Y., shipped to this firm 100 pounds of nails, $7; 163 pounds of coffee at 16 cents, $26.08; 92 pounds of tobacco at 11 cents, $10.12; a keg of powder, $5.50, and a chest of tea, $44.16.
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October 29 they received from Hollister & Curtiss, of Buffalo, N. Y., a stock of groceries, glass, notions and paper, valued at $293.37; and from Pool & Cheesman, of Buffalo, a stock of glassware and crockery valued at $40.43. November 26, 1832, they received from Josiah Hedges, of Tiffin, a stock of cutlery valued at $43 38. December 1, 1832, they bought of Mercer & Ebbert, of Tiffin, a stock of felt and wool hats valued at $35, and from J. & A. Pittinger a stock of leather valued at $36.56. In December, 1833, C. W. Foster purchased from Dr. James Fisher, of Tiffin, a stock of medicines valued at $14.16, and within the year 1833 sundry drugs valued at about $35. In January, 1833, the firm began dealing with Grant & Kridler for boots and shoes, the first bill amounting to $132.50. During the years 1832-33 they purchased whiskies from Samuel Waggoner. In June, 1833, they began dealing with Bostwick, Taylor & Co., dry goods merchants, and Corning & Walker, hardware merchants of New York City, the first bill with Bostwick & Co. being $690. In February, 1834, they purchased a small lot of tinware from Walker & Co., of Tiffin, and a keg of tobacco from Milton McNeal, of Tiffin. The inventory of merchandise in store May 16, 1834, places the value of stock at $958.06, increased to $1,200 in June, 1836, and to $2,616.60 in April, 1837.
The first day-book of Crocker & Foster at hand is dated March 14, 1833, being the second book opened. The first entry is a pair of boots, $3.37, for Elijah Berry's son. March 15 the following entries are made:
John Shellar, Dr.
To 1/2 hobbinett lace at $1 . .....................50 To 1 comb at 1/6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
1 yard frills at 1/ ....:.................................. 13 1 handkerchief at 2/6 .......................... 31
2 yards calico at 14c ..................................28 12 pound tobacco at 1/ .........................13
1 1/2 yards calico at 2/ . . . . . . . .................50 2 bowls is at 7c . . . . . . . . . . . .............14
1 1/4 yards 13. C. muslin at 20c. ............... 25 1 yard sheeting at 1/ . ..........................13
1 sett teacups sausers at 2/ . . . ................... 25
Cr. by 4 3/4 sugar at 7c ............................. 33 $2 82
Abraham Searles, Dr.
To 4 1/2 and 1/3 beaverteer at 4/ ............$2 31 1 tin pan at 3/ ..................................... 38
1 comb at 1/6 ........................................... 19 15 yards cotton at 10c .. ...................1 50
1 knife at 1/2 ............................................. 19 2 yards cotton check at 1/6 ............... 38
1 sett teacups at 2/ ....................................... 25 Cr. by 12 lbs. tea short..................... 1 50
2 lbs. coffee at 20c....................................... 40 Cr. by 12 coon skins at 2/ ................ 3 00
William Fox, Dr.
To 2 lbs. tobacco at 2/. ................................ 50 1 pair compasses at 1/ ........................ 13
Frederick Gibbins, Dr.
1/4 lb.. tea. . .. . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . ...... 31 1 qt. whisky. . . ... . . .. . . .. . .. . . . .......12
½ 1b. tobacco .. . . ... ... . . .. . . . . . . .............. 13 Credit by 10 3/4 lbs. sugar at 71.... .. . 75
1 shoe knife . ..................................................12
Jacob G. Gacar, Dr.
1 pair of boots for Nehemiah Hadley at 28/ . .. ... . . .... .. .. .. .. .... .. .. . ... . . ...................$3 50
Old Consumers and Producers.-Among the names of customers of Crocker & Foster, in 183 3, were the following: Henry Sapp, Samuel Carbaugh, Abram Weaver, John Kelly, James Anderson, Michael Thomas, Abram Shell, John Hooper, James Sweeney, John Allen, Harrison Allen, Andrew Farrier, John Tennis, George Hampshire, William Bennett, Pinkston Wade, William More, Uzal Cory, C. Gibbins, Levertor Thomas, John Norris, William Hunter, Eli Williams, Frederick Given, Levy Johnson, James Caywood, Elijah R. Anderson, Michael Stall, Jacob Rample, Richard Reynolds, John Sweeney, Henry Harsh, Peter Ebersol, T. G. Whillock, Jacob Forman, Elijah Berry, William Eckles, D. Craft, Lawrence Rumple, Isaac Wiseman, John Crocker, C. W. Foster, Benjamin Hartley, William Harter, Bill Smith, James Wiseman, Peter Fisher, Andrew Bellman, Reuben Briar, Jedediah Hand, Lorenzo Shippey, John Weesberry, Widow Hampshire, James Akinson, John Shall, Joseph Anspaugh, Jonathan Fought, Abram Rinebolt, Jacob Kizer, John Stambaugh.
602 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.
Hannah Farrier, Jacob Hendricks, Peter Smith, Henry Hoopman, Abel Harning, Perry Chance, Joseph English, Samuel McClelland, Henry Hoffman, Henry Welch, Obadiah Hunt, Emanuel Leman, Andrew Bird, Roswell Crocker, Benjamin Stevens, George Elliott, Peter Sherritt, John Mackerill, Gipson McDonald, John Keisburg, Daniel Swope, William Leavitt, Zachariah Runneals, Risdon Beach, Zachariah Reynolds, John Adams, Hiram Bigelow, Thomas Bowen, Isaac Chenick, John Chenery, Willard Sprague, Enoch Trumbo, John Tremains, Jacob Crone, Bixler Risdon, Daniel Fairchild, Catherine Stoner, Henry Bacher, Isaac Kelly, Israel Tintsman, William Lowell, David Hadley, James Martin, Samuel S. Parmer, Robert Hale, Asa England. Joseph Stackhouse, C. D. Wilaby, Mrs. Young, Henry Heminger. C. Kensinger, Henry Heaster, William Boucher, Jonathan Emmett, Henry Young, Joshua Watson, Campbell D. Welford, Daniel Arnold.
Tiffin and Findlay State Road. --After the house of Crocker & Foster was established at Rome, it became evident to the founders of the village that a road from Tiffin to Findlay was necessary, and they had little trouble in convincing themselves that the shorter line for such a road would be via Rome. A. bill to establish a road between the two county seats was before the Legislature. It is related that Mr. Foster visited Columbus and had the words "via Fostoria" inserted, where the original bill read "from Tiffin to Findlay. " This hill passed and the act was approved. . On returning he hired ono John Patterson to open a tavern in the wilderness on the line which he desired, and before the viewers came he had a few men underbrush a road and break it by running sleighs repeatedly over it, so that the viewers would have as little difficulty in being convinced of the importance of running the road via Rome as he had. On the arrival of the viewers, they were asked up to Patterson's Tavern, two miles from Rome, and they, beholding the evidences of progress, located the Tiffin and Findlay road via Rome. The settlers in the less favored districts were enraged, but the old highway, between Tiffin anal Findlay, continued in use until the direct line was opened.
The log-cabins of Rome and Risdon in 1836, when the Crocker Saw-mill was erected, were Crocker & Foster's store, C. 18'. Foster's log-cabin, James Anderson's, Levi Johnson's, Roswell Crocker's on East Tiffin Street; Elisha Sabin's, opposite Crocker's cabin; William Cadwallader's, above Charles Fosters' present residence; Abram Gibbons, on East Tiffin Street; John Cooper's, just west of the present "Earl House;" David Ferrier's, rear of Harbaugh's drug store; Baer's cabin, near the new Union schoolhouse, between Rome and Risdon; Randal Hale's tavern, near the corner of the public square; Jacob Kizer and George Hampshire had their cabins here also. Eli Williams' cabin, on East Tiffin Street, was sold to William Fox and purchased from him by Roswell Crocker for $30. Alonzo Lockwood's log house stood where John Green's present residence is; he built the second frame dwelling on the town site, the same which is now the John Green residence. Samuel Laird kept a tavern in a log building opposite Foster's store in 1836. John Hooper, a carpenter, who worked on the first frame house erected here, had a log-cabin two miles southwest of the public square. James Wiseman, who lived in a log-cabin, one mile southwest, erected a sawmill, constructed a mill-race, and carried on the milling business there for years; he built the first brick farmhouse in the neighborhood of Fostoria in 1837. Marshall Hays, the first tailor, resided on West Tiffin Street, built the first brick dwelling house in the south part of Fostoria. John Brooks, who built a frame house in 1837, brought a stock of molds for his counterfeiting establishment here.
Postoffices and Postmasters. --Stoner, after whom the office at Rome was
LOUDON TOWNSHIP. - 605
stained, lived three miles away, and the carrier was intercepted close by. This system obtained until Dr. T. J. Bricker was appointed postmaster and established his office at Rome. David Hays was commissioned postmaster at Stoner or Rome in 1845.
R. C. Caples was the first regularly appointed postmaster at Risdon in 1840. He was succeeded by Dr. Cole. E. W. Thomas was the incumbent in 1847, at Risdon. William Braden succeeded with Mr. Childs, conducting the office. Dr. Alonzo Lockwood, C. T. Kelly, T. J. Bricker, with J. W. McDonnell, assistant; Philip Faulhaber, C. W. Foster, J. L. Mickey, Adam Cramer, with Martin Adams, assistant; and J. B. De Wolfe appointed in 1881, and still holding the office, have served as postmasters at Rome and Fostoria.
In 1847 the mail was carried by Bill Lowry, from Bucyrus. He would come every Sunday at 2 P. M., from Bucyrus, and every Tuesday from Perrysburg. The rate of postage was 10 cents per letter.
October 1, 1885. Tiffin and Fostoria were created immediate delivery offices. J. R. Owen and Liss Leedy were appointed special messengers at Fostoria.
Physicians of Fostoria. -Marcus Dana settled in the northern part of London in 1834; lie died and his body was interred in the old cemetery, but was removed to the new one in 1856. Alonzo Lockwood came to Rome about the same time., and resided there until his death, September 25, 1878. Dr. Kirkhain settled at Rome in 1836 or 1837; Simon Bricker, who diedin 1856, and whose body was the first interred in the new city cemetery settled at Rome about 1843. George Patterson came about 1840, is now in Texas. Robert C. Caples opened his office at Risdon in 1843. Drs. Cole, Snyder and Russell were here prior to 1843. G. A. Hudson came in 1850, died in 1869. J. W. Bricker in 1850; Dr. Metz, in 1854. R. W. Hale came in 1856 and served as military surgeon during the war. A. M. Blackman came in 1860, served with the Union Army and returned after the war. E. Ranger, of Millgrove, practiced here, as early as 1860. W. M. Cake, had his office in Bement's Block, in 1860. A. J. Longfellow settled here in 1861. In later years came P. E. Ballou, Charles A. Henry, George L. Hoege, Park L. Myers J. H. Norris F. J. Shaufelberger W. H. Squires, A. S. Williams, L. G. Williams, John H. Williams, M. S. Williamson, Alvin Watson, I. M. Young, and others. Several names not here mentioned will be found recorded in Chapter VII.
Early Manufacturing Industries.-The first manufacturing industry in London Township was the horse-power grist-mill, established by David Ferrier about 1834, on the head of Wolf Creek. In June, 1874, one of the stones used in this mill was presented to the editor of the Fostoria Review, as a memento of the humble beginnings of the township.
The Crocker Saw-mill, on South Street, within eight rods of the present Roswell Crocker home (the first frame house ever erected at Fostoria), was established in 1836, by Roswell Crocker. In August, 1836, C. W. Foster had sawing doile valued at $62.73, to build the warehouse which took the place of this old log warehouse. The house is now occupied by Mrs. Lunt, and stands on the south side of South Street, west of Main Street about fifteen rods. Into this mill machinery was introduced for grist milling, and Mr. Crocker carried oil the saw and grist-mill business for some years, when lie converted the building into a grist-mill. In 1843 he sold to Samuel Carbough, who after some time converted it into a distillery.
* February 15 , 1801, a call was signed by C. W. Poster, J. V. Jones and Robert Adams, Republican Township Committee of F Fostoria, requesting the Republicans to meet February 20, at W. C. Turners office to take action in reference to the selection of a postmaster.
606 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.
In 1843 Roswell Crocker erected a grist and saw-mill at Springville, which he operated for two years, when he returned to Fostoria, where John Crocker and C. W. Foster had erected a building for him, the same as now used for the manufacture of the "Magic Washing Machines," in which he operated a grist-mill himself, or leased until 1865, when the building was sold to Fullerton & Ferguson, who ran it for some time. They moved the machinery to Hudson, Steuben Co., Ind.
Braden & Yunker erected a grist-mill in 1853 or 1854 (near their carding works), and introduced the best machinery known at that time. The buildings and machinery were destroyed by an explosion some years ago, and young Brown and Wilson were killed. A brick building was erected almost on the site of the old mill, by Mr. Hammond. He sold the concern to Eversole Noble, when another explosion occurred, killing a man named Hadley, and burying one Overmyer in the debris. The latter, however, was dug out, and recovered from his injuries. Eversole & Noble sold their interest to the Aylesworth Bros., who sold to Benjamin Leonard, and subsequently repurchased the concern. There are no records whatever on which to found a history of this industry. What is given is taken from recitals of facts by old settlers.
A carding-mill was constructed by Braden & Yunker about 1850. The Lee, conducted a furniture store, and were interested in a grist-mill. This mill was set on fire in 1847 and destroyed.
John Fritcher established the first harness shop about 1840. Jacob Fritcher established his saddlery in 1842. James Lewis bad his shop, in 1846 or 1847, at Risdon. Andrew Emerine established his harness shop in 1848, three years after his arrival here. Thomas J. Pillars, a brother of Judge Pillars, established harness shops previous to 1848. William Weaver and Jeremiah Coe were harness-makers at Rome in 1849. John W. McDonnell, who came with his parents in 1842, is one of the oldest harness-makers in town. Samuel Gildersleeve was an early harness-maker. Jacob Kridler, sometime previous to 1861. Isaac Warner opened his harness shop at Fostoria in 1861. having previously worked for Andrew Emerine from October, 1855, at Rome.
Joel Hale, Colhour and J. B. Way were the first blacksmiths. In 1842 James McDonnell opened a shop at Rome.
Risdon.-In 1847 S. G. Malony moved to Risdon, and thence to Rome in 1851, voting for the name "Fostoria" subsequently. He states that in 1847 Mrs. Mickey, Sr., kept the Mickey House. Braden & Yunker had a carding-mill at Risdon at this time, and William Braden conducted the postoffice, with Childs, assistant postmaster, and owned a furniture shop where the Aylesworth Mill now stands. E. W. Thomas was a grocer; James Lewis, harnessmaker; Daniel Ragan, tailor; John Quincy Albert, shoemaker. This trio worked in a small frame building, which stood in what is the center of Perry and Elm Streets. John Booker was also a shoe-maker. On the west side of Ferry, fronting on Elm Street, was the Bement Foundry and Plow Shop, making, in 1855, about 1,500 plows.
The Lee Grist-mill was burned about May 1, 1847 (the owner's wife is alleged to have burned it), after the mortgagors had sold the machinery and Lee moved to Indiana.
Dr. Dana and Dr. Caples were the physicians at Risdon. Henry L. Caples kept a dry goods store until 1853 when he and Luther W. Caples moved to Missouri. P. D. Caples had a farm close by and L. Caples also had a farm on the southwest corner of Jackson Township. Dr. Dana died at Risdon about 1853. The Methodist Episcopal society had a church building on the east bank of Portage River, which was an old hewed log building in 1847. Rev. Mr. Elliot was resident preacher.
LOUDON TOWNSHIP. - 607
William Braden moved to Illinois and died on the Kankakee Reservation about, 1862. James Robinson accompanied him to Kankakee in 1857, and is now a resident of Chebanse, Ill. Dan Hammer, and one of the Martins were convicted of crimes such as horse stealing, and served in the penitentiary.
Thomas B. Jacobs opened a furniture store at Risdon about 1848.
The Hammer family, notorious in some respects, were here. George Heis established a brick yard on the Portage River prior to 1847. In 1848 S. G. and J. T. C. Malony established a brickyard north of Heis'. Heis died November 5, 1884. Moffitt established a yard south of Malony's, in 1854, and made the brick which are now in the Foster store building.
In 1847 Mr. Hobbs taught the Risdon schools.
John Vroman and the Morgans were old storekeepers at Risdon. Jeremiah Mickey, while making a ditch to convey water to his house, was buried by the clay caving in, just after he warned his own daughter and Widow Jacob's daughter to keep away. Heck Thompson, a negro barber, married to an Indian half-breed, was the first colored citizen of Risdon.
Jefferson B. Way and Germond were blacksmiths, and Cochran and Weaver & Coe, harness-makers.
About 1849 one Smith opened a hotel on Union Street, in the same house now occupied by Mrs. Schultz. A carriage factory was operated by George Geer on Jackson and Union Streets. This industry employed sixteen moll. Between 1847 and 1851 Geer lost two wives by death and married the third. He died penniless,. in Oregon, within the last decade.
S. G. Malony opened a grocery north of the Foster Elevator, in 1852. In 1855 he established his furniture store in partnership with L. S. Wells, who opened a furniture shop at Rome, about 1846. Joseph Emmett also had a furniture shop. He moved to Iowa.
Lyman Kettels established a furniture store at Risdon about 1849. John Dildine `vas a cooper there in 1847.
John Portz and Nicholas Portz settled at Rome at an early date among the first settlers, and established a wagon and carriage shop.
Beginning of the Brick Building Era.--The first three brick residences at Fostoria were erected previous to 1845 by Braden, R. C. Caples at Risdon, and one, the first, Marshal Hays', at Rome, the latter occupying the lot south of Foster's new block. T. B. Jacobs, Andrew Emerine and Edwin Bement erected the first of the modern brick houses in 1860-62. The first brick business block was erected by C. W. Foster, now occupied by Foster & Co. .Joel Hale built the crockery store during the war. Andrew Emerine built the brick house now occupied by George Emerine. Leonard Morgan, John Andes, Martin Kingseed and Linor built each a brick house, filling the lot between the "Hays House" and Tiffin Street, just after the war. This is a very important business block. The Andes Opera House Block and the Foster Bank Block are buildings of which any city might feel proud.
CHURCHES.
Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at Risdon in 1833 by Rev. Mr. Chase, who was succeeded immediately by Rev. Elam Day. The first house of worship was a hewed loghouse on the north side of High Street (now Summit Street), near the creek, built in 1833-34 at Risdon, on the Hancock County side. This was used until 1852, when the late frame building was erected by Rev. Mr. Collier. This frame was sold to Dr. Ballou in March, 1885, and torn down. It stood on the northeast corner of Fremont and Main Street, just south of the present Methodist Episcopal Church. There are no records in existence dealing with the church here in early days. In 1846 Rev.
608 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.
Seymour was preacher. Revs. Jewett and Elliott were here at an early day, with Raymond, presiding elder. Revs. Jewett and Crabbs were here in 1848 with Thomas Barkdull, presiding elder. Revs. Leonard Hill and Lee came in 1849; Rev. Milligan succeeded Rev. Lee in 1850; Revs. Collier and J. P. Pelton were here in 1851-52, and the former with Rev. Monett in 1852-53; Rev. Monett was here alone in 1853; Rev. Nathan Taylor in 1855; Revs. Collier and Lansing in 1856; Rev. J. A. Shannon in 1858. About 1847 Rev. James Anderson established what was known as the Methodist Church in Rome. He erected a frame church building on what is now Wood Street, on the west line of the town of Rome. This building, which was never plastered, had split bass-wood seats without backs. In 1851 he wished the Risdonites to come to his church and complete it, but they took an opposite course and erected the Fremont Street Church. Anderson's Church was subsequently devoted to manufacturing industries until destroyed by fire about two years ago. Among Mr. Anderson's friends were some of the old settlers of Risdon who moved to Rome. The Collier revival did away with the discord the two churches created.
The records of the church since 1859 present the following facts: J. T. Caples was presiding elder, and Rev. J. A. Shannon preacher. His salary was $200, with incidentals $275, and the presiding elder received $75. A. R. Brandenburg, J. F. Ritchart, J. J. Myers, James Lewis and F. Ernest were trustees. William Callahan was local preacher in 1859. James Anderson, J. W. Griffith, B. L. Caples, P. D. Caples and William Callahan, leaders.
Rev. A. B. Poe was pastor in 1860, and John Graham, elder. Mr. Poe was appointed chaplain of the Seventy-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry in 1861, returned home and died. Rev. W. S. Lunt came in the fall of 1861. James Hayes was local preacher in 1862. In June, 1862, Dr. J. W. Bricker, Junius V. Jones and James Leach were added to the stewards. Rev. William Callahan was secretary in 1862-63. In June, 1863, E. J. Padgham was elected secretary, and holds the office still. In October, 1863, A. B. Poe returned, and was appointed pastor. Rev. John Farley was appointed pastor in 1864. In the fall Rev. G. Lease was appointed preacher, and H. S. Bradley, presiding elder.
The Parsonage Building Committee, appointed December 27, 1866 comprised Rev. G. Lease, R. C. Caples, J. F. Ritchart, J. J. Myers, I. W. Nestlerode and E. J. Padgham. A piece of land was purchased from James Williams for $600, on what is now the Sandusky road, in March, 1867, and May 15, 1867, the contract for building the parsonage was awarded to Peter Buissey for $3,326; work completed in February, 1868.
The preachers who have served here since 1866 are named as follows: Charles Reynolds, 1867; W. S. Lunt and S. B. Maltbie, 1870; John L. Bates, 1871; A. Hollington, 1872; Franklin Marriott, 1873; J. A. Ferguson, 1874; D. D. Mather, 1876; L. S. Bieler, 1879; T. L. Wiltsie, 7881; R. Wallace, 1881, and Rev. L. N. Albright, the present pastor. The presiding elders for the same period were L. C. Webster, 1868; W. W. Winters, 1872; J. Ayers, 1873; W. S. Paul, 1875; G. Lease, 1879, and L. C. Webster, 1883. A building committee, appointed January 16, 1882, were J. F. Ritchart, Dr. J. W. Bricker and Norman Saltsman. Before the completion of the church, in 1885, Dr. Hale took Dr. Bricker's place on the committee. Andrew Emerine succeeded J. L. Kenower as treasurer. The building contract was sold to 1. L. Cramer, of Fostoria, and work on foundation begun in 1883. Green R. Hiel man completed the contract in the summer of 1885 at a cost of about $20,000 and the building and furnishing was finished in the fall of 1885 at a total cost of about $30,000. The society made many personal sacrifices toward the erection
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of this magnificent house of worship, and the citizens generally, more particularly Mr. Foster, contributed very liberally.
The officers of the church in 1884 were Eli Tebles, George Sanders and James Hayes, local preachers; R. C. Caples, M. D. ; E. J. Padgham, John Nobles, Thomas Green, Samuel Ernest, John Norris, P. D. Caples, N. P. Robbins, stewards; A. S. Williams, S. W. Bricker, A. J. Longfellow, R.. W. Hale, B. L. Caples Andrew Emerine, Fletcher Ritchart, N. Saltsman, H. J. Lockhart and Charles Foster, trustees; A. T. McDonnell, James Hayes, D. Sprout, Israel Nestlerode, Thomas Billyard, Samuel Stearns, C. H. Stewart, . George Cooper, Noah Stahl class leaders; C. H. Stewart, superintendent of Sunday-school. The membership is about 400.
Methodist Protestant Church was organized at Fostoria some years prior to that now known as the Methodist Church, and a house of worship was erected at the corner of Poplar and Centre Streets.
Metliodist Charch of Fostoria, formerly the Methodist Protestant Church, was reorganized under State law August 2, 1874, Rev. J. S. Thorp, presiding. Levi S. Wells was chosen class leader; C. S. Reynolds, C. Wilkinson and Mrs. Ann McDonnell, stewards. During the building of the late house of worship in 1874-75 James R. Williams took charge of the carpenter work and completed the building for $2,000, August 19, 1845.
A now church building was completed on West Centre Street in July, 1885. The new edifice is a neat structure, 54x50 feet in dimensions, and has a seating capacity of about 400. It was dedicated July 9, 1885, Revs. J. A. Thrapp and O. V. W. Chandler, of Tiffin, officiating. The pastors of this church have been J. A. Thrapp, C. W. Wolf G. W. Bothwell, J. B. Roberts, L. Bowman, E. Scott, Thomas Orr, F. W. Link and S. S. Fleming; Rev. J. W . King came in 1884. In December, 1876, Dr. G. E. Reynolds was elected permanent secretary, vice T. N. Lewis.
United Brethren Church of Fostoria dates its regular organization back to 1864, when Rev. Reuben French was appointed preacher, but long prior to this the preachers of Seneca Circuit appeared here. Among the original members were Rev. Reuben French (the second pastor), Jacob Kieser, Peter Webber, Michael Schesler, Samuel Young, Abram Overholt, W. Fox and Rev. Levi Moore. Isaac Warner joined the society in 1862 or 1863, and has been trustee for the last twelve years. Truman Bever, Henry Murlich, John Snyder and Solomon Vandersoll are the trustees. This society was incorporated August 10, 1876. T. D. Ingle presided, with Joseph S. Overholt secretary of the meeting. The trustees elected were G. Biles, J. S. Overholt and Isaac Crouse. The membership at present is 208. Rev. J. Beaver, father of the mayor, has been connected ministerially with the church for over sixty-nine years.
A reference to the history of Eden Township will show that the first society of this denomination was organized at Melmore. Since that time, however, Fostoria has won the headquarters of the church in this county, and for this reason the following chronological and historical review of the church is given in this chapter.
In April, 1835, the Conference was held at Crawford City, Ohio. Joseph Beaver Jacob Newman and Joseph Logan were licensed to preach, and Jeremiah Brown was elected presiding elder. The stations of traveling preachers were Sandusky Circuit, B. Moore and Joseph Beaver; Maumee S. Lillybridge; Scioto, John Alsap; Richland, John Davis; Peel Creek, B. F. Kaufman; Samuel Hiestand Bishop. John Dorcas was elected presiding elder in 1837. In April, 1838, the conference was held at Stoner's Schoolhouse near
610 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.
Tiffin. In April, 1839, the conference was held at Union Schoolhouse, Seneca County.
In March, 1840, the Conference assembled at Phillip Betz's house. H. G. Spayth was elected presiding elder. Alfred Spraylin, Jacob Newman, S. Lillybridge, M. Long, B. J. Needles and Jonathan Thomas were the preachers.
In 1841 the conference met at King's Schoolhouse, Richland County, with Jacob Erb, bishop, presiding. Jeremiah Brown was elected presiding elder, and Alfred Spracklin preacher of the Seneca Circuit.
The conference of 1842, held at Monclova, Lucas Co., Ohio, was presided over by Bishop Kumber. John Davis and Jeremiah Brown were elected presiding elders of the western and eastern districts respectively, and Alfred Spracklin was continued as preacher of the Seneca Circuit.
In 1843 the conference met at Beaver Creek Schoolhouse with Bishop Kumber, Jr., presiding; the same elders were elected, and Spracklin continued in charge of Seneca Circuit.
In 1844 the conference was held at Jacob Garnes' bouse in April. Samuel Long, still living near Kansas Village, was appointed presiding elder for the eastern district, and Samuel Hadley, preacher for Seneca Circuit. In 1845 J. Garber and W. Harrington were appointed preachers of the Seneca Circuit, and S. Long, presiding elder. John C. Bright took Mr. Garber's place on this circuit. In 1846 the conference was held at Melmore. J. C. Bright and Wesley Harrington were appointed preachers. The conference of 1847 was held in Wood County. John Davis was appointed presiding elder, and the same preachers reappointed. The conference of 1848 was held at Melmore. At this time Honey Creek Circuit was established, and all appointments in Seneca Circuit east of the Sandusky River were attached to Bellevue Mission of Honey Creek Circuit. John Davis was appointed preacher of Seneca Circuit, and D. Glancy, of Honey Creek. A second conference was held in October, 1848, in Lucas County. Green Creek Circuit was established with J. C. Bright, pastor. This conference was held for the purpose of changing date of conference.
In 1849 W. Herrington was appointed preacher of Green Creek, and S. Long and J. Martin, of Seneca Circuit. In 1850 Green Creek was attached to the western district, and R. Wicks, appointed preacher. In 1851 J. Newman was appointed preacher of Green Creek, and John Curts, of Seneca.
In 1852 Seneca, Green Creek and Salem Circuits gyre grouped as Findlay District, with A. Berry, presiding elder; G. Schnider, preacher of Seneca, and M. Long, of Green Creek. At this time there were 300 members in the Seneca Circuit, and 150 in the Green Creek Circuit. In 1854 Seneca and Green Creek Circuits were added to the Sandusky District, and M. Long appointed preacher in the first named, and John French in the last named. In 1855 Liberty, Bettsville and Clinger appointments of Seneca Circuit, were attached to the Sandusky Circuit; Attica to Sandusky District. M. Bulger was appointed to Attica, and A. Biddle and S. Foster to Sandusky, and William Jones to Green Creek.
In September, 1856, the conference was held at Flat Rock. M. Bulger was continued at Attica, D. S. Caldwell, of Seneca, and James Long and H. Curtiss, of Green Creek. In 1857 S. Jacoby was appointed to Attica.
In 1858 Flat Rock was detached from Green Creek, and Attica Mission named Attica Circuit, with S. Jacoby preacher, and M. Long preacher at Flat Rock; James Long at Seneca and S. T. Lane at Green Creek.
(The New England Mission was organized by this conference in 1858 to carry on the work of their church in Massachusetts. J. C. Bright went
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there in 1858, and J. Crouse in 1859; subsequently others went, but within live vears the mission was abandoned.)
In 1859 J. Crouse became a member of Sandusky Conference; S. F. Altman took charge of Attica Circuit; James Long of the Seneca Circuit; S. T. Lane of Green Creek; S. Lindsay of Flat Rock.
In 1860 J. F. Seiler was appointed to Attica; M. Long to Flat Rock; S. T, Lane to Seneca; D. G. Ogden to Green Creek.
In 1861. D. G. Ogden, Attica; S. T. Lane, Seneca; James Long, Green Creek; Alvin Rose, Flat Rock.
In 1862. W. Mathers, Seneca; S. T. Lane, Attica; A. Rose, Flat Rock; A. M. Stemen, Flat Rock.
In 1863. Seneca, D. Glancy and J. Garber; Attica, S. T. Lane; Flat Rock A. Rose; Michael Long, Green Creek.
In 1861. Seneca, I. Crouse; Attica, S. Jacoby; Green Creek, S. Foster; Flat Rock, S. F. Altman; Fostoria, R. French.
In 1864, London, Stopes, Fostoria, Independence and Smith's missions were detached from Carey, and Fostoria Circuit was established.
In 1865 the conference was held at Fostoria. The missions known as Seneca Union, Honey Creek Chapel and Liberty were detached from Seneca Circuit; Base Line from Benton Circuit, and Berwick from Van Lue Circuit, and all formed into the Honey Creek Circuit. G. Bender, of Attica; Isaac Crouse, of Honey Creek; S. T. Lane, of Seneca; G. Hoover, of Flat Rock; William Miller, of Green Creek, and R. French, of Fostoria.
In 1866. T. D. Ingle, Fostoria; S. T. Lane, Seneca; G. Bender, Attica; J. I'. Seiler, Flat Rock; Peter Flack, Green Creek.
In 1867. T. D. Ingle, Fostoria; S. Essex, Seneca; William Neville, Attica; M. Long, Flat Rock; R. K. Wyant, Green Creek. I. Crouse was appointed secretary of the conference in 1867, and has held the position to the present time.
1868. William Neville, Attica; M. Long, Flat Rock; M. Bulger, Seneca; J. Matthews Green Creek,; T. J. Harbaugh, Fostoria.
1869. Honey Creek District, William Miller, P. E.; Attica, A. M. Steiner; Flat Rock, M. Bulger; Fostoria, T. J. Harbaugh, G. Bender, Seneca Circuit; D. F. Senter. Green Creek.
The annual appointments made since 1869 are named as follows:
1870. Attica, G. Hoover; Honey Creek, W. A. Keesy; Flat Rock, Isaac Crouse: Seneca, S. Foster; Fostoria, S. D. Kemerer; Green Creek, S. H. Randebaugh.
1871. Attica, William Neville; Fostoria, S. D. Kemerer; Seneca, G. French; Green Creek, S. H. Randebaugh; Honey Creek, W. A. Keesey; Flat Rock, W. P. Dicker.
1872. Attica, William Neville; Honey Creek, C. Hepler; Fostoria, D. S. Caldwell; Seneca, G. French; Green Creek, D. D. Hart; Flat Rock, S. H. Randebaugh.
1873. Honey Creek, E. B. Maurer; Fostoria, J. Bever; Seneca, G. Hoover, Green Creek, D. D. Hart; Flat Rock, S. H. Randebaugh; Attica, William Mathers. Peter Warner missionary in Africa.
1874. Honey Creek, E. B. Maurer; Seneca, John French, Eden, M. Long; Green Creek, B. M. Long; Flat Rock, S. Essex; Fostoria, Isaac Crouse.
1875. Attica, J. F. Seiler; Honey Creek, H. C. Bevington; Seneca, M. Long: Eden, G. French; Green Creek, E. B. Maurer; Flat Rock, H. F. Hartzell; Fostoria, T. D. Ingle.
1876. Attica, O. H. Ramsey; Honey Creek, W. W. McCurdy; Green
812 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.
Creek, A. Powell; Flat Rock, H. F. Hartzell; Seneca, G. Bender; Fostoria, T. D. Ingle; Eden, G. French.
1877. Attica, John Awmiller; Honey Creek, W. W. McCurdy; Flat Rock, D. S. Caldwell; Seneca, G. Bender; Green Creek, A. Powell; Fostoria, T. J. Harbaugh; Eden, William Mathers.
1878. Honey Creek, N. S. Long; Seneca, B. Struble; Attica, A. J. Klingle; Eden, William Mathers; Fostoria, T. J. Harbaugh; Green Creek, D. S. Caldwell.
1879. Honey Creek, N. S. Long; Seneca, L. J. Osborn; Attica, W. W. McCurdy; Flat Rock, C. H. Lemon; Green Creek, J. Bever; Eden, O. H. Ramsey; Fostoria, E. A. Starkey.
1880. Fostoria, G. W. Macklin; Seneca, M. Long; Eden, J. Bever: Attica, W. W. McCurdy; Honey Creek, M. E. Spahr; Green Creek, S. T. Lane; Flat Rock, G. Hoover.
1881. Attica, C. L. Bevington; Honey Creek, M. E. Spahr; Flat Rock, W. P. Dicken; Green Creek, T. D. Ingle; Eden, L. Sharp; Seneca, M. Long; Fostoria, G. P. Macklin.
1882. Honey Creek, G. P. Macklin; Attica, C. L. Bevington; Flat Rock, Jacob Walker; Seneca, L. Moore; Green Creek, T. D. Ingle; Eden, L. Sharp; Fostoria, W. A. Keesey.
1883. Flat Rock, Jacob Walker; Fostoria, R. Rock; Seneca, A. B. Leonard; Attica, W. A. Keesey; Honey Creek, G. P. Macklin; Eden, M. Swanky, Green Creek, J. W. Hipple.
St. Wendelin's Catholic Church dates back to 1849, when the first frame church building was erected on Wood and Railroad Streets, by Franz Dillery, John Omlor, Diebold Omlor, John Bick, John Sheen, John Portz, Nicholas Portz, Michael Lynch, James McDonel and others, which was attended by priests from New Reigel once a month until Father Roetzer was appointed by Bishop Rappe and stationed at Findlay. About the year 1859, Father Behrens succeeded. At the beginning of the war Father Dechaut was appointed, and during his administration the frame church, which had been poorly built, was repaired at a cost of $1,100. In 1864 he was succeeded by Father Vattman. About 1868 Father Puetz came and remained until the appointment of Father J. B. Jung. About 1875 the latter was succeeded by Rev. M. Arnoldi, who has been resident pastor for the last ten years, and to whom is credited the building of the present brick and stone church, begun in 1879 and completed in 1880, except the spire. In 1855 Martin Kingseed moved to Fostoria, from Tiffin. Prior to this date Franz Dillery, Jr., Martin Schalk, Philip Schalk, Jacob Bick, Hubert Bettinger, John Bettinger (now near Toledo), Nicholas and George Emerine, of Hancock County, John Lumberjack, John Persh, Philip Burcher, George Zeigman, Michael Clancey, George Huth, Jacob Huth and others were early members.
Baptist Church, a close communion Baptist society, was established at Risdon about 1852, and services were held in the Methodist Episcopal Church building. Mr. Bement assisted the Methodists in Sunday-school work, but after some time he and his class withdrew and established a Presbyterian Sunday-school, which was continued until the founding of the present Presbyterian Church.
Presbyterian Church.-This was founded at Fostoria February 25, 1856, with the following named members: Rev. W. C. Turner, James Hill and wife, John Milligan and wife, Caleb Munger and wife, Edwin Bement and Mr: Jane Riegel. The society was reorganized under the law of 1852, June 26, 1858, with Caleb Munger, president, and William M. Cake, clerk. The trustees
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were Edwin Bement, Caleb Munger and William M.. Cake. A building committee was elected of which the officers were ex-officio members; J. Fritch, Charles Foster. George Gear and A. S. Bement, members. In 1858, also, the present house of worship was erected, which is now valued at $10,000, with parsonage and grounds. The pastors of this church since its organization are named as follows: W. C. Turner, Smith Curtis, R. H. Hollyday, E. J. Alden, William McLaren, J. E. Fisher, David Van Dyke, Joseph Hughes and Rev. William Foulkes. The names of elders who have served the church are Caleb Munger, James Hill, John Milligan, Edwin Bement, S. M. Miller, Ephraim Miller, J. E. Wilkison, M. M. Mergenthaler, F. R. Stewart, A. S. Bement and O. J. DeWolfe. The clerks of session are named as follows: Edwin Bement, W. M. Cake, E. Miller and J. E. Wilkison.
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Fostoria, known as the church of "Good Hope." was organized in January, 1868, by Rev. M. Buerkle, with the following named members: John Hoffman, William 1V Winkenwerder, J. J. Eissler, r. John Raber, G. Martz, George Hoyer, John Lutz, H. Lutz, Louis Sass. Herman Axt, August Koss, Louis Hoelzer, George Lemp and Henry Miller. This society erected a house of worship in 1869, which was enlarged in 1885, and is now valued at $2,500. In 1883 the parsonage was built at a cost of $1,500. The membership numbers eighty-five, and the membership of Sunday-school about fifty children. Rev. M. Buerkle was pastor from 1868 to 1875): Rev. William K. Braunwarth, from 1875 to 1876; Rev. C. A. Damenden, from 1876 to 1877 ; Rev. J. A. C. Cramer, from 1877 to 1882, and Rev. George Dillman, from 1882 to the present time. The secretaries of this society have been J. Jacob Eissler, Peter Munch and Fred Woss, George Flechtner is the present secretary and J. J. Eissler, treasurer.
German Congregation of the Union Church of Fostoria was reorganized May 12, 1867 under State law. John Wagner presided, with Rev. George Rettig, secretary; John Raber and Jacob Rower were elected elders; John Wagner and G. Marz, deacons; George Hoyer, John Huffman and John Stahly, trustees.
Reformed Church of Fostoria was organized March 23, 1879, by Rev. A. Cassellman. with twenty-five members. In bray, 1879, the corner-stone of their church was placed, and September 20, 1879, the building was dedicated. The society was organized under the State law April 20, 1879, when H. W. Konkle, Martin Mueller, Sam Stewart and Jacob Hofmaster were elected trustees. The original members are named as follows: Rev. Martin Mueller. Jacob Hoffmaster, Lydia Hoffmaster, Hannah Hoffmaster, Michael Moots, Ann Mueller, Mary Millhime, Katy Troutman, Jacob Schaufelberger, Mary Sclumfelberger, Catherine Felkley, Samuel Steward, Catherine Steward. H. \\'. Konkle and others-in all twenty-five persons. Rev. J. D. Neff, the present pastor, succeeded Mr. Casselman. C. Munger and the pastors have served the society as secretaries. The present membership is seventy-seven. and value of property $2,000.
Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal Church, Loudon, was founded in 1841 at McDougal's house on Wolf Creek. In 1847 the class was moved to A. E. Civa's house, a half-mile south of the location of where the old church stood.
St. Patrick's Church was founded in Loudon at an early day. Many names of original members are given in connection with the history of St. Mary's Church, at Tiffin, while others are given among the pioneers of London, Hopewell and Tiffin. Rev. J. Christophory is pastor of this church.
Reference is made in the history of Fostoria to the United Brethren. Evangelical and Methodist Churches of the township.
614 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.
SCHOOLS.
The beginning of the city schools was made in the winter of 1833-34. When the present Union School building was dedicated a few years ago, Charles Foster read a paper on the early system of teaching, and coupled with it an interesting history of the schoolhouses, teachers and pupils. From this paper, the following three paragraphs are taken:
"The first teacher in the old log house, in the winter of 1833-34, was Freeman Luce, who contracted to teach three months, of twenty-six days, for $10 per month, he `boarding 'round,' as was the custom in those days. One of the customs of that day was to bar the schoolmaster out of the house, and keep him out until he yielded to the demands of the scholars to treat them to apples, candies, raisins, or such luxuries as could then be had. Sometimes their demands included whisky, but that was never the case in Rome, though at that time we were considered by the Risdonites as being quite ungodly. Among the teachers that followed Mr. Luce were Dr. Lockwood, afterward a distinguished member of Congress from this district, and now one of the leading lawyers of this county, and James Pillars, who subsequently graced the bench for ten years as common pleas judge of this judicial district. My friend Nestlerode informs me he has, among the papers of his father, a written Contract made with Mr. Pillars, to teach the Island School for $10 per month, of twenty-six days; one-half to be paid in cash, and the other half in provisions."
"In those days the great feature of our schools was the attention given to spelling. I seriously doubt whether the schools of the present day can produce so much excellence in spelling as did those of that day. One-fourth of the time, probably, was devoted to spelling exercises, and in addition, at least one night of each week was devoted to what was known as spelling matches. These were attended by the best spellers from the neighboring schools. Our highest ambition was to be the best speller in school. I remember one three months' term, I think the one taught by Mr. Noble, that C. C. Nestlerode was one of the scholars. Mr. Nestlerode happened to take position in the class, oil the first day, just above my sister Emily. They maintained this position, neither of them missing a word, until the last day, when Nestlerode missed, and Emily went above him. Of course she was greatly delighted, and Nestlerode was correspondingly discomfited. I think I am safe in saying that I attended spelling school three nights out of a week, during the three months of school for several years, visiting alternately the old red schoolhouse in Perry, the Tom Kelley Schoolhouse on the ridge, and the Kiser Schoolhouse south of town. The old red schoolhouse, perhaps, had the highest reputation, yet all the rest were sharp and close competitors for the first honors. I believe my sister Emily was the best speller of all, and she was under twelve years of age. The larger scholars used to carry her on their backs as they went to the different schools, for be it remembered that in those clays we went on foot. I remember of going one night, to the Kiser Schoolhouse, through the woods the most of the way, and alone, to attend a spelling match. I broke through the ice, and was wet up to my knees when I reached the place; yet I do not think I ever felt better repaid for a day's work than I did over my success on that occasion, for I spelled down the entire school. Tom Kerning, whom our older citizens will remember, was the teacher, and had been for three or four winters. His school, though having in it a number of good spellers, was not equal to the other three. To save the reputation of his school ho adopted the plan of having one scholar of his school spell at a time. He then divided the spelling book, assigning to each of his scholars certain tables which they were to learn perfectly. When, in the course of the exercises, one
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of his scholars had finished his part, he complained of being tired, and some other one, who had been assigned the next table, would take the place thus vacated. On this occasion one of the Newcomb girls (and, by the way, they were all good spellers) missed a word in her table. No Quo else knowing the table, I was enabled to spell down his whole school before that table was finished. He tried hard to skip, but I knew it so well as to be able to detect him, and held him to the table."
"What havoc time has made with the list that met so often in friendly rivalry in those good old days! I say good old days deliberately, for I seriously doubt whether any one of us has experienced more pleasure in any equal number of days since. We were few in number, our wants were few, and these were bountifully supplied. We know nothing of grades in schools. Our seats had no backs, yet we did not complain, because we knew of nothing better. Ventilation was perfect, and that is something with which our school-rooms of the present are not plentifully supplied; this, however, can't be said of this magnificent house."
Juno 9, 1884, P. L. Myers, in addressing the Fostoria Alumni Association, organized in 1880, referred to school days at Fostoria, crediting Miss Cory with being the first graduation of the class of 1878, the first class to graduate from the new school building.
The condition of the schools of Fostoria, shown in report of August 31, 1884, is as follows: Local tax, $9,819.73; total revenue, $20,986; expenditures, $14,693.88; 3 school buildings, value of property, $50,000; 17 teachers; average salaries, $57, $45, $33; total number of pupils enrolled, 744 -boys, 367, and girls, 377, of whom 58 attend high school. The report as made in April, 1885, gives the total expenditure at $12,867.22, and places the balance on hand August 31, 1884, at $8,118.80. The board of education is now composed of Andrew Emerine, W. D. Robbins, J. E. Wilkinson, L. J. Eshelman, F. J. Schaufelberger and Charles Olmstead---five Republicans and one Democrat. The teachers in September, 1885, were: superintendent, W. T. Jackson; James Hayes, Frank Boley, Miss C. T. Abbott, Tina Thomas, Ella Williams, Ida Williams, Hattie Diver, Lou Loudenslager, Allie Heitschew, Jessie Keller, Hattie Leech, Mrs. Henderschott, Myra Wilson, Mrs. Libbie Hoover, Katie Staul, Mamie Leonard.
Fostoria Academy, which was made a first class school by W. C. Turner, was in fall operation in January, 1861.
Fostoria Academy. - Fortoria Academy may be said to have had its beginning in a movement to establish a school there under the name, "Northwestern Normal School of Fostoria." November 6, 1875, an association was formed at: Fostoria for the purpose: of establishing a normal school, and the same day sighed articles of incorporation. The members were Michael Beilger, A. J. Longfellow, Fred Manecke, J. L. Kenower, J. A. Bradner, John E. Wilkison, Amos S. Williams and Leigh Harbaugh. In July, 1876, the normal schoo question gave place to the academical one, and in July of that year a petition was signed by the following named citizens, for presentation to the Findlay Conference of the United Brethren Church, praying that the academy be established here, in September, 1876: Isaac Crouse, J. S. Overholt, Joseph Bover, F. J. Breining, It. French, Abram Overholt, John A. Bradner, Thornton D. Ingle, Joseph Stouffer, C. Olmsted, W. J. Rigby, Roswell Crocker, O. J. DeWolfe Junius V. Jones, Isaac Warner, Jesse Bower, Charles Foster, L. J. Hissong, C. W. Foster, J. W. Bricker, M. D. In September, 1876, the Sandusky Conference granted the petition. with one reserve relating to location, and a board of trustees was appointed, viz.: M. Bulger, D. R. Miller
616 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.
A. Powell, T. J. Harbaugh, A. Rose, I. Crouse, Charles Foster, Levi Adams, Jesse Bower, J. Burgner, W. J. Andrews and Dr. William Detwiler. Isaac Crouse was appointed secretary in 1876, and has filled the position down to the present time. Rev. D. R. Miller was appointed financial agent. From the organization of the board to the present time Fostoria has co-operated with the trustees, Mr. Foster alone contributing about $10,000. By March 29, 1879, a sum of $20,000 was subscribed. The executive committee at this time were F. R. Stewart, R. French, G. Biles, J. Bower and A. J. Longfellow. L. Moore was president of the board. Trustees for two years, T. J. Harbaugh, A. Ash, J. Powell, W. J. Andrews; four years, L. Moore. J. M. Bever, A. Rose, Charles Foster; six years, D. R. Miller, I. Crouse L. Adams, J. Bower. April 16, this year, the scholarship plan was adopted and extended until $17,000 were secured. In 1883 the plan was suspended.
Prof. W. T. Jackson, Ph. D. was elected principal in the fall of 1879 when academic work was entered upon in the old Union school, which stood on the site of the new Methodist Episcopal Church. There the academy was carried on until the fall of 1880, when Prof. Jackson was appointed to a chair in the Indiana University and A. G. Crouse, A. M., elected principal. In the, fall of 1881 Prof. Jackson was elected principal to succeed Mr. Crouse (who took charge of the department of natural sciences and continued until the close of 1883), when he took charge of the schools at W Wauseon,, Ohio. Prof. Jackson was elected principal of the Union schools at Fostoria in the fall of 1884, and Prof. M. DeWitt Long was elected principal of the academy. Prof. Long was principal of Roanoke Seminary, Ind., for four years prior to coming to Fostoria. The secretary takes an active part in the financial and official life of the college as well as presiding over commercial classes, together with being presiding elder of several districts of the United Brethren Conference. Prof. A. W. Kelley came at the opening of the school in 1879, to take charge of the musical department. In 1884 he was appointed to the chair of natural sciences, having previously held the chair of literature. Prof. Lehman held the chair of mathematics until he was elected principal of preparatory department tit Otterbein in 1885. The faculty in 1879-80 comprised Rev. W. T. Jackson, Ph. D., languages and higher mathematics; E. L. Shuey, A. B., history and English, was also librarian; Mrs. L. A. Macklin, B. S., science and mathematics; Rev. I. Crouse, principal commercial department; A. W. Kelley, M. A., vocal and instrumental music and drawing. The faculty in 1884-85 embraced Rev. M. DeWitt Long, A. M., Principal, professor of languages, mental and moral science; J. E. Lehman, A. M., mathematics and physics; A. W. Kelley, M. A., natural science and belles-lettres; Emma F. Burtner, Preceptress, history, assistant in Latin; Rev. George Dillman, A. M., German; Rev. I. Crouse, commercial science; Librarian, A. W. Kelley, A. M.
The corner-stone of the academy building was placed in position August 14, 1879, Gen. John C. Lee delivering the oration. The ladies' and gentlemen's halls are two neat frame buildings on Foster Street, just north of the academy. They are rented from Mr. Foster by the academy. His proposition to donate these buildings has not yet been acted upon.
The ladies' hall provides board and rooms for twenty-four ladies, and board for gentlemen rooming elsewhere. It is a comfortable home, conveniently arranged, and is near the academy building. Each room is furnished with carpet, chairs, table, washstand, bedstead, mattress and sheets; are heated and cared for. Students furnish light and additional bedding. The expense during the past year. with good board, has been only $2.75 per week. The preceptress has her home in this building, and young ladies from a distance will
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be expected to room here unless their parents direct otherwise. Parents are assured that their daughters will receive proper care and attention at the ladies' hall. The gentlemen's hall has accommodations, similar to those of the ladies' hall, for sixty students, at a cost of $1.50 to $2.50 per month. Good table board can be had at the ladies' hall for $2.25 per week. Rooms and board can also be had in private families at prices varying according to accommodations.
CEMETERIES.
Old Cemetery.--The old cemetery on the knoll, just west of Portage Creek, in Hancock County, dates back to 1832, when one of the pioneers (Jacobs) was interred there. The founder of the town of Risdon owned the land, and donated it to the Methodist Church of Risdon for a burying ground, for which it was used up to 1856, when the new cemetery was established. In this year the bodies of Dr. Dana, Mr. Caples, Sr., Louisa Howell, John Kelley, the, Hollopoters, Mrs. Braden and old man Jacobs were exhumed, and removed to the new cemetery. John Gorsuch, the donator, and the original owner of Risdon, shot himself three miles north of where Longley Station now is. His funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Brock, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. who dwelt gently with the life of the suicide, and asked that the remains should lie in the cemetery that he donated. The late Morris P. Skinner held a quit-claim deed from the Gorsuch heirs for this property. He also purchased, in 1855, a strip two rods in width along the western side of the burying ground from old Thomas Kelley, in which his son John Kelley was interred, and there also a daughter of Jacob Milhime was buried in 1854. Skinner began taking sand from this property in 1855, the ends of the coffins were brought into view, and in that year the question of establishing a new cemetery was discussed.
The monuments, some much time-worn, still standing in this cemetery, bear the following in memoriams: Sarah N. Hatfield, died August 6, 1839; William Hatfield, died in 1844; John W. Welch, died December 20, 1843; daughter of J. and N. Conley, died August 20, 1843; Samuel Carr, died August 2, 1842; Catherine wife of A. W. Childs, about 1849, date sub terra; Mrs. L. C. Crawford, August 1, 1846; Lyman Kettel, died March 24, 1847; son of E. B. Howell, died October 6, 1852; William Hamor, died December 21, 1851. Mrs. Crawford, named above, was wife of Lewis A. Crawford, a Methodist exhorter. James Lewis thinks the 6 on the headstone should be 8. South of the academy was another burial ground. From that were removed, in 1856, the remains of Emily Foster, John Foster, and four children of C. W. Foster, John Crocker and Mrs. Crocker and Allen Crocker. Frederick Anderson was buried in another cemetery (just where Dr. Hale's house now stands), and his remains were moved in 1856.
New Cemetery. - The original tract of this cemetery, containing five acres, was bought of James Hill, Sr., and in 1880, eleven acres were purchased from Wilson Skinner. Every man who purchased a lot was a stockholder. C. W. Foster, George W. Collier, Roswell Crocker, S. Bricker, James Lewis, P. R. and B. L. Caples, and perhaps some others were among the incorporators. Lots sold for $10. In the first selection, Dr. Bricker and James Lewis gave up their first choice of lots to Col. Foster, then Mr. Lewis surrendered his second choice to Dr. Bricker, and a short time after the Doctor was buried in the same lot, which he battled so hard to obtain, he dying in 1856.
James Lewis was appointed sexton of the new cemetery in 1856, and hold the position until April, 1885, when he was elected trustee, and his son appointed superintendent.
618 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.
By an act of the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, passed February 19, A. D. 1885, entitled "An act to authorize the village of Fostoria, Ohio, to purchase the grounds, improvements Land property of the Fostoria Cemetery Association, and to levy a tag to pay therefor," the village council of Fostoria, was authorized to purchase the grounds, improvements, property and assets of the Fostoria Cemetery Association, and to issue the village bonds in amount not to exceed $3,000, in denominations of $500 each, bearing. 6 per cent interest.
The first grave dug in the new cemetery was for two children of Rev. G. W. Collier, in 1856, when he was pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Fostoria. The first adult, other than transfers from the old cemetery, who was buried in the new cemetery, was Dr. Simon Bricker. The first burial in the new addition to the cemetery took place in 1879. The total number of interments is 1,495 in the cemetery proper, and fifty in potter's field.
Catholic Cemetery.-The present Catholic cemetery was purchased by Martin Kingseed in 1856 for the Catholic congregation, from John Bick. This purchase comprises one acre which forms the cemetery now. The old cemetery was just south of the Catholic Church on the line of the Lake Erie & Western Railroad. There were ten persons interred there among whom were Mrs. Telford and her daughter. The remains of the ten were transferred in 1856 to the new Catholic cemetery.
Oak Grove Cemetery Association, of Loudon Township, was organized June 13, 1857, with John M. Sheller, president; B. E. Stephens, clerk: R. M. Ranney, Thomas Foughty, Nathan Wade, D. S. Rumple and Perry Chance, trustees.
Soldiers Buried at Fostoria. --The soldiers of the war of 1861-1865, who are interred in the city cemetery are named as follows:
C. M. Thomas, William Sabins, Dr. D. Thomas, John C. Locey, William Mickey, John Johnson, Charles R. Davis, Lieut. J. J. Fry, Reuben Nelson, Henry A. Dildine, Nicholas. Raney, Valentine Ash, J. J. Myers, John Lew Allen, Gilbert Smith, Evan Kirkwood, Lieut. J. Miller. Ansel Bement, Ephraim Cramer, Jacob Aushen, John Fritcher, Lieut. Williams and Dr. D. Williams, all in the "west center" of the cemetery. Samuel Wiseman, a soldier of 1812, is also buried here.
H. M. Schenck, a colored barber, M. F. Overholt, Oliver C. Leech, William Hoyer, Hiram Bowman, John Connor, David Connor, Anderson and Robert Adams are interred in the division, known as the "west outside." Here also are the remains of Samuel Kime, a soldier of 1812.
In the "east outside" division the following named soldiers rest:
A. Babcock, N. P. Dicken, E. J. Ballinger, Joseph Egan, Mike Heaston. Albert Hale. Capt. Falhabel, Col. T. C. Norris, George W. Dick, Chris Kistner, also Barney McDougal, a soldier of 1812.
In the "east center" division are Charles Daniel, John Veon, S. Wiseman, ---- Patton, Capt. Orrin Hays, M. Newcomb, Newman Sheldon, A. C. Drenning Peter Staub, J. K. Needham, George Portz, L. Dake, Cat. Hollopeter. F. H. Shimp, Alex Smith, Samuel Shelt, H. Redfern, John W Wineland, Levi Stearns, M. Shesler and A. B. Poe, a chaplain.
The following named soldiers also rest in this cemetery:
J. Dake, Capt. J. F. Schuyler, John Waters, Capt. S. J. Tracey, John Christ, William McLaughlin, J. C. Runneals, Fred Brockman, O. R. Kizer, W. H. Carlysle.
SOCIETIES.
Fostoria Lodge No. 288, F. & A. M., was organized July 25, 1856, and chartered October 15, 1856, with the following Darned members: R. C. Caples,
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James Lewis, O. R. Welsh, Andrew Wiseman, O. B. Ferris, A. M. Blackman, J. L. Mickey, Nathan Taylor J. W. Griffith, J. S. Walding, Wesley Bradford. C. R. Staley. The Past Masters of this lodge are named as follows: J. W. Bricker, R. C. Caples, C. E. Davis, R. W. Hale G. L. Hoege, W. D. Robbins, F. J. Schaufelberger, F. R. Stewart and O. V. Wood. The names of secretaries are as follows: B. L. Caples, A. M. Dildine and W. J. Wagner. The membership is eighty-six.
Garfield Chapter, No. 150, R. A. M., was chartered September 21, 1882. The original members were Dr. Chris. E. Davis, James Lewis, Dr. G. L. Hoege, J. L. Mickey, Charles Olmsted, Dr. Jacob Shaufelberger, A. C. McClean, A. Al. Dildine, John Worman, C. W. Thomas; C. Davis, was first H. P., Dr. Hoege, K., and F. J. Shaufelberger, scribe.
The members at present are named as follows: W. H. Bannister, John A. Bradner, Peter Buessey, R. Crocker, Samuel Dale, C. E. Davis, A. M. Dildine, John Foreman. F. M. Prey, S. G. Fall, George L. Hoege, W. Haverstick, James Lewis, Charles F . Long, A. C. McClean, L. McKee, J. L. Mickey, S. C. Newcomb, C. E. Norris, Charles Olmsted, John A. Parker, David Peter, William D. Robbins, William B. Rollins, F. J. Schaufelberger, J. W . Schaufelberger, John C. Springer, F. E. Woodruff, John J. Worman.
Fostoria Lodge No. 305, I. O. O. F., was instituted June 6, 1856, with the following named charter members: Samuel Gee, P. G.; D. S. Luce, N. G.; Simon Bricker, V. G.; Orbison Welsh, secretary, and Joseph Haines, treasurer. Luce and Welsh are the only survivors of the first organization. The members' names on the calendar at this lodge are as follows: Robert Adams', Martin Adams, David Allcut*, David Asire, John Andes, J. M. Bever*, J. A. Bradner*, J. Beck, W. H. Bannister, William Baringer, George Benham, H. W. A. Boyd, S. Byrns, J. W. Bosler, J. A. Bruner, G. W. Backenstos, A. E. Blessing, W. M. Cake*, T. G. Carlisle, J. Y. Callihan*, J. S. Crawford, R. Crocker, S. S. Dicken, J. R. Dicken, J. M. Dicken*, I. H. Denny, J. P. DeWolfe, Samuel Ewing*, J. T. Ewing*, George Enos*, L. J. Eshelman*, D. H. Everett, Charles Foster*, M. Fry, M. L. Fletcher, C. German, A. Georgia, D. G. Gilmore*, J. P. Gilmore, J. W. Good*, Noah Good, Joseph Hughes, S. E. Hale,*, J. W. Harsh, William Hollingshead, John Hahn, David Hays, A. J. Hoffman, J. C. F. Hull, Daniel Hunsecker, J. C, Hartley, C. E. Henney, Simpson Jones, J. V. Jones* Thomas Johnston, William Jordon, Charles Johnston, H. W. Konkle* G. A. Knight, A. Kaufman*, S. F. Kiser*, D. S. Lace*, C. W. Lytle*. F: P. Lindsey, Samuel Lockhart, James Long, J. C. Milhime*. D. G. R. Masamer, G. Morgan, S. G. Malony*, J. A. Miller, Frank McCowan, H. Morlock, C. W. McDade, I. W. Nestlerode*, J. A. Noble, James Osborn E. J. Padgham*. C. Pfeifer, M. L. Poe, J. B. Ribley*, Noah Rinebold, W. M. Ralston, H. E. Schloss, Daniel M. Snyder, A. Stearns, J. C. Springer G. W. Stout, James Sabins*, David M. Snyder*, J. C. Shuler, A. Scharf, William Schaufelberger, W. J. Seiple, R. B. Spencer D. A. Sprout*, G. A. Strouse, Joseph Schupp, Levi E. Sugerman, J. H. Vosburgh, John Wagner* Joseph Wiseman, Peter Wickerham, J. J. Worman, 1. M. Watson, William Weaver, C. C. Young.*
Loudon Encampment No. 167, I. 0. 0., F., was instituted June 16, 1873, with the following named members: Jacob Newhouse, J. Wiseman, S. G. Malony S. E. Hale, A. Georgia, Samuel Ewing, J. C. Springer, W. J. Seiple, G. A. Knight, R. Adams and G. H. Reece.
Fostoria Lodge No. 86, K. of P., was organized June 22, 1875, with the following named members: William Weaver, W. H. H. Williams, J. J. Wor-
Past Grands.
620 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY,
man, David Alcutt, James M. Chamberlin, C. C. Young, William Logan, George Enos, S. F. Kiser, P. Urchel, Ben Fosty, W..S. Baker, N. P. Robbins, H. Bayman, D. McMeen, John Ernsberger, J. Basom, S. Yant, A. E. Watson, William D. Robbins, M. Adams, A. Kelley, J. Y. Calahan, D. H. Everett, C. Howell, J. T. Hale, L. H. Hill, A. O. Crone.
Past Chancellor Commanders are named as follows: J. J. Worman, D. Alcutt, N. P. Robbins, M. Adams, A. O. Crone, R. A. Hale, D. W. Snively, L. D. Mussetter, Moses Smith, S. F. Kiser, W. H. H. Williams, Peter Dennis, D. Boos, T. R. Brown, James Pruden, M. Bonnell and C. D. Scott. The following are the names of those who served the lodge as secretaries: D. W. Sniveley, M. Adams, L. D. Mussetter, B. Jones, A. O. Crone, J. A. Noble, A. M. Dildine, W. H. H. Williams and A. M. Beck. The membership is sixty-one.
Seneca Council No. 172, A. L. of H., was organized April 17, 1880, with twenty-two charter members, including the following named officers: A. Weaver, C.; W. D. Robbins, V. C.; J. T. Yant, S.; R. Alcott, P. C.; T. M. Garrison, Collector; G. L. Hoege, O.; S. L. Boiler, Chaplain; T. S. Green, Treasurer; J. J. Breining, G.; D. Hunsecker, W.; Randall Hale, Sentry; J. F. Ritchart, John Noble, and John F . Heilman, Trustees.
Royal Arcanum Lodge was organized in April, 1878, with G. L. Hoege, Regent; T. M. Garrison, Secretary; A. C. McClean, Treasurer; L. D. Mustetter, V. R.; J. W. Schaufelberger, O. ; A. T. McDonnell, Chaplain; D. Asire, Warden; Moses Smith S.; and J. A. Wolfe and W . H. Bannister, Trustees.
Norris Post No. 27, G. A. R., organized under Charter, May 1880, with the following named charter members: R. Alcott, W. J. Page, A. Cramer, H. Axt, A. G. Franklin, C. A. Doe, A. M. Dildine, C. W. Thomas, G. H.. McDonal, C. L. Brooks, F. R. Stewart, A. Kaufman, H. Bordner, M. Adams, S. A. Needham, O. J. DeWolfe, William M. Cake E. C. Tingle, Allen Hale, Fred Werner, A. Hiteshew, C. C. Jones, O. B. Burdett, H. Newcomer, M. H. Chance, G. W. Fritcher, S. H. Warring, G. W. Young, J. B. Lewis, Ed Preble, J. D. Harley, W. P. Thatcher, S. Drenning, Jobn McCracken. John M. Linhart, and others joined the post subsequently. The first Commander was R. Alcott, who also served in 1881; A. M. Dildine served in 1882; O. J. DeW olfe, in 1883; M. Bonnell, in 1884; and F. R. Stewards the present commander. The Adjutants of the Post since organization arc; named as follows: E. C. Tingle, T. G. Carlisle, J. L. Cramer and S. Drenning. The membership is about 107.
Sons of Veterans.-This corps was organized here September 14, 1885, with the following named members: D. A. Gear, Oscar Shutt, Bert Allcot, Fred Veon, Albert E. Kaufman, Will W. Werner, Frank C. Runnels, G. C. Williams, H. C. Sheller, J. D. Kuhl, C. J. Myers Frank E. Green, R.. J. Bunnell, Oscar Shelt, C. H. Martin, M. Waltman, Bruce Jones, E. E. Hartman. J. R. Metzler, Ernest Marvin.
Ladies' Relief Cops, G. A. R., was organized September 14, 1885, with the following named members: President, Mrs. Sarah Schuyler; senior vicepresident, Mrs. A. P. Harris; junior vice-president, Mrs. Cassie Blessing; treasurer, Mrs. Isabel Dildine; chaplain, Mrs. Roxie C. Stewart; secretary, Mrs. Jennie Chance; conductor, Mrs. May Bonnell; guards, Mrs. Sarah Alcott, Alice H. Young, Caroline Ash, Laura Dicken, Cornelia T. Myers, Ella Harley, Osie B. Fox, Mary M. Preble, Sylvia Werner, Susan T. Bonnell, Lottie T. Dicken.
Sons of Temperance formed a society at Risdon about 1848. During the winter of 1873-74 the temperance crusaders entered on duty at Fostoria.
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The ladies organized and attacked the saloon system. all along the line, even going so far as to post female guards outside each saloon at night. During the day a system of marching and countermarching, resolutions and prayer, was followed by a visit to each saloon. The protracted lawsuit against Joseph Bick and the riot of 1874 grew out of this agitation.
Free Thinkers.-The Free Thinkers were organized at Fostoria as early as 1856 or 1857. The association was formed for practical jokers by practical jokers. This was a secret society, indeed, as the member who once passed through the ordeal of initiation never wished the outside world to know of it, but was always on the look-out for some one of whom to make a fellow victim.
Sons of Malta comprised a number of well-to-do members who were initiated through magnificent ceremony. In the midst of this ceremony the new member was blindfolded, and shortly after was asked to sign the constitution. This was generally done and the work of the initiation continued until adjournment to the banquet hall. About the close of the banquet a waiter left a bill before the new member with his signature attached thereto, agreeing to pay for the banquet.' One of. Fostoria's first citizens was initiated a member of this quaint organization and it is said that, in signing the constitution while blindfolded, he actually signed away $1,000 for a supper.
Inter-County Fair Association of Fostoria, was organized July 2, 1877, with the following members: Charles W. Foster, David Hays, John A. Bradner, B. Wells, J. W. Bricker, W. H. Grapes, J. V. Jones, Thomas Pennel, L. J. Hissong, R. Crocker, J. P. Woodruff, L. J. Eshelman and R. Gust. This organization was never completed, but it is proposed now to reorganize.
Fostoria Bible Society was organized August 14, 1858, and is still in existence.
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and Animals was organized, August 31, 1885, with the following named members: J. P. De Wolfe, John A. Bradner, J. G. Calahan, A. J. Stackhouse, John E. Wilkison, O. J. DeWolfe, John P. Warner, M. DeWitt Long, W. T. Jackson, Junius V. Jones, R. Alcott, L. J. Eshelman, W. Druitt, A. E. Blessnily, C. Olmsted, W. D. Robbins, W. R. Knowles, V. S.; A. E. Ebersole, Charles Foster, C. A. Schultz, W. H. Bannister, N. Burtcher. Charles Douglass, agent of the State Society, was the organizer. September 1, 1885, the following named officers were elected: President, J. V. Jones; vice-presidents, J. P. DeWolfe and L. J. Eshelman; secretary, A. J. Stackhouse; treasurer, A. E. Ebersole; special agents, W. R. Knowles and John N. Hollinger.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Engine Company No. 1 (Pioneer) was organized in 1872. The hand engine of this company was burned about 1881. In 1877 the company purchased their first steam fire engine, and in 1884 the second. The present department comprises 2 Silsby engines, 1 hook and ladder truck, 3 hose carts and 1 fire team In March, 1885, the following named officers were elected: President, W. H. H. Williams; vice-president, S. E. Hale; secretary, T. G. Carlisle; treasurer, W. D. Robbins; foreman engine, G. W. Campbell; assistant foreman engine, F. A. Senn; foreman hose, S. E. Hale; assistant foreman hose, George Bristol.
Relief Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 was organized in 1873, with Milton Beaver, secretary; John Bowly, president, and George Cramer, foreman. In April. 1885. J. G. Calahan was appointed president; George Boley, vice-
622 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.
president; John McLaughlin, foreman; F. P. Lindsey, secretary, and Boley, Hale and McLaughlin, trustees.
Relief Hook and Ladder Association was organized April 17, 1880, with D. Snyder, president; O. B. England, secretary; N. Burtcher, treasurer; Dr. Henry, surgeon, and Frank Hays, Joel Hale, A. Weaver, D. P. Lloyd and James Beamish, trustees. This was organized as a beneficial society, with about $1,000 paid up. During the life of this association, until the close of 1882, the officers were re-elected.
BANKS.
The business of banking at Fostoria is almost contemporaneous with the founding of the village of Rome. At an early date the Fosters made banking a department of their business, and as their house grew in importance so did this department grow, until it was set off, so to speak, as a distinct business. In later years Foster's Bank became a well-known financial institution, and in our times has grown to be one of the most important banking concerns in Ohio. The bank building is certainly the finest business block in Fostoria, if not in the whole county.
The First National Bank was established January 2, 1883, with an authorized capital of $100,000. Andrew Emerine is president; Alonzo Emerine, cashier, and A. Emerine, Hon. John McCauley, Thomas D. Adams, L. J. Hissong, L. B. Harris, William Ash, Alonzo Emerine, directors.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Fostoria Opera House.-This splendid temple of music and the drama is the product of John Andes' enterprise. He came from Bavaria Germany to Tiffin in 1852, worked there for some years, and in 1860 established his wagon and carriage shop at Fostoria. The building, which is erected in the heart of the city at a cost of over $30,000 known as the Andes' Opera House, forms in itself a monument to his industry.
Newspapers. - The Fostoria Review and Fostoria Democrat now published here, are noticed in the chapter on the press; so also are the other journals which were published here.
Modern Manufacturing Industries. -Fostoria Stave & Barrel Company was established in 1871, by Charles Foster, E. J. Cunningham, John Noble, John W. Griffith, all of whom are to-day interested in the industry with the exception of John W. Griffith. The company employ thirty-five men during the winter months and seventy-five during the summer months. The works stand on eleven and a half acres of land, through which side tracks from the Baltimore & Ohio and Lake Erie & Western Railroad.. There are about 5,000 cords of elm, bass-wood and white ash manufactured annually. John Noble is manager; N. P. Robbins is in charge of the office. This company operates another extensive factory in Wood County.
The Fostoria Spoke and Bending Works were established in 1882, with forty men. The building, erected that year, comprises a machinery room 52 x144, erected at a cost of about $15,000. The machinery introduced that year and subsequently is estimated at $15,000. The capacity is about 1,000,000 feet of lumber annually. The product is marketed throughout the United States. The old works on the county line and Centre, established in 1867 by Bement & Grapes, were purchased by Cunningham & Co. in 1874 and conducted by them until 1882, when the buildings were destroyed by fire.
The Thomas B. Jacob Foundry was established by C. W. Bonnell at Fostoria in 1860, when shops were erected on Perry and High Streets, and opened in
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April, 1861. In 1874 Mr. Jacobs purchased the works. The principal products of the foundry are scrapers, plows, agricultural implements, vases, columns, house castings, etc. The industry gives employment to nine. hands. The value of annual product is estimated at about $15,000.
In July, 1885, Fostoria secured the removal from Titusville, Penn., of the brass works. A consolidation of the works with the Fostoria Foundry and Machine Company's Works was effected. The Fostoria Brass Foundry was opened in September, 1885, with W. L. Adams, of Cleveland, manager. This industry adds forty to the population of the city.
The Fostoria Foundry and Machine Works, owned by Charles Foster, Nicholas Portz and F. Manecke, was the name adopted in 1880 for the old works, conducted at one time by Bement & Roberts, at another time by Roberts & Co., and still later by C. and B. W. Bonnell & Co. Of course a great deal of new machinery was added to the old plant, and a foundry established in keeping with the progressive spirit of the time. In September, 1885, the Fostoria Brass and Bronze Manufactory took the place of the machine works.
Vogleson's Foundry, in the western part of the city, was a small industry.
Mrs. Schuyler's Paper-trimmer Factory is a novel industry in its way. The only article manufactured is a patent trimmer for preparing wall paper, and this has won a wide reputation.
Livingstone Roller Mills, operated by John P. Warner, were established in 1861. by E. J. Cunningham and Charles W. Foster. At that time there were three run of stones used, subsequently increased to six run. In 1881 John P. Warner and E. J. Padgham purchased the buildings and machinery for $14,000. In 1882 Mr. Warner bought out Mr. Padgham's interest. In 1883 he introduced eleven sets of rollers, with a capacity of 100 barrels per day. The value of buildings and machinery is $24,000. Five men are employed.
Green & Heilman's Planing-Mill was established in 1873 by the present firm. The main building cost about $6,000, and machinery about $10,000. The mill has hill capacity for the largest amount of good work. The number of bands employed range in number from twelve to fifteen. Martin Y. Green and J. P. Heilman are the proprietors.
Merganthaler & Koss' Planing-Mill, and Sash, Door and Blind Factory, was established in 1881 by Jacob Mergenthaler and J. S. Bowers. In 1882 F. Koss purchased Bowers' interest.
Hathaway Campbell & Co's. Sash, Door and Blind Factory, and Planing Mill, were established in 1870 by Germond, Manecke & Co. In 1877 the present company purchased the buildings and plant. (In 1882 James H. Campbell purchased a quarter interest. The value of buildings and machinery with stock, is about $23,000. This industry gives employment to from ten to twenty men. The market is entirely local.
Newhouse, Sprout & Co., Saw, Planing-Mill and Hoop Factory, was established by M. Fry and Amos Mohler; was purchased by the present company in 1879, and has been operated by them continuously. The capacity is about 10,000 per day. The machinery is valued at about $3,000. This industry gives employment to from three to ten men.
A. Georgia established a pump factory here. G. K. Tuttle also manufactures pumps.
Foster's Elevator, corner of Main Street and Lake Erie Railroad, was erected many years ago. It is now owned by Bannister & Nichols. The capacity is about 50,000 bushels.
W. D. Robbins' Marble Shop was established here about 1865. This industry gives employment to five first-class men in this work. Israel Smith, Bush
624 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.
and H. Webr, Tomb and Jacob Shuff, were the pioneers of this business at Fostoria.
The carriage and wagon manufacturing industry is represented by J. J. Eissler, S. H. Waring and M. Morgenthaler. The latter established his wagon shop in 1865.
The Tile Works of John Soleleather, form an important industry, while the lime kilns and quarries of D. P. Lloyd and John A. Bradner, compare very favorably with the great industries of this class in northern Ohio.
The Corn Reaper and Mower, and Agricultural Implement Works were founded at. Fostoria, September 24, 1873, when J. and Samuel Cadwallader, J. F. Schuyler, J. T. Stewart, J. L. Kenower, R. Crocker, J. Nestlerode, N. Portz, B. Leonard and Charles Foster, adopted articles of association.
Fostoria Gas Light Company was organized October 23, 1878, with William Smith, James M. Hawes, Charles Foster, J. A. Bradner and Charles Olmsted, members. The capital was placed at $25,000. The Natural Gas Company, incorporated in 1885, elected the following named officers; William M. Day, president; J. E. Wilkison, secretary and treasurer; directors, Charles Foster, J. E. Wilkison, J. A. Bradner, Joseph Gwynn and W. M. Day. It will be seen that these gentlemen constitute the present Gas Light Company. The gas-well, undertaken under the auspices of this company, was bored to a depth of 1,775 feet by August 4, 1885, when the well was abandoned. The total cost of this venture was $3,000. The record of boring shows twenty-eight feet of loam resting on three feet of quick-sand, from a point thirty-two feet below the surface to a point 309 feet below blue, gray and drab limestone forms the conformation; although at 250 feet the boring was made through red rock.
Hotels. -Samuel Laird established the first hotel at Rome in 1834; the house stood on the northwest corner of the Public Square, where John Bricker's office now is. He sold to David Ferrier, in 1836, who sold to Peterson, who, with Brooks and Cadwallader, went into the counterfeiting business where Emerine's Bank now is.
Jeremiah Mickey established the first hotel at Risdon in 1832, which he carried on until his death. This house was subsequently conducted by Mrs. Mickey. The Laird House was operated by O. Diver for some time, when it is supposed he sold to R. Hale, who rebuilt the house.
The second hotel at Rome, kept in 1838, on Tiffin Street, now called the "Dutch House," was a small log house built in 1835. Wetzell was the proprietor.
The third hotel stood on the site of the present Hays House, was built in 1844 by James Hays, subsequently owned by Thomas Hays; and burned down about 1849. The second hotel on the site was built by Thomas Hays in 1858; this was a brick house now forming a part of the present Hays House, built by David Hays in 1872.
The Hays House, erected in 1872, was operated by W. W. Read. He was succeeded by L. C. Cox and J. Zimmerman. The house was next leased to Jay Silvernale in 1878, who sold to David Hays and Grapes, who were succeeded by George Freeman. Wade & Reeves leased the house in 1883. In July, 1884, Thompson purchased Reeves' interest, and the house is now conducted by Wade & Thompson, the building being still owned by David Hays.
The Central Hotel, or Centre House, was built by Amos Moeller, on lots sold by Andrew Emerine.
The Union Hotel, on Perry Street, a frame building owned by Randel & Co., was built by J. L. Mickey and his mother.
The Earl House, completed in August, 1885, for Frank Engstrom, is located in East Tiffin. Its first lessee is D. B. Hitchcock, of northeast Pennsylvania. The hotel contains fifty-one rooms, well furnished.
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Livery Establishments.-The first regular livery established at Rome (Fostoria) was that by E. W. Thomas.
In 1856-57 Thompson Boyd opened his stables, and conducted them until 1859. Veon & Musser established stables in 1858. Musser & Fowler purchased Boyd's stock in 1859, and since that time Mr. Musser has conducted a well equipped livery business here.
In 1861 Benjamin Wells, formerly a partner of Musser, opened livery stables, and continued in business until 1875. About this time the present Waring Livery was started. In 1880 the Heilman Stables were opened.
About 1873 or 1874 the Newman Hack Line was inaugurated. This was followed by the Vance Line, next Smith's, arid lastly the extensive and well equipped line of Smith & Skinner.