664 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY

CHAPTER XXVI.

SENECA TOWNSHIP.

THIS Township, known in the original survey as Township 1. north, Range 14 east, was surveyed in 1820 by J. T. Worthington, United States surveyor, and offered for sale in 1821. About the time the survey of the townships now forming Seneca County was completed, the commissioners of Sandusky County set off the whole of Seneca, except Thompson Township (as organized in April, 1820), and the Indian Reservations, into one township ° "to be known as Seneca Township." In other words, Seneca Township as established May 8, 1820, comprised all the present county, except the Seneca and other reservations, the townships of Thompson, Reed and Venice and the eastern two and one-half mile strip of Adams, Scipio and Bloom Townships. In June, 1820, Clinton was detached; in June, 1821, Eden was detached; June 7, 1824, Bloom was detached; Scipio and Hopewell in December, 1824, and the same date Seneca Township was reorganized, comprising the present town and Big Spring Township. Big Spring was detached in March, 1833.

The Sandusky River enters the township in Section 36, flows northerly through the eastern sections in a tortuous course and leaves the township in Section 1. The head waters of Wolf Creek find a home here in Sections 16 and 20, and unite in one stream in Section 4, which, flowing through this section, leaves the township at the "Worling Farm."

A few small streams flow south from the water-shed or height of land and unite with Delaware Creek just south of the county line in the old Delaware Reservation. A number of rivulets flow east from the ridge road into the San-

SENECA TOWNSHIP. - 665

dusky River, while numerous springs, creeks and wells yield a full supply of good water. In a few instances, as on the old "Coleman Farm," crystal streams flow throughout the year from never failing, never freezing springs.

The Ohio Central Railroad enters the township from the southeast at McCutchenville and, pursuing a northwesterly course, passes Berwick and finally connects with Fostoria. The Indiana, Bloomington & Ohio Railroad enters the township a short distance southwest of Berwick, which it passes in its northeasterly course through the township, connecting with Tiffin.

Owing to the presence of the Sandusky River, there is a large area of rich bottom lands found throughout the eastern tier of sections. The Tiffin and McCutchenville road may be said to mark the face of the plateau or terrace, and from this westward the township forms one happy pastoral picture of well cultivated farms, neat dwellings and pretentious farm buildings. The old, old forest has not all disappeared. Enough remains to beautify the landscape. The soil throughout is fertile, the leading roads are kept in good repair and throughout the township the spirit of progress manifests itself in everything.

Organic and Official, -Seneca Township, as established May 8, 1820, embraced all the district west of a line drawn south to the base line from the southeast corner of the Seneca Reservation. The first officers were elected June 1, 1820. David Risdon, West Barney and John Lay were elected trustees; John Eaton, clerk; B. Barney, treasurer; Joseph Holler and David Rice, overseers of poor; James Montgomery, Erastus Bowe and Joel Chaffin, supervisors; P. Wilson, lister, Asa Pike, appraiser; T. Nicholson and Abner Pike, viewers; John Boughton and J. Lee, constables.

The officers elected in 1820, were re-elected in 1821, with David Smith and Daniel Rice, justices. Benjamin Gregg was appointed trustee in May, 1821 and John Boughton, collector. The names of trustees and clerks from 1822 to 1885 both inclusive are given as follows, the last named being the clerk:

1822.-John Lay, David Smith, Alex McNutt; David Risdon.

1823.-James Gordon, D. Smith, W. D. Sherwood; D. Risdon.

1824.-J. W. G. McCluer D. Fox, John Crocker; Abram Courtwright.

1825.-David Culver, F. Waggoner, J. W. G. McCluer; Abram Courtwright.

1826.-G. Nessell, F. Waggoner, E. Mills, J.W. G. McCluer; John Tingler.

1827.-George Nessell, Abram Switzer, F. Waggoner: John Tingler.

1828.-Abel Pratt, F. Waggoner, G. Nessell; John Tingler.

1825.-Abel Pratt, F. Waggoner, G. Nessell; John Tingler.

1830. -Fred. Waggoner, William Kimberly, George Fleck; Andrew Eby.

1831.-Eli Ragan, James Burke. Thomas Bland; Andrew Eby.

1832.-Fred. Waggoner, James Burke Thomas Bland; George Nessell.

1833. -Lewis Crandall. John Larkin, W. McCormick; A. Eby.

1834.- Peter Wygart, David Elder, John Larkins; A. Eby.

1835. David Elder, J. Neswander, W. S. Nafus; Jacob Wolf.

1830.-William Prior, Lyman Furbash, D. Elder; Jacob Wolf.

1837.-William Perrine, John Davidson, D. Elder; Jacob Wolf.

1838.-John Davidson, John Larkin, Alex. Bolin; Jacob Wolf.

1839.-Anthony Sanders, John Larkin, Alex. Bolin; F. Brashers.

1840.-Thomas Bland, John Larkin, Alex. Bolin; F. Brashers.

1841.-Thomas Brundage, William Patterson, T. Bland; G. T. Christlip.

1842.-Jacob Wolf, George Heck, Samuel Sailor; G. T. Christlip.

1843.-Isaac Sloan Sam. Sailor, Jacob Wolf; G. T. Christlip.

1844.-Stephen I. Pecher, Isaac Sloan, Sam. Sloan; G. T. Christlip.

1845.-Anthony Sanders, A. Bowland, John Larkin; P. P. Bercaw.

666 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.

1846.-William Perrine, A. Bowland, A. Sanders; G. W. Hoffman.

1847.-Alex. Bowland, Anthony Sanders, D. Hoffman; G. W. Hoffman.

1848.-Daniel Hoffman, Joseph Spider, William Perrino; Jacob Wolf.

1850.-James Brinkerhoff, Daniel Hoffman, Joseph Spitler; J. Sailor.

1851.-James Brinkerhoff, Daniel Hoffman, William Rex; Joseph Sailor.

1852.-J. S. Jennings, S. Sailor, J. H. Brinkerhoff; George S. Christlip.

1853.-George Vanness, P. Weikert, John Mangan; George S. Christlip.

1854.-Lewis Staib, P. Weikert, G. A. Kerr; George S. Christlip.

1855.-Thomas Bland, Joseph Spitler, Lewis Staib; Robert Byrne.

1856.-Thomas Bland, Joseph Spitler, John Wank; Robert Byrne.

1857.-John Wank, G. W. Aulger, R. McClellan; Benjamin Brundage.

1858.-John Wank, G. W. Aulger, R. McClellan; Spencer St. John.

1859.-David Cline, George W. Aulger, R. McClellan; Sam. W. Sailor.

1860.-D. Cramer, D. Cline, Joseph Spitler; G. W. Hoffman.

1861.-M. Hufford, D. Cramer, Joseph Spitler; A. Weikert.

1862.-Joseph E. Magers, D.. Cline, Joseph Spitler; A: Weikert.

1863.-Joseph E. Magers, D. Cline, William Rex; A. Weikert.

1864.-Peter Weikert, J. E. Magers, R. J. Vanderbogart; A. Weikert.

1865.-Peter Weikert, Joseph Spitler, R. J. Vanderbogart; A. Weikert.

1866.-F. W . Byrne, Lewis Kintz, R. McClellan; J. M. Young.

1867.-R. McClellan, James Starky, D. Cline; J. Zint.

1868.-D. Cline, Joseph Spitler, R. McClellan; J. Zint.

1869.-J. C. Brundage, Joseph Spitler, R. McClellan; James V. Magers.

1870.-James Sanders, Joseph Sailor, Joseph Spitler; James V. Magers.

1871.-John Wank, Joseph Spitler, James Sanders; James V. Magers.

1872.-John Wank, Henry Lease, James Sanders; G. W. Weikert.

1873.-Allen Pontius, P. Haefling, J. Sanders; G. W. Weikert.

1874.-J. Rex, S. G. Long, M. Arbogast; G. W. Weikert.

1875.-J. Rex, S. G. Long, E. P. Byrne, trustees; James Starky, justice; G. W. Weikert, clerk.

1876.-D. Culver, S. G. Long, E. P. Byrns, trustees; A. Pontius, P. Haefling, justices; G. W. Weikert, clerk.

1877.-Nicholas Wall, J. Sanders, S. G. Long, trustees; J. Heck, G. W. Weikert, justices; Isaac Culp, clerk.

1878.-E. P. Byrne, N. Wall, J. Sanders: Isaac Culp.

1879.-James Sanders, G. W. Aulger, J. F. Smith; Isaac Culp.

1880.-G. W. Aulger, J. F. Smith, J. Wannemacher; M. B. Sailor.

1881.-Louis Kingseed, James Sanders, G. W. Aulger; Isaac Culp.

1882.-Jacob F. Smith, J. Wannemacher, E. P. Byrne (refused); R. W. Brown, clerk.

1883.-J. Wannemacher, J. F. Smith, Levi Haines; R. W. Brown.

1884.--Jacob F. Smith, John Dice, J. C. Brundage; R. W. Brown.

The officers elected in 1885 are Edward P. Byrne, John Dice and C. H. Bartz, trustees; George W. Bushong, clerk; Perry Eakin, treasurer: John Spitler and J. M. Twiggs, constables; R. W. Brown and Joseph C. Reiff, justices of the peace.

Pioneer Tax Payers.-The following list of the taxable property owners of Seneca Township in 1822 points out unmistakably the territory comprised iii the original organized township:

*Mr. Cunningham filled the position of township treasurer for fifteen years.

SENECA TOWNSHIP. - 667

Aldrich, Solomon

Butler, Paul D.

Bowe, Erastus

Beardstill, Chris.

Barnet', Consider C.

Courtwright, Abram

Chapman, Jeremiah

Chandler, Thomas

Chafer, Joel

Clancy, John

Crissa, Levi

Dumond, Isaac

Dumond, Daniel

Davis, Isaac

Eaton, John

Gregg, Benjamin

Gordon, James

Gordon, John

Garrettson, Daniel

Grey, Anson

Hulburt, Jacques

Harris, William

Harris, Samuel

Harris, August

Hanks, Peter

Ingraham, A green

Keeler, Joseph

Lay, John

McNutt, David

McNutt, Alex.

McNutt, Daniel

Montgomery James

Nicholson, Thomas

Pike, Abner

Pike, Samuel

Patrick, Sheppard

Powers, Isaac

Rogers, Eliphalet

Rice, Daniel

Rice, Caleb

Sprague, Ezra

Sprague, William

Shippey, Nathan

Shippey, Robert

Sherwood, W. S.

Smith, David

Swittree, Abram

Pioneer History. -In the foregoing pages the names of early officials do not denote pioneership of this township generally, as the township embraced the greater part of the county, and elected officers from Fort Ball, Tiffin and Fort Seneca, rather than from settlers within the present boundaries.

Seneca Township was not without its Indian Reservation. Among the gifts of public lands made by the treaty of 1817 was one to Catherine Walker, a Wyandot woman, and to John R. Walker, her son, who, as stated in the treaty, was wounded in the United States service, at Manguagon, in 1812. This grant consisted of 640 acres to each, to begin at the northwestern corner of the John Van Meter tract, and to run with the line thereof south 320 poles, thence and from the beginning west for quantity. This grant the Walkers sold, about 1829, to Judge Lugenbeel and others, and moving to upper Sandusky engaged in mercantile business there. (Vide page 199).

James Aiken settled here in 1822 . . . . William Anderson settled in Seneca Township in 1823 . . . . William Arnold and his wife settled near McCutchenville in 1823, coming from Frederick County, Md., that year. It is related that when their first child was born, they had to take the little one to Lancaster, Ohio to be baptized. A few years later, the family took a leading part in the establishment of the Catholic Church of McCutchenville . . . . Andrews C. Arnold moved to Seneca County in 1849 . . . . Jacob Adelsberger, a settler of 1833, died near Tiffin; his son John died in 1878 at Fostoria . . . . Michael Arbogast (see Hopewell Township) . . . . Samuel Aulger came in 1834.

Frank and Elizabeth Bartz, natives of Bavaria, parents of Mrs. Casper Ziegler (who was born in Bavaria in 1836), came to this county in 1840, and here died . . . . Peter P. and Sarah Bercaw, natives of Pennsylvania, parents of Silas W. Bercaw and Mrs. James H. Bare (former born in Pennsylvania, in 1837; latter in this county, in 1844); settled in this county in 1840, where Mr. Bereaw died in 1882, and Mrs. Bercaw in 1876 . . . . W. Blair settled in Seneca Township about 1834, and died in 1863 . . . . Thomas Blair was here in 1824 . . . . Alex. Bowland was an old resident . . . . Hezekiah Brinkerhoff, father of James H. Brinkerhoff of Eden Township (who was born in 1819, in Pennsylvania), cam.- here in 1834 and died in 1847 . . . . Truman Brashares, a native of Maryland, settled in Seneca County in 1835; died December 15, 1849 . . . . Louis Bredoon. A cannon which was cast at Tiffin, to be used in the celebration July 4, 1837, at McCutchenville, while being proven, burst, killing Louis Bredoon and wounding two others . . . . Philip Brock, aged ninety-two years, who died April 5, 1885, was a native of Virginia; moved to Ohio over fifty years ago, and was a resident of McCutchenville for forty-five years ....Thomas Brundage, a native of New York, settled in Seneca, Township in 1828, with his wife (nee Miss Osee Depue); he died August 21, 1879. Mrs. Johnson, of

668 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.

Wyandot County, their daughter, was born in Seneca County, in 1830 . . . . Robert Byrne entered the west half of the northwest quarter of Section 9, Township 1 north, Range 14 east, in May, 1833; he was justice of the peace for many years, and served as county commissioner. He died in 1862. A brother of his settled in Seneca Township in 1830, and was drowned below Tiffin in 1832 . . . . Frederick Byrne died in July, 1831.

Michael Cahill, who settled in Seneca County, in 1849, freight agent for the Pennsylvania Company at Tiffin, was killed at the depot in 1881 . . . . Michael Coleman, a native of Ireland, entered 160 acres on Section 4, this township, in 1834, and resided here until his death in 1874. Richard Connor was one of the pioneers of Seneca Township . . . . Dennis K. and Madalene Conaghan, former a native of Ireland, latter of Pennsylvania, parents of Joseph Conaghan (who was born in Pennsylvania in 1808), came here at an early date, and here died . . . .Joseph and Margaret Conaghan, natives of Pennsylvania, parents of Horatio D. Conaghan and Mrs. James Sanders, came to this county from Stark County, at an early date . . . . Jacob and Elizabeth Copler, natives of Germany, parents of Mrs. Henry Hepf (who was born in Germany in 1817), came to this county in early days, and here died . . . .Mrs. Elizabeth Cromer, who died April 4, 1885, came from Northumberland County, Penn., fifty-two years ago, and was a resident of Berwick, for a quarter of a century . . . . David Culver, a native of Now York, came in 1825 . . . . John and Lucy (Bartlett) Crocker, parents of Roswell Crocker and Mrs. Charles W. Foster, of Fostoria, came in 1823 to this county, settling in this township, where Mrs. Crocker died. Mr. Crocker then moved to Fostoria and there died . . . . . Roswell Crocker (see history of Loudon Township).

John and Mary A. Davidson, natives of Ireland, where they were married, parents of Henry and William Davidson, came to this county in 1834, and here died ... . Jacob and Maria (Apley) Dice, natives of Pennsylvania, parents of Mrs. Adam Weikert, came into the county in early times; Mrs. Dice died in 1879 . ....John Dockweiller settled in Seneca Township in 1833; died in March, 1880 . . . . . The Dugan family, of Kenton, were early settlers of Seneca . . . . . Thomas Dunn came from New York State in 1853 . . . . Philip Dutrow, father of David A. and William M. Dutrow, of Tiffin, was a native of Maryland, born in 1819, and came in 1843 to Seneca Township . . . . Philip H. and Elizabeth Dutrow, natives of Maryland, parents of Robert H. Dutrow, came here about 1832; Mrs. Dutrow died in 1881, and Mr. Dutrow subsequently moved to Tiffin, where he now resides.

John and Elizabeth Einsel, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively, parents of Mrs. Robert McClellan, came to this county in 1833, and here died . . . . . Anderson and Julia A. (Brinkerhoff) Ewing, natives of Pennsylvania. parents of Mrs. John M. Laughlin, came to this county in 1840; Mrs. Ewing died in 1847; Mr. Ewing died in Wyandot County, Ohio, in 1875 . . . . John and Mary M. Eyler, parents of Mrs. Joseph Conaghan, were early settlers of this county, where they died.

George Flack, who died September 3, 1834, owned lands in Section 12, Town 1 north, Range 14; and also a lot at Tiffin. Henry Cronise was administrator of the estate, and Messrs. Seney & Coffinberry, solicitors for the administrator . . . . David and Veronica Foght, natives of Pennsylvania, parents of David M. Foght, came from Fairfield County, Ohio, to this county about 1828, and here Mr. Foght died in 1881, and Mrs. Foght in 18 74. . . . John Freund came from France in 1849 . . . . Charles W. Foster settled in Seneca Township in 1826, and moved to a point north of Tiffin in 1829, and to Fostoria in 1832 . . . . Charles Foster, born in Seneca Township in 1828, moved to

SENECA TOWNSHIP. - 669

Rome in 1832 . . . .Daniel and Sarah Funk, former a native of Ohio, latter of Pennsylvania, parents of J. K. Funk, came in early days to the county; Mr. Funk died in 1879; his widow resides with her son, J. K . . . . Charles and Elizabeth Fry were early settlers.

The Galbraith family settled here in early days, some persons placing the date of their settlement at 1822 . . . . Mrs. E. Gangwer settled in the township with her parents in 1855, and died July 6, 1876 . . . . Hassel A. Garrison carried on a tavern without a license in 1832, and was fined $5 and costs; beyond this there is little or nothing to be learned of this old settler . . . . Michael and Eva Gessner, natives of Germany, parents of Mrs. Christian Ruehle, came here at an early date . . . . Andrew and Catharine Gillig, natives of Germany, parents of Joseph Gillig, came here from Stark County in 1844; Mrs. Gillig died several years ago, Mr. Gillig in 1869.

Job and Ann Haines, parents of Jonathan A. Haines, of Big Spring Township, and Owen and Levi Haines, of Seneca Township, came here about 1840, and here died, the former in 1845, and the latter in 1857 . . . . George and Elizabeth Harmon, former a native of Virginia, born in 1807, latter born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1812, parents of George A. Harmon, came to Seneca Township in 1831, and here Mrs. Harmon died in 1875 . . . . George and Sarah Heck, former born in Ohio in 1797, latter a native of Germany, died in 1839, parents of John Heck, were pioneers of the county; Mr. Heck is still living on the farm where he has spent sixty-three years of his life .. . .Henry Hepf, a native of Germany, born in 1813, came to this county in 1830 . . . . William Hitt's name occurs in pioneer documents, but of him little can be learned . . . . F. J. Hirt who stabbed John Feck in 1841, escaped to Canada, subsequently settled in Johnson County, Iowa, induced his wife and mother to move thither, and there killed them and hanged himself . . . . Henry Houck, born in 1810, settled in this county in 1832, and after residing near Tiffin a short time, moved to his present farm in this township.

Jacob S. and Osee Jennings, former a native of New Jersey, latter of Warren County, Ohio, parents of Mrs. Benjamin C. Reeme, came here several years ago and died.

Joseph Keller, born in Pennsylvania in 1797, father of Amos Keller, came in 1849 to this county where he died in 1855 . . . . . John King, one of the early settlers of Tiffin, was killed at Fort Ball in 1855 . . . . Martin Kingseed came to Seneca in 1834; but sixteen years later moved to Fostoria, where he has taken a leading part in building up the city . . . . Anton and Margaret (Rauth) Kingseed, natives of Germany, both born in 1796, parents of Martin Kingseed, came by wagon from Pennsylvania to this county, settling in Seneca Township, where Anton Kingseed still resides at the age of eighty-nine years . . . . Jacob Kirgis, a native of Germany, father of Henry Kirgis of Bloom Township, came to Seneca Township in 1833 . . . .Anton Kingsman or Koenigsman, came here in 1834. Two years prior to this date he left Bavaria.

John M. Laughlin, born in New York State in 1839, came to Seneca Township about 1840 . . . . Jacob and Elizabeth Lease, former, a native of Maryland, latter of Ohio, parents of Mrs. Horatio D. Conaghan, came here in early times and here Mrs. Lease died; Mr. Lease moved subsequently to Wyandot County . . . . . John F'. and Elizabeth Long, natives of Switzerland, parents of Mrs. Joseph Weisenberger, came here in early days .... James Lockhart, one of the oldest residents of this part of the county, died March 15, 1885, aged seventyfive years . . . . Joseph Lonsway, or Longuin, a native of Three Rivers, province of Quebec, born in 1818, is a pioneer of the county .... Col. Peter. Lott, born

670 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.

March 8, 1795, near Gettysburg, Penn., settled at River Bend in 1829, and died at Forest, Ohio, December 19, 1872 . . . . Lorenz Ley was an early settler.

Alexander and Mary Morrison, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively, parents of Mrs. William Davidson, came to Seneca County in 1825, and here died .. . .John H. and Charlotte Morrison, natives of Pennsylvania, parents of Mrs. Henry Davidson, came to this county in 1837, where Mr. Morrison died in 1857, and his widow in 1883 . . . . Joseph and Jane McClellan, natives of Pennsylvania, parents of Robert McClellan, came from Kentucky to Seneca County in 1822, where Mr. McClellan died in 1860, and his widow in 1866 . . . . William McCormack was among the pioneer settlers of the township . . . . Joseph McCutchen settled south of the county line in 1827 . . . . Miles Mitten, a native of Maryland, settled in Seneca County in 1838, moved to Wyandot County in 1843, and died in 1865 . . . .Bernard Murphy, a native of Ireland, settled in Seneca Township at an early date, moved to Big Spring Township about seventeen years ago; he served as clerk of Big Spring Township for many years . . . . Joseph Musgrave settled at McCutchenville in 1845. . Joseph and Sarah Martin came in an enrly day . . . . John and Margaret Myre were early settlers.

Michael Noel, a pioneer of the county, died in April, 1870.

Timothy O' Connor, a native of Ireland, located in Connecticut, in 1848, and came to Seneca Township in 1852.

James Pence, a native of Virginia, came here in 1832 . . . . Elijah Pennington located in Seneca County in 1826 . . . . Peter Pennington was born just south of the county line in 1835 . . . . Benjamin Peck was one of the pioneers.

Samuel and Elizabeth Ralston, natives of Virginia, parents of Mrs. George Swigart, came to this county in 1834, Mr. Ralston died in 1868; his widow is yet living . . . : Sarah Ramsower, a native of Pennsylvania, came in 1852 . . . . Jacob and Joanna Redfox, natives of Germany, parents of Jonathan Redfox, settled here about 1833; Mrs. Redfox died in 1851, Mr. Redfox, in 1866.. . Michael and Bridget Redmond, natives of Ireland, parents of Mrs. Peter Haefling, came to Seneca County in 1835, where Mr. Redmond died in 1849, and his widow in 1854 . . . . Jeremiah Rex, a native of Ohio, was here in 1844.. . Gus G. Reininger settled in Seneca Township in 1832 . . . . Jacob and Mary E. Reisz, natives of Germany, parents of Daniel Reisz came in 1833, to the farm where Daniel Reisz now resides, and here they died . . . . Mrs. Lida Roley, widow of Jesse Roley, and mother of Inman Roley, came with her family to this county in 1833, and here died in 1843; Inman Roley located here in 1833 . . . . Daniel Friedrich and Margaret M. (Ruehle) Ruehle, natives of Germany, came herein 1848 . . . . John J. Ruehle, (deceased), a native of Germany, father of Christian Ruehle, came to the county at an early day; his widow, Mrs. Catharine Ruehle, a native of this county, is living.

Anthony and Mary A. Sanders, natives of Pennsylvania, parents of James Sanders, came at an early date to this county, where they died . . . . G. N. Scott, an Ohioan, settled here in 1849 . . . . William Shaffner, a Pennsylvanian, came in 1843 . . . . Jacob and Margaret Shoup, former a native of Pennsylvania, latter of Maryland, parents of Mrs. Henry Funk, came here in 1844 . . . . Christian Scheer, a German, came to this county in 1835 . . . . Jacob and Elizabeth C. Staib, natives of Germany, parents of Jacob U. Staib, came to this county in 1835, where Mr. Staib died in 1867, aged eighty-seven, and his widow in 1880, aged ninety-seven years; Jacob U. Staib came in 1833.

Christopher and Elizabeth Terflinger, natives of Virginia, parents of Lewis Terflinger, came to this county from Wyandot County, with his parents,

SENECA TOWNSHIP. - 671

Jacob and Elizabeth, in 1830, and lived on the farm where Lewis Terflinger now resides; here Mrs. Terflinger died in 1865, and Mr. Terflinger in 1866.

Theobald and Catharine Wagner, natives of Germany, parents of Theobald Wagner, came direct to Seneca County in 1833; Mr. Wagner died in 184 7 . . . . The Wannemachers are classed among the old residents of the township; S. T. Wannemacher, a native of Ohio, was here in 1849 . . . . Peter and Susan Weikert, natives of Ohio, parents of Adam Weikert, came at an early date; in 1876 they located near Tiffin, where they now reside .. . .Matthias and Josephine Weisenberger, natives of France, parents of Joseph Weisenberger, came here in 1833, where Mr. Weisenberger died in 1846, and Mrs. Weisenberger in 1836 . . . . Andrew Willett, a German, came in 1842 . . . . Adam Wilhelm was one of the old settlers . . . . John Wininger, born in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1810, was a son of Adam Wininger and Mary Crow, the latter of whom wits sold for a certain number of years to pay her passage from Germany; so early as 1832 he kept a tavern in this county . . . . Andrew J. Wonder, born in Wayne County! Ohio, settled in Seneca with his parents in 1830; now resides in Wyandot County . . . . George Worley, a native of Germany, came in 1835 . . . . Hartin Werting, an Ohioan, was here in 1846 . . . . George and Elizabeth (Long) Wehrle, natives of Germany, former born in 1820, latter in 1827, married in New Riegel in 1847, parents of Joseph C. Wehrle, were early settlers here.

John H. and Catharine (Cooney) Yambert, natives of Pennsylvania, former father by a former marriage, of Rev. Aaron Yambert, of Seneca Township, came with their family to this township in 1831, where Mr. Yambert died in 1863 . . . . William Yambert settled in Seneca County in 1833, died in 1863 . . . . Daniel Yambert was drowned in the Sandusky, near Mexico, in 1841; three sisters, whose names have not been learned, were drowned together at this point . . . . B. Yeutzer, a native of Pennsylvania, came to this township in 1840.

Casper Ziegler, born in Bavaria in 1829, came to Seneca County in 1846 . . . . Jacob and Elizabeth M. Zeis, natives of Germany, parents of Mrs. David M. Foght and Leander Zeis, came to this township about 1828; Mr. Zeis died in 1876, and his widow in 1878 . . . .Joseph and Julia Zint, parents of Mrs. Levi Haines, came to this county at an early date.

There were others who settled here in pioneer times, of whom little or nothing authentic can be learned. In the official history of this township, and in the various sections into which this chapter is divided, many pioneer names occur. Thus, although the names are omitted in the pioneer section of the chapter, they find mention in direct connection with the event or institution that claimed their interest. It will be found, however, that the great majority of pioneers, who were identified with the actual progress of the township, find mention here.

VILLAGES.

' Berwick was platted in an angle between Railroad Street, Pittsburgh Street, and Findlay Street, was surveyed by Thomas Heming, in April, 1845, for H. B. Kaestner, W. Brinkerhoff and John Campbell. De Camp's addition was surveyed by Thomas Homing, July 27, 1847, for Ralph and Mary De Camp. Weikert's addition was made in July, 1848, for Peter Weikert. Christlip's addition was platted February 12, 1857, by L. E. Holtz, for George S. Christlip. J. Mathias' addition was surveyed in August, 1881, and C. Foster & Co.'s in March, 1881. The name was conferred on the village by John Campbell, who came from Berwick, Penn., prior to 1845.

The business circle of Berwick, in 1884-85, comprised: S. P. Bemisderfer, Sailor & Son, general stores; John Kimble, M. Weber, groceries; N. P. Nick and F. Walton, druggists; "Central House;" "-Junction House;" J, Cromer,

672 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.

blacksmith; Higbee, Miller & Co., grain elevator; H. Poor, cooper; J. Seren, shoemaker; Joseph Sobly, carpenter; J. L. Shafer, railroad agent, and S. W. Bercaw, express agent.

The village is situated on the slope of the Big Spring Ridge, or height of land, at the crossing of the Ohio Central and the Indiana, Bloomington & Western Railroads, thus enjoying direct communication with north and south and east and west.

McCutchenville.-This village is partly in Seneca Township, and partly in Wyandot County. It was platted in 1829 for Col. Joseph McCutchen, by Dr. G. W. Sampson, who was a surveyor as well as physician. In that year Col. McCutchen erected the first dwelling house, and Dr. Sampson the second, in 1830. Aaron Welsh opened the first store about this time. Among the first settlers in the vicinity was James Wright, an Indian captive, who for years was silversmith and trinket-repairer to the Delawares of the Tymochtee. Samuel Keenan opened a hotel here in 1830, and conducted it for twenty-one years. The Noels, Arnolds, Dunns, Braytons, Chamberlins, Brockleys, Smiths, Schaffers and others, named in the pioneer history of the townships, were here in pioneer days. G. W. Sampson's addition to McCutchenville was surveyed October 1, 1874, by John Agaton. That portion of the village in Seneca County is bounded by the Ohio Central on the northeast, and the street running parallel with the Tiffin road on the northwest, the base line forming the southern boundary.

CHURCHES.

In 1833, when James M. Chamberlin settled at McCutchenville, there was a log church one quarter of a mile north in Seneca Township, which was taken down and a new building erected in the village, which was the Methodist Church up to 1858. Shortly after 1833 the German Reforined Society and the Lutherans erected a log church, which they sold in after years, having no necessity for a church at that point. Then the Methodist Protestants (1835) undertook to build a church, which they were unable to complete. The Congregational society was then formed, and agreed to complete the church for the privilege of its use half the time for twenty-five years, but iii 1860 the Congregationalists and Methodist Protestants agreed to sell the building, the former having disbanded in 1850. In 1834-35 Mr. Arnold and other Catholics erected a neat frame church, which continued in use down to a few years ago, when it was burned by an incendiary. The Albright society erected a small frame house at McCutchenville, which they used until the brick church, two and a half miles east in Seneca County, was completed, when the old building was disposed of.

Methodist Episcopal Church, McCutchenville, was founded early in the "thirties," one mile and one-fourth north in Seneca Township. Before 1840 the old log house was abolished and a church built at McCutchenville, which continued in use until 1858, when the present house was erected at a cost of $2,500. Among the early members were Thomas and Caleb Brundage, John Tingle, John Nafus, Samuel Sailor, D. Wetzell, Hugh Mulholland, Jacob Sigler, Messrs. Nestle, Pratt, Ellis, Drake, Vanness and their wives, with Mrs. Samson, Mrs. Porter and Mrs. Dedwitt.

First Presbyterian Church.-Immediately after the collapse of the Methodist Protestant and Congregational Societies in 1850, the Presbyterians organized, and in May, 1854, established a society, worshiping in the church of the Methodist Protestants and Congregationalists until 1860, when a new house of worship was erected. The early members were J. M. Chamberlin, S. Hill, J. C. McGoffin, Jacob Johnson, J. Mangus, P. Lott, W. Kerr, John Kerr,

SENECA TOWNSHIP - 673

Matthew Laird, J. H. Brinkerhoff and their wives, with a number of female members. This church has been attended by supplies since the time Revs. Charles Thayer, L. Pelan and Matthew Roger, the organizing ministers.

Zion United Brethren Church was founded in 1846 in the cabin of Hiram Anderson, with George and Sarah Curts and Catherine Anderson, members. In 1854 a house of worship was erected on Section 23, Tymochtee Township.

Ebenezer Evangelical Church was organized in October, 1835, at Jacob Corfman's house by Rev. Henry Downey. In 1845 a missionary society was formed, in 1850 and 1860 revivals were held, and in 1867 a Sabbath-school was founded.

Methodist Episcopal Church and Evangelical Chapel, at Mexico, border on the south line of this county. The first was built in 1869 at a cost of $5,000, and the latter in 1876 at a cost of $2,300.

German Evangelical Lutheran and German Reformed Protestant Congregation of Seneca Township was organized under State law, July 16, 1848, with Philip Nubergall, chairman; Casper Buchman, clerk; Lewis Staib, treasurer; Konrad Schmit, A. Burgdoerfer and Lewis Staib, trustees.

German Reformed Church.-The building, a frame structure, was erected in 1860, a few miles northeast of Berwick.

South Bend Bethel Church Society was incorporated as a branch of the Evangelical Association of North America, March 17, 1875. Aaron Yambert was chairman and Z. W. Roseer, secretary. They, with D. Foght, William Yambert and Thomas Brundage were elected trustees.

Salem Reformed Church (Seneca Township) was founded November 12, 1853, by Rev. E. N. Gerhart, with Casper Buchman, Isaac Miller, Ludwig Emich, Lambert Martin, John Houck, Jacob Schaub, A. Burgdoerfer, W. Rex and F. Baker, members. This was a reorganization of the Lutheran and Reformed Society organized one mile and a half east of New Riegel in 1834, where a house of worship was built in 1837. Immediately after reorganization in 1853 this building was replaced by a frame structure. The pastors have been E. V. Gerhart, M. Mueller, J. J. Escher, F. Strassner, Jacob Kuhn, W. H. Fenneman. L. Richter, J. H. Good. A church was established at Berwick in 1850, by Rev. F. Wahl, the members and pastors of which are identified with the Salem Church.

Deutsche Vereinigte Evangeliste Seneca Jerusalem Kirche was erected in 1861, and dedicated December 15, same year. This is a brick church, erected within the church cemetery.

Seneca United Brethren Church was built in 1881, near Isaac Wannemaker's house. Rev. Mr. Sargent, of Melmore, was the pastor.

CEMETERIES.

South Bead Cemetery Association was founded by persons interested in the old burying ground, on the James Starkey farm, April 2, 1864. John Kerr, J. H. Brinkerhoff, P. P. Bercaw, E. Eyler, J. C. Brinkerhoff, J. Wininger, AT.. J. Laird, M. Laird, J. McGoffin, C. M. Lott, D. Slusser, John Mangus James Starkey, Solomon Wininger, W. Yambert, Solomon Yambert, S. St. John and George F. Brinkerhoff were the incorporators.

Hoffman Cemetery.--The grounds around the old Hoffman graveyard were surveyed February 4, 1864, for John Kerr, J. Mangus and George L. Wininger, trustees. There are a few other burial grounds in the township, all neatly kept.

SCHOOLS.

The school statistics of Seneca Township for the year ending August

674 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.

31, 1884, are as follows: Number of males enrolled, 209; of females, 227; average attendance, 248 ; schoolhouses, 12; value of property, $17,600; number of teachers, 24; average salaries, $40 and $36; local tax, $3,571.41; total revenue, $6,921.12; expenditures, $4,729. In December, 1833, a school building bee erected the first schoolhouse and completed it in one day. May 26, 1838, trustees John Davidson, John Larkins and Andrew Bolin laid out nine school districts, and from this date the system advanced until the schools of the township to-day rank among the best in the county.

VALUATION AND TAXATION.

The assessment roll of Seneca Township, for 1841, gives the following figures: 22,187 acres of land valued at $60,155; no town lots; 264 horses valued at $10,560; 598 cattle, valued at $4,784; 1. pleasure carriage valued at $100. Total, $75,599. Total tax, $1,077.28. Delinquencies from 1840, $67.88.

The valuation and taxation of Seneca Township for 1884-85, are set forth in the following statistics: Number of acres of land, 22,588, value, $848,440; value of personal property, $247,190; total valuation, $1,095,630. Total taxation for 1884-85, $12,597.01, with $133 for dogs. The population in 1880 was 1,519.

The predial statistics of Seneca Township for 1884 give the following figures: Acres of wheat, 4,748, product in 1883, 45,476 bushels; oats, 1,108 acres; barley, 23 acres; corn, 2,859 acres, produced 78,455 bushels; 766 acres of meadow yielded 1,012 tons of hay; 1,140 acres of clover yielded 1,303 tons of hay and 1,120 bushels of seed; 136 acres of potatoes gave 14,640 bushels; home-made butter, 58,420 pounds; 18 gallons sorghum syrup; 20 pounds maple sugar and 446 gallons maple syrup; 167 hives, 1,008 pounds of honey; 40,870 dozens of eggs; 1 acre of vines produced 60 gallons of wine; 448 acres of orchards, 6,320 bushels of apples and 45 bushels of pears. Acres of land owned and cultivated, 14,414; in pasture, 1,854; in forest, 4,093; waste, 15; total, 20,376 acres; wool shorn in 1883, 8,796 pounds; milch cows, 573; dogs, 133; killed 43 sheop and injured 37; domestic animals died of disease, 84 hogs, 134 sheep, 30 cattle and 12 horses.

CONCLUSION.

The history of this old township begins in 1820, while yet an Indian family were the sole owners of lands within its present limits. A few years later the stream of immigration crossed the Sandusky River, and formed, as it were, expansions here. The settlement grew in numbers and influence even before 1830, and drew around it all those old settlers who have built up the township to its present proud position among the divisions of Seneca County.

The population in 1830 was 369. Ten years later it was placed at 1,393; in 1850 it was 1,617; in 1860, 1823; decreased by 1870, to 1,771, and by 1880, to 1,519. New fields of enterprise and the growth of the youth of 1860 to that age when such fields carried them away from home, may account for a decrease of 3,000 in population within twenty years.