CHAPTER V

ORGANIZATION AND EARLY HISTORY OF THE COUNTY

Origin of the County's Name—Early Proceedings of the Board of County Commissioners—Indian Relics and Graves on Sugar Ridge—Enumeration of the County's Inhabitants—Early Marriages—Van Wert Emigration Society—A Country Spelling School—An Early Election—The Vote on' Two Important Propositions—Bonds Issued by County for a Railroad—Van Wert County Infirmary—The Grange—Influences That Have Developed the County—Common Pleas Judges—Roster of County Officials—Population Statistics.

Van Wert County was formed April 1, 1820, out of Indian lands purchased from the Indians at the treaty of Wapakoneta in 1818 and was named for Isaac Van Wert.

ORIGIN OF THE COUNTY'S NAME.

Isaac Van Wert, John Paulding and David Williams, three farmer boys serving in the Continental Army, achieved prominence in their capture of Major Andre in the Revolutionary War. They were all three Dutch and could not speak English very well.

The circumstances of the capture were these : The three were seated among some bushes by the roadside playing cards,. when they were aroused by the galloping of a horse, Going to the road they saw a man approaching on a large brown horse, which they afterwards observed was branded near the shoulders "U. S. A." The rider was a light, trim built man, about five feet seven inches in height, with a bold military continence and dark eyes, and was dressed in a round hat, blue surtout and crimson coat, with pantaloons and vest of nankeen. As he neared them, the three cocked their muskets and aimed at the rider, who immediately checked his horse, when the following conversation ensued :

Andre—"Gentlemen, I hope you are of our party?"

Paulding—"What party ?"

Andre—"The lower party."

Paulding—"We are,"

Andre—"I am a British officer, I have been up the country on particular business and do not wish to be detained a single moment,"

Paulding—"We are Americans."

Andre—"God bless your soul. A man must do anything to get along. I am a Continental officer going down to Dobbs' Ferry to get information from below,"

Andre then drew out and presented a pass from General Arnold in which was the as-

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sumed name of John Anderson, but it was of no avail. Andre explained, "You will get yourselves into trouble," "We care not for that" was the reply, They then compelled him to dismount, searched him and as a last thing ordered him to take off his boots. At this he changed color. Williams drew off the left boot first and Paulding, seized it, exclaimed, "My God, here it is." In it three half sheets of written paper were found, enveloped by a half sheet marked "Contents West Point," Paulding again exclaimed, "My God, he is a spy." A single package was in the other boot, Andre was now allowed to dress. The young men now winked to each other to make further discoveries, and inquired of whom he had gotten the papers, "Of a man at Pine's Bridge, a stranger to me," replied Andre. He then offered for his liberty his horse and equipage, watch and Too guineas, This bribe they declined unless he informed them where he obtained his manuscript, He refused to comply, but again offered his horse and equipage and 1,000 guineas, They were firm in their refusal and Andre increased his offer to 10,000 guineas and as many dry goods as they wished, which should be deposited in any place desired ; that they might keep him and send anyone to New York with his order so that they might obtain them unmolested. To this they replied that it did not signify to make any offer, for he should not go. They delivered him to the nearest military station, New Castle, 12 miles distant,

William Paulding and Van Wert stood within the ring when Andre was hung, When an officer informed him that his time was nearly expired and inquired if he had anything to say, he answered, "Nothing for them but to witness to the world that he died like a brave man," The hangman. who was painted black, offered to put the noose on, "Take off your black hands," said Andre. Then, putting on the noose himself, he took out his handkerchief, tied it on, drew it up, bowed with a smile to his acquaintances and died. Congress gave each of the captors of Andre a farm in West Chester County, New York, valued at $2,500, a life pension of $200 a year, together with an elegant silver medal, on one side of which was the inscription "Fidelity" and on the reverse the motto, "Amor patriae vincit"—(Love of country conquors.")

On the night previous to the execution, Major Beers of New Haven, was an officer of the guard, and in the morning stood beside the condemned man. He said that Andre was perfectly calm, The only sign of nervousness he exhibited was the rolling of a pebble to and fro under his shoe as he was standing waiting the order for his execution, As a last thing, aIthough he was a stranger to Major Beers; but probably attracted by the kindness of the latter's countenance, he took from his coat pocket a pen and ink sketch and handed it to him, saying, in effect : "This is my portrait which I drew last night by looking in a mirror. I have no further use for it and I should like for you to take it." He accompanied this gift with a lock of his hair. Major Beers gave the portrait to Yale College, Major Beers was a man of singular beauty of character and lived to near 100 years. Though so deaf he could not hear a word that was uttered, he was every Sabbath in his seat at church, of which he was a deacon, his face upturned to the minister with an expression so calm, so peaceful that one could not but feel that every feature was under the celestial light. In the war he was ensign of the "Governor's Guards," the identical company which under command of Benedict Arnold marched to Boston at the outbreak of hostilities, In his old age the company, at the close of a parade day, would march to his resi-

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deuce on Hillhouse Avenue, draw up in line and give the aged veteran a salute. On one of these occasions he said, "I can thank you, Although I am too deaf to hear the report of your guns, I will say your powder smells good."

EARLY PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS,

While Van Wert County was formed in 1820, it was not organized until 1835, and the first meeting of the commissioners was held ^,on the 24th day of April in Willshire, then temporarily the county seat, There were only two commissioners—Jesse Atkinson and Joshua Goodwin. They examined their own credentials and pronounced them correct. There being no auditor, they appointed Ansel Blossom special clerk for the session, it appearing that John Mark, who had been elected assessor, was not a resident of the county, they thereupon declared the office vacant, and appointed John Keith to fill the vacancy until the next election, and it was ordered that said Keith,. on executing his bond in the sum of $2,000, to be approved by any one of the commissioners in vacation and on being sworn, proceed to execute the duties enjoined upon him by law.

The next session of the commissioners was held at Willshire on the 5th day of June, ¹⁸37, both commissioners, Jesse Atkinson and Joshua Goodwin, being present. Daniel D. Cross, appearing, presented his certificate of election as auditor, with endorsement thereon that he had been sworn into office, forthwith executed his bond to the acceptance of the board, in the penalty of $2,000, with William Case and Ansel Blossom, his securities, and entered upon the duties of his office.

William Case appeared and presented his certificate of election and oath of office as treasurer, and executed his bond in the penalty of $4,000, with Daniel D, Cross, Ansel Blossom, Peter Bolenbaugh and John Johnson, his securities, It was ordered that the auditor keep the treasurer's bond and that the treasurer keep the auditor's bond, and the said bonds were respectively delivered for safe keeping, On the petition of certain citizens of that part of the county known as Sugar Ridge, it was "Ordered that Town 2 South, Range 2 East be set off as a Civil Township, under the name of Pleasant, and that town 1 South of Range 1 and 2, and the North half of Town 2 South of Range 1 East be attached thereto for township purposes, and that the auditor by proper notices notify the electors in said Township to elect their Township officers at the house of James Maddox, on the 20th day of June, 1837, at the time and in the manner prescribed by law."

William Priddy appeared, produced his certificate of election as commissioner and took his seat. A petition for a new township to be set off and called "Ridge" being presented, it was "Ordered that Townships Number 1 and 2, in Ranges 3 and 4, be organized under the name of Ridge Township, and that when said territory shall again be divided that Town 2 in Range 3 shall hold the name.. And it was further "Ordered that the Auditor notify the electors to meet for the election of township officers at the house of William Priddy on the fourth Saturday of June next,"

"Ordered that Township number 3 South in Ranges 3 and 4 East be continued and known as Jennings Township,"

"Ordered that Township 3 of Ranges Number I and 2 East and the south half of Township Number 2 South of Number 1 East be organized as Willshire Township."

The assessor presented a list of taxable

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property for examination and after careful examination of the same the commissioners found no particular error in said list and allowed the assessor $1,50 per day in taking the assessment, an order for the amount being issue 1 upon the treasurer, The meeting then adjourned until the following morning at 8 A. M,

"June 6th, A, D. 1837, Met according to adjournment and proceeded to business. First to levy the per centum necessary to defray the expenses of the County for the present year,

"Ordered that one-fourth per cent he assessed on the dollar for State, Canal, School and County purposes for the present year, and that the Auditor, in making out his duplicates, divide the amounts so as to give the State Canal and School their several claims and the remainder for county purposes.

"Ordered that whenever it becomes necessary to advertise any matter in the public paper and as there is none printed in the county, the same may be done by posting up written notices, one in each township within the County, by the Auditor thereof.

"There being something near seven hundred dollars in the treasury of the old County Mercer, belonging to Van Wert County for Road purposes, it is therefore ordered that the same be expended on the public roads in said County in the manner here provided : Fifty dollars on the road from St. Marys to Fort Wayne, in finishing a bridge erected across Duck Creek, in Willshire township, Three hundred dollars to be expended on the Bucyrus road to Fort Wayne, commencing on the East side of the County, One hundred and twenty-five dollars to ,he expended on the road from Shanesville to Defiance within said County. One hundred on a county road leading from Shanesville to a certain stone quarry in Jennings township, Seventy-five dollars in opening a certain county road from Gilford to Jennings Prairie in the aforesaid County,

"Ordered that the Commissioners of said County serve as road commissioners to expend the several sums above described according to law in such case,

"Ordered that an order be issued to the Treasurer of Van Wert County, on the Treasurer of Mercer County, for the proper proportion of the money in said County Treasury belonging to Van Wert County for road purposes or their proportion of the three per cent, fund,

"Ordered that notice be given to the Commissioners of Mercer County that the Commissioners of Van Wert County are authorized by law to call on the said Commissioners for settlement,"

As there was no other business to transact the meeting adjourned, The minutes were signed by William Priddy, Joshua Goodwin and Jesse Atkinson, County Commissioners,

Joseph Johnson, Henry Reichard and William H, Purdy were elected commissioners of Van Wert County at the annual election in November, 1837, and were severally sworn by Ansel Blossom, clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, on the 10th day of November, 1837, to discharge the duties of such office during their continuance in office faithfully and impartially and to support the constitution of the United States and the State of Ohio.

"St, Marys, Mercer County, Nov. 13th, 1837, Special session convened for the purpose of settling with the Commissioners of Mercer County agreeable to previous notice, Were present : William H, Purdy, Henry Reichard, Commissioners of Van Wert County. There being no Auditor present, the board appointed John F, Dobbs special clerk for the present session.

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"Mercer County Commissioners present : Samuel Buckman, Picket Dout ; Franklin Linzee, Auditor.

"The Board of Commissioners of the said Counties of Van Wert and Mercer, upon an examination of the book, exhibits and vouchers, do find that there is due to the County of Van Wert, and now in the hands of the Treasurer of Mercer County, the following sums: Three per cent. and road funds, $841,35; School funds, $25.84. Also an additional sum of three per cent. school funds in the hands of Samuel Buckman $38.75, which sum is to be paid to Henry Reichard and William H. Purdy on the order of the Auditor of Mercer County, The Auditor of Mercer County is also directed by the Commissioners of said County to issue the following orders on the Treasurer of Mercer County, one being in full of three per cent. funds, $825,85. One being in full of road funds due said County, $15.50, and one being in full of school funds due said County, $25,84.

"Also an order on Samuel Buckman in favor, of the Commissioners of Van Wert County for the sum of $38.75, being in full of three per cent funds in his hands due said County.

"And thereupon the Commissioners present agreed upon finding the foregoing to be an adjustment and settlement of accounts between Van Wert and Mercer Counties and that said Counties shall henceforth have no claims upon each other for three per cent, or other funds,"

The foregoing was signed by Henry Reichard and William H, Purdy, Van Wert County Commissioners, and by Samuel Buckman and Picket Dout, Mercer County Commissioners, It was attested by Franklin Linzee, auditor of Mercer County.

"At a session of the Commissioners of Van Wert County convened at Wiltshire December 4th, 1837. Present: Henry Reichard, William H. Purdy, Joseph Johnson ; John F, Dodds, Auditor.

"John F, Dobbs, upon being appointed to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Daniel D, Cross, was duly sworn into office and forthwith executed his bond to the acceptance of the board in the penal sum of two thousand dollars, with James G. Gilliland and James M. Young, as sureties, and entered upon the duties of his office. Eli Compton appeared, presented his certificate of election and oath of office as County Assessor and executed his bond in the penal sum of two thousand dollars, with Ansel Blossom and Amos Crampton as sureties. Accepted by the board and deposited with the Auditor.

"James G, Gilliland appeared, presented his certificate of election and oath of office as County Treasurer for the term of two years from and after the First Monday in June and executed his bond in the penalty of four thousand dollars with Peter Mills, James NI, Young and John F. Dodds as securities, which was accepted and deposited as the law directs..

"At the late session held at St, Marys, the commissioners found a balance of $38.75 of three per cent. funds in the hands of Samuel Buckman, for which the Auditor of Mercer County issued an order in favor of the Commissioners of Van Wert County, Upon subsequent examination it was ascertained that there was an error of one dollar and that the actual sum was thirty-seven dollars and seventy-five cents ($37.75), which was drawn upon said order by H, Reichard ; after deducting six dollars, which he paid John F. Dodds for services as Clerk at St. Marys, and four dollars and fifty cents, which he paid William H, Purdy for services as commissioner, and six dollars, as a compensation allowed for his

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own services, paid over to the Treasurer, Wm. Case, the balance, which is twenty-one dollars and twenty-five cents.

"Ordered that John F. Dodds receive an order on the Treasurer for three dollars, it being the sum expended by him for a book of Records.

"The Treasurer received of H. Reichards three different orders on the treasurer of Mercer County as follows : One for eight hundred and twenty-five dollars and eighty-five cents, three per cent, fund; one for fifteen dollars and fifty cents, road funds ; and one for twenty-five dollars and eighty-four cents, school funds,

"The Board then adjourned sine die."

"Willshire, January 1st, 1838. Convened with William Case, Treasurer, Ansel Blossom, Clerk for Auditor, for the purpose of settling up all accounts for the year 1837, and upon examining the duplicate orders and redeemed vouchers for the three per cent., road and school funds, do find the aggregate amount of three per cent, road and school funds and County, School, State, and Canal tax now remaining in the Treasury to be $969.25-1/2 (for items see Book B, page 16).

"JOHN F, DODDS,

"Auditor of Van Wert County."

"Willshire, Van Wert County, March 5th, 1838, At a session of the Commissioners convened at Willshire, March 5th, 1838, John F. Dodds appeared and gave bond to the acceptance of the Board with William Priddy, Oliver Stacy and James Maddox as sureties, was qualified and entered upon the duties of his office as Auditor,

"March 6th, 1838, The Board convened at 9 o'clock, ordered that one hundred and forty lots be laid out on the land belonging to the County in order to fill out and make square in form the original surveyed and recorded platof the town of Van Wert, and that the same be known as the County's addition to the town of Van Wert. And be it further ordered that Martin B. Wilson be and is hereby appointed to survey and lay off the same, and that after he is duly qualified he shall after having selected and qualified chain carriers; markers, &c., proceed on the 15th or, 16th of March to lay off the aforesaid number of lots in the same manner as the lots are laid out on the original recorded plat,

"Ordered that the lots in the town of Van Wert which belong to the County he offered at public sale on Tuesday the 22nd day of May, A, D,, 1838,

Ordered that the Auditor get fifty advertisements and one hundred and fifty blank bonds printed at the expense of the County, also get a notice of the sale inserted twice in the Dayton, Journal.

"Ordered that the commissioners meet on the 19th day of March, in Willshire, to sell out two contracts to the lowest and best bidder : One to extend the bridge across the St. Mary's River at Willshire 110 feet in length and supposed to be above high water mark ; and the other to finish the bridge across Duck Creek."

These minutes, of March 5 and 6. 1838, were signed by William H. Purdy, Henry Reichards and Joseph Johnson, County Commissioners and attested by John F. Dodds, auditor.

On May 22, 1838, John F, Dodds was appointed commissioner to locate a State road to commence in Darke County at Greenville, and run from thence to Montezuma in Mercer County, from thence to Celina, from thence to Mercer, from thence to Van \Vert, in Van Wert County. from thence to Paulding, the first located county seat in Paulding County, and thence to New Rochester,

"June 5th, A. D,, 1838. Convened at 9

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o'clock. The Board commenced a settlement with Wm. Case, Treasurer, and examining accounts, receipts, orders redeemed, vouchers, etc,, and making lawful allowances for service, do find that there should remain in the treasury one thousand, one hundred and ninety-four dollars and seventy-three cents, County, School three per cent,, and road funds, $565,00 of which the said Case paid over to his successor in office, The balance remains unsettled and unpaid.

"The Assessor presented his list, which was examined and found correct and from said bock it appears there are in Willshire Township: Cattle, 135 head, value $1,080; horses 82, value $2,280; merchants' capital, $700.

"Pleasant Township : Cattle 49, value $392 ; horses 12, value $480.

"Ridge Township : Cattle 69, value $552 ; horses 27, value $1,080.

"Jennings Township: Cattle 130, value $1,040; horses 53, value $2,120.

"Total number of cattle 383, value $3,064; horses 174, value $6,96o.

(It is to be remembered that Willshire township then included Liberty township, and the south half of Harrison. Pleasant township included Union, Tully, and the north half of Harrison, Ridge township included Hoaglin, Jackson and Washington. Jennings township beech tree in John Keith's lane, thence con-

"There is also 560 acres of land valued at $2,160, which is to be placed upon the general list of taxable property,

"Ordered that the levy upon the general list of taxable property be five mills on the dollar for County purposes for the year 1838,

"Ordered that the Commissioners meet in the town of Van Wert on Wednesday, July 11th, 1838, for the purpose of selling out plans and contracts for gaol and bridges and offering the same at public sale,"

On July 14th the board sold the contract to build a gaol to Jesse King, of Mercer County, who was to cause said work to be performed on or before the 1st day of November next for the sum of $483. The board sold a bridge contract to Peter Wills, of Van Wert County, who was to cause a bridge to be erected across Jennings Creek according to contract on or before the 14th day of September next for the sum of $199.

"September 15th, 1838, The Board met according to order issued when last convened, Present : William H, Purdy and Joseph

Johnson, Commissioners and John F. Dodds, Auditor,

"Approved and accepted the bridge across Jennings Creek erected by Peter Wills.

"Approved and accepted the bridge across West Creek erected by James Maddox,

"Ordered that the Auditor, when issuing orders to the contractors for three per cent. funds, apportion the amount in the treasury according to the amount of such contract, reserving a small sum in the Treasury for contingencies,"

"October 25th, 1838, Willshire, O, At a session of the Commissioners convened by previous order, Robert Gilliland and Stephen Gleason each presented his certificate of election and oath of office and took his seat in the Board.

“Received the Jail with a deduction of $45. Allowed contractor $4 for constructing a port-hole,"

"Willshire, Dec. 211d, 1838. Present : William H, Purdy, Stephen Gleason and Robert Gilliland, Commissioners, and John F. Dodds, Auditor.

"A petition being presented by certain citizens of Jennings Township, praying for an alteration in a certain road to commence at a Leech tree in John Keith's lane, thence con-

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tinuing to the north side of John Woolery's house, thence on the best ground near Harter's, thence across, etc.

 "We hereby appoint Daniel M. Beard, Adam Gilliland, and Lyman Wells, viewers and John G. Morse, surveyor,

"Received and read reports and examined notes and plat of road running from Jennings Prairie to Van Wert.

"Ordered that James G, Gilliland, Treasurer, receive of William Case, ex-treasurer, the sum of eighty dollars Michigan paper."

"Convened at eight o'clock, Dec. 4th, 1838, Washington Mark came forward and acknowledged that nine eighty-acre lots of land owned by him were taxable and were not returned by the Auditor of State for assessment and the Commissioners assessed then at two dollars and fifty cent per acre.

"Ordered that the Treasurer collect three per cent. on the capital employed by Samuel M. Clark in merchanizing in Van Wert.

"Read road report and examined the notes and plat of a county road from Willshire to Van Wert. Approved and declared the same an established highway,

"Ordered that the Auditor he and he is hereby authorized to purchase a strip of land situated in the town of Van Wert and owned by Peter Aughenbaugh & Co., at any sum not exceeding thirty-five dollars. Adjourned sine die."

"Van Wert, March 25th, 1839. Commissioners convened, Present : Stephen Gleason and Robert Gilliland, There being no Auditor, the Commissioners appointed Edward R. Wells to serve as Auditor till the first day of March, 184o.

"Edward R. Wells, upon being appointed as Auditor, was duly sworn into office and forthwith executed his bond to the acceptance of the Commissioners in the penal sum of two thousand dollars, with Elisha Wells, Wm. A. Wells, and Joseph Gleason, securities, The books belonging to the auditor's office being at Willshire, the Board adjourned till Wednesday the 27th inst."

"Wednesday, March 27th, 1839, The Commissioners convened according to adjournment, Present : Stephen Gleason, and Robert Gilliland, Commissioners, and E. R, Wells, Auditor,

"A petition for a new township was presented, to be set off and called Harrison,

"It is ordered that Township No, 2 S,, R. 1 E, and No. 1 S., R. 1 E., be organized under the name of Harrison Township and when said territory shall again be divided Township No. 2 S., R. I. E,, shall hold the name.

"And it is ordered that the Auditor notify the electors of said township to meet on Thursday, Apr. 11th, at the house of Henry A. Lords for the purpose of electing their township officers.

"An account being presented by Ansel Blossom for furnishing the room, fuel and stationery for two terms of Court of Common Pleas, May and November, 1838, $5.00; June Ind December for furnishing the room, fuel and stationery for two sessions of County Commissioners, $2,50.

"Ordered that the County Auditor should issue an order on the Treasurer in his favor for ;aid amount, $7.50.

"Ordered that John G. Morse be authorized o procure the field notes of Van Wert County 'from the Surveyor General of Ohio.

"Eli Compton, Assessor, resigned and Wiliam Parent was appointed to fill the vacancy. He executed his bond with Gideon Mott and Adam Nimmons, as securities, in the penal um of $2,000,

"Whereas a notice was received by the Board from Charles Mount, dated March 26th,

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1839, declaring inability to attend to the duties of Recorder and requesting them to receive the same as his resignation ; whereupon the Board appointed Joseph Gleason to serve as Recorded in his stead until his successor is elected and qualified.

"Ordered that James G. Gilliland be and he hereby is authorized to purchase a strip of land situated in the town of Van Wert, and owned by Peter Aughenbaugh & Co., at any sum not exceeding fifty dollars,

"Ordered that the Auditor be required to order out an execution on the judgment rendered against William Case, ex-treasurer of Van Wert County, and securities on or before the 20th of April next. This order revoked until June session,

"Ordered that the Auditor notify John G. Morse, County Surveyor, to survey a number of lots in the Northwest Addition of Van Wert.

"Ordered that the lots in the town of Van Wert, which belong to the County, be offered at public sale on Wednesday, the 22nd day of May, 1839."

"June 7th, 1839, Board convened according to adjournment. Present: Purdy, Gleason and Gilliland and proceeded to business.

"After examining accounts, receipts, redeemed orders, etc,, and making lawful allowances for his services, we do find that there remains in the Treasury the sum of $2,772.93- 1/2 County, School and three per cent. funds. We find by close examination of all the papers, orders redeemed, and after comparing the Auditor's and Treasurer's books, on settlement the amount above to be correct as near as we can arrange the books up to date.

"The above settlement was with James G, Gilliland, County Treasurer."

At a meeting held December 2, 1839, Tully township was struck off and an election ordered to be held at the house of J. G, Morse on the 25th inst.

At a meeting held March 2, 1840, Liberty and Washington townships were struck off and elections ordered to be held on the first Monday of April, 1840 ; the electors of Liberty to meet at the house of Peter Putman and those of Washington to meet for election and organization purposes at the schoolhouse,

RELICS AND INDIAN GRAVES ON SUGAR RIDGE.

BY H, G, LEHMANN,

The early settlers of Van Wert County found numerous bands of Indians, whose camping grounds were upon the many ridges or highlands. One of these was Sugar Ridge, better known as the Ridge road, which enters the county at what was then known as "Section Ten," now known as Delphos, and traverses the county in a northwesterly direction to the Indiana State line.

The years 1835 and 1836 found many settlements of whites on these same ridges or highlands and the red men were soon crowded off from their favorite camping places and, turning their faces toward the setting sun, left Van Wert County never more to return.

One Oliver Stacy brought his family to this new country and settled on the Ridge road four and a half miles west of Delphos, soon opening up and improving a large farm. His orchards for many years supplied the early settlers with choice apples, peaches of finest flavor, Bartlett pears and Siberian crabapples, while plums were found wild in abundance.

When planting their crops, the settlers found many Indian relics, such as flint arrowheads, stone hammers, stone tomahawks, stone pestles for pounding and grinding corn and occasionally an Indian grave or burial place.

One such grave was found by Mr. Stacy

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near his east line, where the Ridge road entered his land. This burial place must have been that of a great chief, as the articles found therein were in greater variety and value than any previously found. The find consisted of a fine steel tomahawk with poll formed as the bowl of a pipe so that it could be filled with tobacco and smoked, the handle of the tomahawk serving as the pipe stem; a small copper kettle which contained a few English silver coins (denominations now forgotten) and a lot of silver ornaments and a few strands of beads ; a gun barrel of English make, the stock of which had rotted away; and a lot of flint arrowheads. The skull, leg and arm bones were also taken out of this Indian grave,

Another burial place is known on the William Martin farm, two miles west of the Stacy farm, which grave contains the bodies of two Indians who loved the same Indian maiden and became mortal enemies. They fought a duel with knives, first having their left wrists securely bound together. They fought to the death and were both buried where they fell. This Indian grave was never opened ; and as long as the farm was owned by William Martin this plot of ground was not allowed to be farmed. A large orchard of apple trees, planted by the Indians, some say by "Johnny Appleseed," once stood upon the ridge where this duel was fought. A few trees yet remain silent witnesses of the tragedy occurring in the earlier history of Van Wert County.

ENUMERATION OF THE COUNTY'S INHABITANTS.

The following is an enumeration made by William Parent, assessor, in 1839, of the white male inhabitants of the townships of Willshire, Pleasant, Jennings, Harrison and Ridge, which then comprised Van Wert County:

WILLSHIRE TOWNSHIP,

EARLY MARRIAGES.

The marriage of Philip Froutner and Bolenbaugh, sister of the early pioneer, P Bolenbaugh, which took place in the fall 1822, is said to have been the first marriage Van Vert County. The ceremony was formed by Ansel Blossom, who had been elected justice of the peace a short time before,

The following list of early marriages does not include any performed prior to December, 1839,

December 6, 1839—Josiah Clark Alice Kittle, by William Morman, J. P.

January 17, 1840—Peter Hurt and Mary German, by Joseph Gleason, J. P,

March 29, 1840—George Guy and Sarah Gilliland, by Joseph Gleason, J, P,

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May 5, 1840—John Hurry and Elizabeth Bowen, by Thomas Clayton, J. P.

May 7, 1840—David Richie and Laura Wells, by Davis Johnson, J, P.

May 17, 1840—Henry Foster and Mary Maddox, by Joseph Gleason, J. P.

June 14, 1840—John Brenner and Elizaeh Hartzog, by Jacob Harper, J. P.

June 30, 1840--Joseph Duncan and Sarah Hipshire, by Joseph Gleason, J. P.

July 7, 1840—Cyrus Bowen and Mary McQueen, by Davis Johnson, J, P.

August 16, 1840—Andrew Roehm and Catherine Beintz, by William Henry, J. P.

August 22, 1840—Francis M. Statfield and Polly Harter, by William Reed, J. P.

November. 26, 1840—Isaac Britson and Elizabeth Pring, by Thomas Clayton, J, P.

December 10, 1840—Nelson Goodrich and Polly Duncan, by Thomas Thorn, J. P.

December 26, 1840—Josiah Clink and Alice Keith, by William Morman, J. P.

January 21, 1841—William R. Burtch and Hetty Sands, by Thomas Hickernell.

March 9, 1841—Azariah Wagoner and Susan Baker, by William Henry, J. P.

March 25, 1841—William Todd and Mary Hine, by Thomas W. Bowdle, J. P.

June 10, 1841—John Hire and Mary Pollock, by Thomas W. Bowdle, J. P,

June 20, 1841—John Lilly and Elizabeth Wright, by William H. Purdy, J. P.

June 22, 1841—John Keith and Priscilla Arnold, by William Reed, J, P.

July 31, 1841—Jared Gates and Fanny Hemphill, by E. M, Cummins, J, P.

September 16, 1841—Henry Showalter and Mary Hertz, by William Henry, J. P.

October 14, 1841, James T, Daily and Mary Johnson, by David Johnson, J. P,

October 23, 1841—George Guy and Margaret Clapper, by Thomas Gilliland, J. P.

October 26, 1841—Hugh Gilliland and Nancy J. King, by Joseph Gleason, J. P. .

December 14, 1841—James Cremean and Sarah Summersett, by Thomas W. Bowdle, J, P.

December 22, 1841—Joshua Shaffer and Catherine Wagerman, by J, B. Groscost, J, P.

December 25, 1841—Peter Bolenbaugh and Catherine Middleton, by William H, Purdy, J P,

December 29, 1841—John Myers and Elizabeth Gilliland, by Thomas Gilliland, J, P.

February 1, 1842—James Walters and Amanda Harter, by William Reed, J. P.

March 3, 1842—John DeCamp and Lydia Williams, by Thomas Bowdle, J. P.

March 6, 1842—Philip C. German and Annie E. German, by David Johnson, J, P,

April 11, 1842—John Cavett and Abby C, Williams, by Thomas W, Bowdle, J, P.

April 21, 1842—T. W. King and Jane E. Gilliland, by Joseph Gleason, J. P,

June 10, 1842—John R. Shurrer and Elizabeth Burry, by Thomas Clayton, J, P,

June 25, 1842—James Bell and Mary F.. Johnson, by Thomas Clayton, J. P.

August l0, 1842—Henry Taylor and Amy Kever, by William Henry, J, P,

August 15, 1842—Silas Martin and Mrs. Susan Irvin, by Rev. Wesley Brock.

September 15, 1842—William Lewis and Sarah Myers, by Joseph Gleason, J, P.

September 25, 1842—James Kever and Susan Hudspeth,

September 27, 1842—Daniel McManus and Mary Ann Taylor, by Jesse B, Groscost, J. P.

October 17, 1842—John F. Woodruff and Nancy Bronson, by William Henry, J, P.

October 25, 1842—Joshua Miller and Lydia Mix, by Davis Johnson, J. P,

December 26, 1842—James Reed and Rachel Harter, by Lewis Culin, J, P.

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May 5, 1843—William Stripe and Lydia Royce.

December 12, 1844—Frederick Mewhirter and Elizabeth Scott.

May 13, 1845—Richard C, Spears and Louisa Spear.

November 2, 1845—William L. Robinson and Emily Stacy.

March 19, 1846—B. C. Smith and Lodemia Royce,

August 21, 1846—Thomas S, McKim and Calinda Major,

January 8, 1849—Obadiah O. Rose and Nancy Slater,

August 28, 1849—Henry Weible and Mary Mills.

November 9, 1849—John W. Lenox and Susan A. Short.

October 20, 1850—James Harvey and Wilhelmina Reece.

VAN WERT EMIGRATION SOCIETY.

In 1843-1844 there was a great movement to the West. It was not uncommon to see a dozen to 20 teams in a string with the old Virginia schooners. The wagon bed of one of these schooners would now cost more to make than the entire wagon, They were all going to Indiana. The citizens of Van Wert County concluded that if they could prevail upon the emigrants to stop in this county it would be a good move, so they had a meeting and organized a society, The duties of the members were to endeavor to get into conversation with these "Movers" and explain to them the advantages of settling here, Many were the arguments used, but mostly without effect.

One in particular is well remembered. General Coe, who had entered land in Hoaglin township and was sick of his bargain and was then a boarder at Gleason's hotel, thought of a good plan to work up a trade by which he could unload. He joined the society and became one of the most active workers, One day he tackled a "Mover" and after picturing the county as the coming garden spot of this country and enlarging upon the value of the grand timber, etc., he said, "I have a quarter section four miles north of town that I will sell you at government price." The man said, "Which direction from here did you say your land was ?" Coe replied, "North." "Isn't it rather wet?" "Yes," he replied, "but by there is plenty of timber to bridge it," The crowd smiled as the "Mover" drove off.

In the fall of 1844 some men were working near the road on the Gilliland farm east of Van Wert, and they counted 83 wagons pass in one day.

In 1847 the stream of those returning was scarcely less. The chills had attacked whole families and after two years of battle they had given up in despair.

There were dozens in this county, who, if they could have sold their land for enough to take them back to their former homes, would have been glad to make tile exchange, But they were compelled to remain and their descendants today are among the county's wealthiest farmers,

A COUNTRY SPELLING SCHOOL,

Early in the '40's some of the school teachers decided to have a spelling school of all the schools in the county, and an invitation was sent out accordingly. The scholars came in all kinds of conveyances,

The editor well recollects that his school came to town in a big farm wagon drawn by two yoke of oxen, driven by J, G, Gilliland and a Mr, Dodge. The spelling school' was held at the Court House and E. R. Wells pro-

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nounced the words, After a spirited contest, the Ridge School was pronounced the victor, with Harriet Gilliland (Mrs. J. J. McMillen) the last on the floor. She was not more than 10 years of age but could spell Webster's "Elementary Speller" through and not miss a dozen words. Scholars then learned to spell.

BONDS ISSUED BY COUNTY FOR A RAILROAD.

The following account gives Van Wert County's experience in the line of issuing bonds n behalf of a railroad, which resulted in Van Wert becoming a station on what is now the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway, part of the great Pennsylvania system.

The Ohio & Pennsylvania Railroad had been constructed to Crestline and the people

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of Fort Wayne were clamoring to have the road extended to their city. When such men as Judge Hanna, Jesse L. Williams and others scarcely less enterprising took hold of the enterprise, it was sure to go. As soon as the western terminus was located, then the route of the railroad became a matter of the greatest importance to those located at intermediate points. The line would have to deflect to the south to strike Van Wert. Robert Gilliland, Reuben Frisbie and E. R. Wells took an active part at this time, making several trips on horseback to Fort Wayne and Crestline in order to secure the location of the road through Van Wert. They finailly were given the promise that if the citizens along the line would issue bonds to the amount of $50,000, Van Wert would be made a point on the road.

This issue of bonds was authorized by a vote of the people. First, a vote was taken on the proposition to issue bonds on the townships through which the road would run—Washington, Ridge, Pleasant, Union and Tully. While there was opposition to voting the bonds, yet the proposition carried by a good majority. It was then found that bonds of the county could be issued, provided the proposition could be carried at the polls. This could not have been done when the first vote was taken ; when the second vote was taken, however, the townships that had already voted now voted unanimously for the proposition, so as to share the burden with their neighbors, and thus overcame the opposition in the outside townships. Thus the bonds of the county were issued, and $50,000 worth of stock taken in the Ohio & Indiana Railroad Company.

This proved to be a good investment as the railroad paid in taxes to the county a much larger amount every year than the interest on the county's bonds, and the stock held by the county was sold at par before the county bondsbecame due—they matured in 50 years. So it proved in the end to be a case of the county loaning its credit to the railroad company and receiving in lieu thereof several times as much in tax as the county paid in interest and then exchanging the railroad stock for the county's bonds even.

VAN WERT COUNTY INFIRMARY.

In 1864 the County Commissioners—James Montgomery, Thomas Cully, and J. C. Curtis—purchased 320 acres of land in Ridge township, the tract being the east half of section 11, and gave T. L. Lehew the contract to burn 200,000 brick. To I. M. Silvers, of Fort Wayne, and H. D. Schreffler, of Van Wert, they awarded the contract to erect a building 46 by 58 feet, two stories high, with 18 rooms, all to be completed ready for occupancy by April, 1867, for the sum of $7,300.

In 1867 Dr. C. B. Stemen was appointed superintendent and entered upon his duties March 11, 1867. Since then, additional buildings have been erected, water and heating plants installed and the land cleared and drained. It is now a model farm of deep, rich soil, all under good state of cultivation. It has been well and economically managed from the beginning.

THE GRANGE.

In answer to a letter from the author asking for the date of organization of the Grange in Van Wert County, and what it has accomplished, A. A. Giffin, one of the leading farmers in the county, made the following reply :

"The first Grange was organized in Van Wert County in the Autumn of 1873. Van Wert Grange No. 82, I think was the first.

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Hoaglin Grange, No, 400, was organized about June 14, 1874, or near that date. You ask what it has accomplished; I suppose you mean in Van Wert County, If you will recall my brief remarks at the annual banquet of the Business Men's League on the subject, "Van Wert and the Country"—I then pictured briefly the way the country looked upon the town and its business profession before the Grange day; and, through the educational force of the Grange organization, how the country looked at the town and its business and professions after the Grange day. It has been the greatest educator and stimulator to the grown-up farmer of any agency that I know.

"Its inspiring motto has been, "Faith, Hope and Fidelity." The fruits from this continuous teaching has been a better manhood and womanhood on the farms, and a healthy rivalry to have better and prettier farms and farm homes and the end is not yet. Some day in the near future I hope to see some of the finest and best Christian homes within our county in the rural districts, with all the modern conveniences and up-to-date appliances being made, to lessen the burdens of the farmers' wives and daughters,

"In the matter of public road improvement in the past in our county—when the advance step was taken—upon investigation you will find the leading spirits were Grangers (take the case of A, R. Merrick on the Defiance road for instance) ; and vice versa, whenever opposition to these public improvements was struck, there you will look in vain for the Grange organization. The same is true on legislation matters. The organization was nearly right on legislation asked for. Notably in the past in Ohio. Better pure food laws with a commissioner to enforce them; and equal and just tax laws. They are now for State laws prohibiting the use of free passes on railroads by State and county officials; and better banking laws that will protect all the people from dishonest officials, I hope to live to see the day these and other reforms are brought about."

All that Mr. Giffin has said for the Grange is true and much more might be said. The refining influence that it has exerted on the young of both sexes is beyond measure. The social side is of equal value with the material advancement. It was a schooling that the young boys and girls on the farm could get in no other way. The young man or woman 40 years ago, had they been called upon to express an opinion on any given subject, would likely have stammered out an excuse and sat down. That is not the case now, It has taught them not only to think but to express their thoughts in well chosen words.

While the primary object of the Grange was to study the science of farming and horticulture, yet it has taken a much wider range and not ,only prepared the boys for better farmers, and the girls for better home makers, but it has prepared them to take with credit their places in any walk in life. It has taught them kindness. Teach the boys and girls that it pays to be kind. to the dumb brutes on the farm and they will cultivate a kindly disposition to all around them. How soon the cultivation of kindness changes not only the heart of the individual but the very countenance.

It is unfortunate that the interest in the Grange has been allowed to lag. While it still has an influence, yet such influence cannot be compared with what it would be if there were a Grange in every township. Was it because the leaders grew old and lost interest? If so, elect the officers from the younger generation. It ought not to be allowed to retrograde. The roads are such that it is not the task to drive to the Grange that it was a few years ago ; then the drives to the place of meeting were

90 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY

made in farm wagons over mud roads, while now they can be made in buggies and carriages over good, improved roads.

The Grange has not completed its work. Neither will the work be as well done if left to one or two organizations in a county, as it would if the whole county were waked up.

INFLUENCES THAT HAVE DEVELOPED THE COUNTY.

What influences have contributed to make Van Wert County one of the first counties in the State in all that makes a community great?

First and foremost are her common schools, The first settlers had scarcely built their cabins until they began to look up a location for a schoolhouse, We often hear men say they look back with pride to the county's round-log schoolhouses, They were the foundation on which the little red schoolhouse was built, as that will be the foundation on which the central school will be built in each township in the future,

Then the Grange came in due time with its educational influence, and brought the farmers closer together in the exchange of methods of farming and stock-raising, And not only that but it started a generous rivalry as to who should push his work to the best advantage and keep his fences, out-buildings and home in the neatest condition.

And the Farmers' Institute has perhaps contributed as much as anything to the improvement of the crops and stock, and the attendance at the institutes shows the interest that is taken. When our large Auditorium that will seat between 700 and 800 will not hold the people, it shows the interest that is taken in these meetings. The papers and lectures given by home talent compare favorably with what are given by the hest State speakers,

Then there is another force that is at work quietly—'`Example," In driving through the country with one or our up-to-date farmers, the editor remarked upon the great improvement in the appearance of the farms, crops and farm buildings. He said that two or three energetic men in a neighborhood will influence the whole neighborhood.

Then the literature that the farmers are taking has its influence,

But we must not ignore the influence of the church, When the morals of the community are improved, the whole man is improved, He becomes a better neighbor, and a better farmer or mechanic,

COMMON PLEAS JUDGES.

The first term of the Court of Common Pleas for Van Wert County was held in Willshire, May 11, 1838. William L. Helfenstein officiated as president judge under his commis.sion from Governor Vance, bearing date of February 8, 1838. Joshua Watkins, Oliver Stacy and Benjamin Griffin acted as associate judges under their commissions from Governor Vance, bearing date of February 8, 1838, appointing them for a term of seven years.

The following persons composed the grand jury: Daniel D. Cross, James Major, Peter Frysinger, Jacob M. Harter, Robert Gilliland, Washington Mark, Peter Bolenbaugh, John Keith, David King, John F, Dodds, Ezra F. Parent, Eli Compton, John Pool, Thomas C. Miller and Henry Myers. The court appointed Daniel D, Cross, foreman,

George B. Holt, of Dayton, was appointed prosecuting attorney for the term and was immediately sworn into office, In a suit of John Keith against Elizabeth K. Goodwin and others, Edwin M. Phelps appeared as attorney, Also a Mr, Rood appeared as attorney

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in a case of Henry Reichard against Rachel McManus and others, At this term Daniel Cook was indicted for selling liquor without a license, plead guilty and was fine $5 and costs, Samuel Maddox, indicted for assault and battery, plead guilty and was fined $5 and costs,

The following were petit jurors: Joseph Johnson, Charles Mount, Asabel Burright, Stephen Gleason, Daniel Cook, Joseph Gleason, ,Daniel Stetler, William Maus, Levi Sawyer and James M. Young. There being no jury trials, the jury was dismissed,

George B. Holt was allowed $25 for his services as prosecutor. John F, Dodds, Ansel Blossom and Washington Mark were appointed school examiners, John G, Morse was appointed county surveyor instead of Martin B. Wilson, removed.

The following served as president judges of the Court of Common Pleas: William L. Helfenstein, 1838-40; Emory D. Potter, 1840-44; Myron H, Tilden, 1844-45; Patrick G, Goode, 1845-49; and George B, Way, who served from 1849 until the new constitution went into effect, when the office of president judge was abolished,

The following served as associate judges: Joshua Watkins, Benjamin Griffin and Oliver Stacy, 1837; Henry Reichard, 1839; John Hill and Joseph Gleason, 1840; Charles Mount, 1841; P, Jacob Hines, 1843; John Tumbleson and John W, Conn, 1844; and Jacob M. Harper, 1845.

With the adoption of the new constitution the office of associate judge was done away with and that of judge of the Court of Common Pleas instituted instead. John M, Palmer was the first judge upon the reorganization in 1851, He was succeeded in 1856 by Alexander S, Latty, who served until 1858.

In 1858 the district was again reorganized, and was composed of Allen, Auglaize, Mercer, Van Wert and Putnam counties, Benjamin F. Metcalf was judge from November, 1858, until his death in March, 1865, when O, W, Rose, of Lima, took his place until November, 1865. james Mackenzie served as judge from November, 1865, to February, 1879, Edwin M. Phelps was elected judge in 1869, under an act creating an additional judge for the sub-division,

In 1879 the district was again reorganized Shelby County being added and Putnam County dropped, and so it remains to.day. Charles M, Hughes served as judge in this sub-division, one year, being succeeded by James, H, Day in 1880. Upon Judge Day's resignation in 1892 to take a position on the district bench to which he had been elected, Hiram C. Glenn was appointed to fill the vacancy, W. T, Mooney followed Judge Glenn, being elected in 1892. In 1901 Judge Mooney was elected to the district bench. S. A. Armstrong took Judge Mooney's place on the common pleas bench and served until E, S. Mathias took up the duties of the office, to which he had been elected in 1904, Judges William D. Davis and Hugh T, Mathers also held court in this sub-division in times of vacancy, but neither was regularly assigned,

ROSTER OF COUNTY OFFICIALS.

Probate Judges.—(Under the State constitution of 1802, the associate judges of the Court of Common Pleas in each county had jurisdiction in matters of probate.) The judges of probate from the organization of the county were the associate judges of the Court of Common Pleas, whose names appear in the list of common pleas judges. (Upon the adoption of the State constitution of 1851. a Probate Court was established in each county), The probate court judges since have

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Leen : W. H, Ramsey, 1852 ; Israel D, Clark, 1855; A. Bray, 1858; A. McGavren, 1861; A. W, Baker, 1873; C, P. Edson, 187S; W. H. Mosure, 1879; A. T, Daily, 1881; B, J, Brotherton, 1887; H. P, Homes, 1893; W. W. Wilson, 1896; A. L, Sweet, 1899 —.

Auditors.—Daniel D. Cross, 1837; John Dodds, 1837; E. R, Wells, 1839; John W. Conn, 1845; P. Jacob Hines, 1848; John Shaw, 1850; James Webster, 1854; Henry Robinson, 1855; G. L. Higgins, 1857; James Webster, 1860; George Strother, 1863; William T. Exline, 1865; Grimes McConahay, 1867; Julius A. Gleason, 1872 ; George A. Detmer, 1874; William T. Exline, 1878; W, W. Terry, 1884; L, A, Harvey, 1887; J. H. Clime, 1893; T. M. Berry, 1896; W. H. Troup, 1902 —.

Treasurers.—William Case, 1837; James G. Gilliland, 1839; James Burson, 1845; W. H. Ramsey, 1846; Robert Gilliland, 1848; Stephen Gleason, 1852; A. T. Priddy, 1855; Davis Johnson, 1857; Hugh Gilliland, 1863; J. W, Penn, 1865; Charles German, 1867; John Seaman, 1869; P. F. Feigert, 1873 (removed and A. Conant appointed to fill the vacancy) ; A. Conant, 1876; James Montgomery, 1876; Abraham Balyeat, 1880 (died before taking office and Charles C. Schenck appointed in 1881, to fill the vacancy) ; Thomas Pollock, 1881; W. H, Corbett, 1883; J. F. Sidle, 1887; Peter Hertz, 1891; Franklin Carlo, 1893; J. E. Pritchard, 1897; A. B. Penny, 1901; Frank A. Poling, 1905 —.

Sheriffs.—William Major, 1838; Thomas R, Kear, 1839; S. M. Clark, 1841; Thomas R. Kear; 1843; Samuel Engleright, 1847; Jacob C, Parkinson, 1849; William Moneysmith, 1853; William S. Ainsworth, 1855; Samuel Neel, 1857; Charles P, Richie, 1859: Lewis Evers, 1863; Joseph R, Updegrove, 1865; Charles P, Richie, 1867; A, B, Gleason, 1869; Fred Billman, 1873; Jesse R, Stith, 1877; Hal. D. Heistand, 1879; Charles Gordan, 1883; I. P, Tudor, 1885; Peter Shoemaker, 1889; Eugene R, Conn, 1893 ; John Webster, 1897; William Bickford, 1901 ; Fred J, Hott, 1905—.

Recorders.—Charles Mount, 1838; Joseph Gleason, 1839; O. W. Rose, 1848; W. A. Clark, 1854; S, Latimore, 1857; H, Campbell, 1861; Simon P. Brown, 1862 (died in February, 1863, and W, H. Himmelreich appointed: to fill the vacancy) ; W, H, Deniston, 1863; Perry C. Conn, 1872; W. P. Wolcott, 1879; Jesse Beard, 1888; W. T. Mitchner, 1894; Eli Downing, 1897; G, J. Smith, 1903—,

Clerks of the Court,—Ansel Blossom, 1837; Robert Gilliland, 1840; E. R. Wells, 1847; John W. Conn, 1852; W. McDonald. 1855; William Anderson, 1857; George Strother, 1859; William Moneysmith; 1863; James E. Morrison, 1866; George W. Day, 1872; U. H. Hester, 1880; C. T. Manship, 1886; John Van Liew, 1889; W. C. Lawrence, 1895 ; J. W. Whitman, 1898; W, C, Lawrence, 1901-.

Surveyors.—Marius B. Wilson, 1838; John G. Morse, 1839; Cyrenus Elliott, 1841 ; Davis Johnson, 1843; John Shaw, 1846; Davis Johnson, 1849; R. C, Spears, 1853 ; John Holland, 1856; William Giffin, 1861; John A. Eskfield, 1867; J. W. Rimer, 1870; W. B. Jones, 1876; Marion P. McCoy, 1885; L, R, Beaty, 1891 ; J. L. Lowery, 1894; I, H, Malick, 1897; I, N. Giffin, 1900—.

Prosecuting Attorneys.—T. H. Gillett, 1839; W. H. Newman 1840: J, M, Barr, 1842; S, E. Bowman, 1843: R, C, Spears, 1846; C. P. Edson, 1847; R, C. Spears, 1848; C. P. Edson, 1850; Caleb Roberts. 1857; J, W, Steel, 1859; Perin DePuy, 1863; Israel D, Clark, 1864; James L, Prise, 1867; Ira P, Shisler, 1874: W, H. Cunningham, 1878; A.

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J. Porter, 1880; A. L, Sweet, 1881; J, Y. Todd, 1887; C, V. Hoke, 1890; Thomas J Trippy, 1893; W. S, Johnson, 1899; H. L Conn, 1902—,

Coroners,—John Frysinger, 1838; W. H Newman, 1839; William Parent, 1843 Thomas Thorn, 1845 ; Samuel Engleright, 1848; Hiram Campbell, 1849; P, Jacob Hines, 1855; W, P. Bryan, 1856; William Fronfield, 1858; William Parent, 1860; Isaac Casteel, 1863; B, A. Welch, 1865; Dr, H. W. Blachley, 1869; Dr, A. N. Krout, 1871; Dr. C. A. Melsheimer, 1873; O. J, Corner, 1876; Samuel Engleright, 1877; William Fronfield, 1881; E, L. Wilkinson, 1884; George W. McGavren, 1887; Kirkpatrick, 1890; S, S, Tuttle, 1893; R. L. Crooks, 1898; L. P. Jackson, 1901; R. C. Flemming, 1903—.

County Commissioners.—Jesse Atkinson and Joshua Goodwin, 1836; William H. Purdy, Joshua Johnson and Henry Reichard, 1837; Stephen Gleason, 1838; Robert Gilliland, 1839; David W. McCoy and Daniel Reid, 1840; Stephen Gleason, 1841; Solomon Hartzog, 1842; James M. Young, 1843; Stephen Gleason, 1844; Absalom Bray, 1845; John Baker, 1846; Johnzey Keith, 1847; Thomas Clayton, 1848; James G. Gilliland, 1849; Johnzey Keith, 1850; Charles German, 1851; William Johns, Isaac Tolan and Stanton C. Dix, 1852; Thomas Cully, 1853; Alexander Mentzer, 1854; S, F. Himmelright, 1855; Lester Bliss, 1856; Thomas Cully, 1857; Alexander Mentzer, 1858; John H. Colwell, 1859; Henry Weible, 1860; Thomas Cully, 1861; James Montgomery, 1862; Thomas Cully and J, C, Curtis, 1863; Thomas Cully, 1864; Stephen Capper and Adam Merrick, 1865; S, F, Conklin and Samuel Neel, 1866; Abijah Goodwin, 1867: James Montgomery, 1868; Theodore Wrocklage, 1869; Abijah Goodwin,1870; Abraham Balyeat, 1871; Samuel Miller, 1872; Abijah Goodwin, 1873; M. H. Morgan, 1874; Alexander Mentzer, 1875; Abijah Goodwin, 1876; A. A, Bronson, 1877; F, T. Gilliland, 1878; Frederick Lillich, 1879; D, J. Davies, 1880; Henry Rummel and R. R, McDermott, 1881; D. J. Davies, 1882; Henry Rummel, 1883; H, L, Allen, 1884; Franklin Carlo, 1885; A, J. Roller, 1886; William Freck, 1887; Franklin Carlo, 1888; A. J, Roller, 1889; John C, Robinson, 1890; William Freck, 1891; Peter Knittle, 1892; D. H. Edwards, 1893 ; J. C. Robinson (appointed) and H, Ludwig, 1895; L. H. Wise and Peter Knittle, 1896; Henry C. Schumm, 1897; John Ketzenbarger, 1898; M. J. Kerns, 1899; Alexander Mentzer, Jr., 1900; L. H. Wise, 1901 ; M. J. Kerns, 1902; Alexander Mentzer, Jr., 1903; W. I, Reed, 1904; Edward E. Chambers, 1905; Isaac Everett, 1906, The last three named constitute the present board.

Infirmary Directors.—Abraham Balyeat, William Johnson and John A. Smith, 1867; C. H, Hoffman, 1868; Robert Pollock, 1869; William Rumbaugh, 1870; Henry Reece, 1871; Thomas A. Albans, 1872; Peter Hertz, 1873; E. M, Baker, 1874; Ira Cavett, 1875; I. M. Geise, 1876; B. F. Bowers, 1880-83; Thomas C. Kensler, 1881-87; Joseph Johnson, 1883-86; F, Geisler, 1884-87; Andrew Lybold, 1886-89; A. B. Alspach, 1887-90; A. J. Stewart, 1888-94; K. J. Smith, 1891-93; R. Davidson, 1892-95; George Heist, 1893-96; David Newcomer, 1895-97; Alex. Woten, 1896-98; I. D. Mollenkopf, 1897-1900; W. A. Baxter, 1897-1902; J. Stout, 1898-1901; J. H. Dickinson, 1900-06; L. L. Wolf, 1901-04; Isaac Everett, 1902-05; and F. M. Shaffer (1904), R. W, Inwood (1905) and W. N. Williams (1906), who are the present members,

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POPULATION STATISTICS.

The population of Van Wert County in 1890 was 29,671, and in 1900, 30,394, The population of the principal towns and villages of the county in 1890 and 1900 is shown in the subjoined table:

In 1900 Van Wert County claimed 2,228 of the population of Delphos, while Allen County had 2,289.

As the villages of Monticello, Jonestown, Dull, Schumm, Abanaka, Dixon and Cavett are not given separate mention in the census tables of 1900, their population cannot be given here.