CHAPTER XVIII

THE CITY OF VAN WERT

The Town Platted—Deed of Peter Aughenbaugh & Company to Van Wert County—First and Second Sales of Lots--Building of the Gaol—Early Settlers—The First Store-Keepers—Some Recollections of the Early Time—Early Taverns—First Sawmills and Tanneries—Other Early Industries—First Schools and Schoolhouses—Some Pioneer Incidents and Stories—Sonic Notorious Characters—The Town Incorporated—Mayors—The Fire Department— Newspapers—Stave Factories—The Anderson Piano Company —The Union Mills—Warehouses and Elevators—Merchants—Banks—Light, Power and Telephone Companies—Natural Gas and Oil-The Brumback Library—The Gleason Family.

A plat of a part of Van Wert was made and filed in Mercer County, May 26, 1835, in which 78 lots were platted between Water street and Jackson street, and between Cherry street and Jefferson street. On May 23, 1837, an additional plat was completed, and filed on the 25th clay of May, 1837, in Mercer county; it is what is known as the "Original Plat of Van Wert" and comprised 246 lots. This is the plat that dedicated to the public the commons, out of which our beautiful parks have been made. The original proprietors little knew what a gift they were making to posterity. No greater monument could be erected to their memory. As there are three distinct parks. the author would suggest that they be named for the three donors and a tablet placed in each, park with the name of the donors on each.

The contract by which the county seat was located at Van Wert was completed by Augenbaugh, Riley and Marsh deeding to the commissioners of Van Wert County all the lots of odd numbers from No. 1 to No. 77, except lot No. 3, and other considerations which will appear in the following deed.

DEED OF PETER AUGHENBAUGH & COMPANY TO
VAN WERT COUNTY.

Know all men that I, James Watson Riley, for and on my own account and as agent and attorney in fact for Peter Aughenbaugh and Elizabeth his wife, and George Marsh and Caroline, his wife, as proprietors of the town of Van Wert in the County of Van Wert and State of Ohio, under the name and firm of Peter Aughenbaugh & Co., in consideration of a contract heretofore made between said Peter Aughenbaugh & Co. and Louis Dille, James Fergus and Justin Hamilton, commissioners appointed by joint resolution of the General Assembly of the State of Ohio to locate the seat of Justice for the County of Van Wert, whereby the following described real estate was given as a

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donation to the County of Van Wert upon condition that the seat of justice for said County should be fixed at the town of Van Wert, which condition was complied with by said commissioners, and accepted by the County through her constituted authorities, and by authority of regularly executed powers of attorney from said Peter and Elizabeth Aughenbaugh and George and Caroline Marsh duly recorded upon pages "three hundred and fifty-six (356) and three hundred and fifty-seven (357) and four hundred and ninety (490) of Book E, Mercer County, Ohio, Records" do by these presents release, convey and confirm unto Henry Reichard, William Purdy and Joseph Johnson as commissioners of the County of Van Wert in the State of Ohio, for the time being, and their successors in office, for the use of the County forever, all the lots of odd numbers in the original plat of said town of Van Wert from number one to number seventy-seven, inclusive, saving and excepting number three which is set apart as a school lot and so recorded, and all of the east half of the northwest quarter and the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section number thirteen in township number two, south of range number two east, not laid out in lots, streets or alleys or appropriated as commons on the original Plat, supposed to be about one hundred acres, but be the same more or less according to legitimate subdivision of the section, to have and to hold the same unto the said commissioners and their successors for the use of the county of Van Wert forever. Hereby covenanting that the title hereby conveyed is clear, free and unencumbered, and that the said party of the first part will warrant and defend the same against all persons claiming or to claim by, from or under them, their heirs or assigns. In witness whereof the said James Watson Riley for and on his own account and as agent and attorney in fact, as aforesaid, together with Susan Q. Riley, the wife of the said James Watson Riley, who releases her right of dower in said premises, have hereunto set their hands and seals at St. Marys, the twelfth day of April, A. D. Eighteen hundred and thirty-eight.

JAMES WATSON RILEY, (Seal)

SUSAN Q. RILEY, (Seal)

PETER AUGHENBAUGH, (Seal)

ELIZABETH AUGHENBAUGH, (Seal)

GEORGE MARSH, (Seal)

CAROLINE MARSH, (Seal)

Signed, sealed and acknowledged in the presence of

B. F. SCHROEDER.

CALEB MAJOR.

By JAMES WATSON RILEY, Attorney-in-fact.

THE STATE OF OHIO, MERCER COUNTY—SS :

On the 12th day of April. A. D., Eighteen hundred and thirty-eight, came James Watson Riley before me, the undersigned, and acknowledged the signing and sealing of the above deed on his own account and as attorney for the purpose therein specified, and also Susan Q. Riley, the wife of said James Watson Riley, who upon a separate examination declared that she signed the same voluntarily, knowing the contents thereof and was still satisfied therewith. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal.

CALEB MAJOR, J. P. (Seal)

VAN WERT COUNTY, OHIO, RECORDER'S OFFICE,

March 9th, 1839.

This deed was received and recorded the same day. Attest: CHARLES MOUNT, Recorder.

FIRST SALE OF LOTS.

The following is an account of the lots sold by the commissioners at the town of Van Wert, May 22, 1838: Horace L. Holcomb, Warren County, Ohio—lots 1, 77, 49, 31, 57, 11, 17, 61, 69 and 71 ; Jacob Stripe, Fairfield County, Ohio—lots 5 and 7; John P. Henderson, Perry County, Ohio—lot 37; William Stripe, Fairfield County, Ohio—lots 35 and 9; John McColly, Jr., Springfield, Clark County, Ohio—lot 41; John A. Colerick, Bucyrus, Crawford County, Ohio—lot 43 ; Adam Nimon, Bucyrus, Crawford County, Ohio—lot 51; Henry Conover, Carrollton, Montgomery County, Ohio—lot 47 ; Samuel Buckman, per J. W. Riley, Mercer, Mercer County, Ohio—lot 53; James A. Hanson, Lima, Allen County, Ohio—lot 29; James W. Riley, St. Marys, Mercer County, Ohio—lots 55, 59 and 63; Samuel M. Clark, Allen County, Ohio—lot 25 ; Daniel Cook, Van Wert County, Ohio—lot 21 ; James W. Henderson, Perry County, Ohio—lot 23; William Parent, Van Wert County, Ohio—lots 15 and 73 ; Joseph Gleason Van Wert County, Ohio—lots 13 and 19; William B. Hedges, Shanesville, Mercer County, Ohio—George Marsh, Athens, Athens County, Ohio—lots 65 and 67.

It was told for many years afterwards that on the plats, by which they sold the lots they

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had a boat landing marked near where the Penn lots are. Whether that is true or not, the writer cannot say, as he never saw one of the maps. But the creek was a very large stream at certain seasons of the year. The lot where Dunathan & Hard's implement store is located was under water most of the year. In 1854 James G. Gilliland, Thomas Gilliland, Adam Gilliland, Hugh Gilliland, Thomas Gilliland, Jr., and the writer, with a number of others, spent a day hauling earth from Market street to fill it up. There were two channels where the creek crossed Main street—the smaller one about 100 feet west of the Central Manufacturers' Mutual Insurance Building and the larger or main channel where Edwards' grocery now stands.

SECOND SALE OF LOTS.

The second sale of lots by the commissioners took place May 22, 1839, when the following lots were sold : To William Layton, of Van Wert County, lot 290; Smith Hill, Van Wert County, lot 281; Joseph Gleason, Van Wert County, lots 316, 305, 306, 299 and 300; William Hill, Allen County, lots 253, 287, 271, 272, 295, 315, 284, and 285; Elihu Ireland, Allen County, lots 275, 254, and 255 John Heath, Allen .County, lots 247, 248, 296, 39 and 45; George Null, Allen County, lots 273 and 274; Smith Cremean, Allen County, lots 282, 283, 266 and 267; Asa Cook, Van Wert County, lots 303, 304 and 280; James G. Gilliland, Van Wert County, lots 307, 308, 297, and 298; Michael Keefer, Van Wert County, lots 309 and 292; P. Jacob Hines, Van Wert County, lot 310; Peter Wills, Van Wert County, lots 311 and 294; W. H. Keilholtz, Van Wert County, lot 312; William Davis, Van Wert County, lot 313; Adam Gilliland, Van Wert County, lots 314 and 291; Edward R. Wells, Van Wert County, lots 288 and 33; S. M. Clark, Van Wert County, lots 286, 278, 279 and 270; Evan B. Jones, Van Wert County, lots 256 and 257; Isaac Daugherty, Van Wert County, lot 258; Cyrenius Elliott, Van Wert County, lots 259 and 260; O. C. Rude, St. Marys, Mercer County, lots 293 and 252; Andrew Todd, Van Wert County, lots 276 and 277; Samuel Buckman, Mercer, Mercer County, lots 268 and 269; John S. Houston, St. Marys, Mercer County, lots 261, 262, 263 and William Parent, Van Wert County, lot

Emanuel Morehead, Van Wert County, lots 250 and 251.

BUILDING OF THE GAOL.

On July 14, 1838, a contract was let to Jesse King, of Mercer County, to build a gaol (jail) at Van Wert for the sum of $483. The building was of hewed logs, hewed on all four sides and notched down so that they fit close together. The floor was of logs hewed on three sides and fitted close together. The ceiling was formed of linn logs hewed about 10 inches square and placed close together. The contract called for the completion of the gaol by the 1st day of November, 1838. On October 25, 1838, the commissioners accepted the gaol with a deduction of $45.

EARLY SETTLERS.

Among the early settlers were John F. Dodds, William Parent, Daniel Cook, Joseph Gleason, Jacob Stripe, William Stripe, Samuel, M. Clark, Adam Nimon, John F. Gabby, P. Jacob Hines, Isaac Daugherty, E. R. Wells, Cyrenius Elliott, Andrew Todd and Abraham Zimmerman. Thomas R. Mott was the first postmaster.

John F. Dodds, one of the first settlers in

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the town of Van Wert, came here in 1837 and lived in the first house erected in the town for a residence. His wife was a daughter of John McColly, of Springfield, Ohio. He was appointed county auditor December 4, 1837, to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Daniel D. Cross. On May 22, 1838, he was appointed a commissioner to locate a State road to commence at Greenville, Darke County; to run from there through Montezuma, Celina, and Mercer, in Mercer County; thence to Van Wert; thence to Paulding, Paulding County, and from there to New Rochester on the Maumee River.

THE FIRST STORE-KEEPERS.

There has been some question as to who started the first general store in Van Wert. According to the records, the commissioners on December 2, 1838, ordered the treasurer to collect three per cent. on the capital of Samuel M. Clark, employed in merchandising in Van Wert. On May 22, 1838, at the first sale of lots, Clark was registered as a resident of Allen County, and Adam Nimon, who was the second to start a store was a resident of Bucyrus, Crawford County. Samuel M. Clark also started the first blacksmith shop in Van Wert, in 1839. At one time he kept a tavern, which was located on the lot on which are now the Kauke buildings.

Samuel M. Clark built a double log house with a space between called an entry, also with a porch alongside, and a year or two later he built a two-story, hewed-log house, 20 by 30 feet. Both of these were built on the lot on the northeast corner of Main and Washington streets. He also built a one-story frame house, i6 by 24 feet, in which he kept his stock of dry goods. Asa Hipshire, father of Henry Hipshire, of Ridge township, cut and hewed thetimber (all of it basswood) and rove the clapboards, shaving them with a drawing knife—these were for the weather-boarding and also for the roof.

Adam Nimon and Thomas R. Mott built a log house on the lot where the J. W. Penn building now stands and started a general store. They were succeeded in 1842 by Walter Buckingham, who brought a stock of dry goods, groceries and hardware from Mansfield. Buckingham also built a frame store-room on the alley west of the Hotel Marsh, moved his goods into it and occupied it until his death. It then passed into the hands of George S. Crafts.

Robert and James G. Gilliland built a two-story log house on the lot east of the Humphreys & Hughes building and put in a stock of dry goods and groceries in 1840.

These stores only carried small stocks and were frequently out of the most active selling goods. This was most noticeable when the stock of tobacco would run short. Clark would send to Piqua for his goods; while Nimon and Buckingham would send to Mansfield. But if the stock of tobacco ran out, then inquiry was made as to who had purchased liberally lately, and a bee line was made for the lucky man. If he had a twist of "clog leg" or a plug of "Cavendish", it was always divided.

In 1838 Samuel M. Clark built a blacksmith shop on the North end of his lot where Kauke's wareroom now is, and employed a young man by the name of John Kesler to run it. Kesler lived to a good old age and died only a few years ago, respected by all that knew him.

James and William A. Clark started the first shoe store in a log building on the south side of Main street opposite the Court House. William A. Clark sold out to his brother in about three months, as the profits were not

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large enough to divide. The Clark shoe store never changed hands from its first organization and is today (1906) the leading retail shoe store in northwestern Ohio. As his family grew up, Mr. Clark took his sons in with him. .

SOME RECOLLECTIONS OF THE EARLY TIME.

BY WILLIAM A. CLARK.

In the earliest period of the settlement, there was always more or less difficulty in getting flour and meal for bread. On one occasion my brother, John W. Clark, and myself went to Lewis Culver's horse-mill in York township, each with a sack of corn on his horse. It was the custom for each one having grain to be ground to hitch in his horse as soon as the grist was in the hopper and so grind it himself. At another time I went to a hand-mill owned by Robert Miller, the grandfather of James Miller, the telephone man. I had either a peck or a half bushel of corn this time. The hand-mill was an institution in its day. Its burrs, which were made of hard rocks termed "niggerheads," were about 16 inches in diameter and 8 inches thick, dressed the same as other mill burrs of a few years ago. The upper one had a hole through the center where the corn was fed in. There was another hole in the top of this burr near the outer rim, an inch deep and perhaps two inches in diameter, in which was fitted loosely a pole two or three inches thick and long enough to reach up to some beam or solid support overhead. As the overhead attachment of the pole was directly over the center of the burrs and the lower one was at the outer rim of the burrs, a leverage was secured by which to run the burrs. A person would take hold of this upright with one hand and start the burrs in motion then with the other hand he would throw in a few grains of corn at a time. This mill that I have described was on a farm two miles west of Van Wert, now known as the Hook farm. This was about 1840.

The Indians that came to our place were very nice people if sober, but were very ugly when under the influence of whisky. They used to come to our tavern (as hotels were then. called) and order their meals, which were always furnished. Two of them, halfbreeds, George and Peter Clark, who were frequently with us, were cousins of father's. The latter Peter Clark, who was a fur buyer, lived at our house for some time. Their father had been stolen by the Indians when a small boy, had been raised by them and had married among them. Half John, John Lake, Spike Ruck and Snake Head were among our old acquaintances.

Town Creek was a very large stream most of the year. The east bank was Jefferson street, with a corduroy bridge from one side to the other, except two places where there were spans of bridges—one a little west of the Central Manufacturers Mutual Insurance Building, and the longer one about where Edwards' grocery is. The corduroy bridge, made of logs laid side by side and covered with earth was frequently covered with water for days.

About 1840 or 1842 Smith Hill organized a class of the members of the Methodist Church. There were six, namely : Samuel M. Clark and wife, Grandmother Daugherty (mother of Mrs. Clark and of Isaac Daugherty), F. Jacob Hines and Mr. and Mrs. Smith Hill.

At that time we did not have regular preaching. Oliver Stacy, William Priddy, John Summersett, John Hill, Thomas W. Bowdell, and W. H. Ramsey, of Ridge township, and Jesse Tomlinson, of York township., preached occasionally. They w ere called ex-

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horters. They went froth house to house and preached without pay. These are some of the recollections of the happenings when I was a boy in Van Wert.

EARLY TAVERNS.

When Daniel Cook came to Van Wert, he moved into what was known as the Court House, a two-room building that was erected by William Priddy on the lots where Wisman's grocery is located. He started a tavern and later built a hewed-log house 18 by 24 feet, one and a half stories high. It stood 'where Hall's dry goods store now stands. This was named the "Eagle Tavern." Thus it flourished for a number of years and passed in turn under the management of Daniel Cook, James Q. Graves, Thomas R. Mott and Joseph Gleason. Under Mr. Gleason's management it was changed to the "American House." The proprietors after Mr. Gleason were John W. Conn, Hiram Campbell, S. Stake, Joseph Slater, O. W. Rose, N. D. McMullen, Samuel Holmes, Samuel Saltzgaber, Creighton McCoy, Ezekiel Cole, William Underhill, J. Close, John M. Davis and Henry Saltzgaber. In 1870 this was torn down and a brick hotel in its place erected by Mr. Davis which was known as the "Commercial House." This building has since been divided into business rooms.

In the meantime Samuel M. Clark was conducting a tavern in his building on the Kauke corner. The signpost was a hickory tree cut off and the sign put up read, "The Other Tavern, kept by Samuel M. Clark." This did a flourishing business for its size, which was 18 by 20 feet, with several additions. In 1840 Mr. Clark built an additional building, a good hewed-log house, two stories high, adjacent to his other buildings. Soon after this the tavern was occupied by various parties, among;whom were Thomas Thorn, Morgan Savage and Benjamin Fisher. Later it was 'converted into a dry goods store and in 1861 was torn down to make room for the Kauke brick block.

FIRST SAWMILL.

The first sawmill was erected by Samuel M. Clark for James Watson Riley, on a contract he made with the commissioners when the county seat was located. The mill was erected west of where the Cincinnati Northern shops are located. The next one was erected by a, man by the name of Stage and was located on the Samuel Murphy farm north of town. There was also a grist-mill in connection, at which corn was ground when there was water enough to run the mill. The first steam sawmill was erected by William Parkinson west of the old cemetery on the ground where Dr. William Smith, Jr., now lives. The next one was built by Jerry and Washington Zeigler, .north of the old cemetery. While it was still in operation, the lumber was here sawed for a mill that was erected by Joseph Gleason and Thomas R. Kear on the ground now occupied by William A. Clark as a residence. This sawmill was followed by one built by Joseph Gleason on the site now occupied by the Gleason Lumber Company.

These were all originally of the upright or muley saw kind, although some of them later substituted the circular saw for the muley. At the .present day a muley saw would be as much of a curiosity as a Virginia schooner.

FIRST TANNERIES.

John F. Gabby erected the first tannery on he lots where the Anderson piano factory now stands, but as it did not prove a financial success he took the movable parts farther west.

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The next one was built by John Uncapher and was situated where Hankammer's residence now is, at the fork of the Willshire and Shanesvile roads.

The next one was built by D. H. Clippinger and was situated where Hertel's poultry establishment is now located, at the corner of Walnut and Crawford streets.

The next and last tannery was operated by John Malick in the brick building now occupied by Rice Brothers as a stable, on the alley running north from East Crawford street.

A new process of tanning hides in 90 clays that formerly took 12 months made the old-fashioned tanneries unprofitable and concentrated the business in the hands of a few large concerns.

OTHER EARLY INDUSTRIES.

The first brick kiln was burned by William Groscost. The writer thinks it was burned for Samuel M. Clark ; he recollects that Clark employed and paid the hands that worked in the brick yard among whom were John W. Clark, James Conn and Charles Gilliland. Later Jacob Parkinson manufactured brick and still later Thomas L. Lehew engaged in the business, burning the brick for nearly all the brick buildings in the town up to 1880 and 1890. Lehew was followed by Rupright Brothers.

The first shoemaker was Isaac Daugherty ; the next was John Roach or "Jack," as he was called. Roach went from house to house in the fall of the year and made up the family shoes. William Cayton started the first tailor shop, which was located on the Dr. Hugh McGavren lot.

Peter Wills was the first carpenter, being followed by Abraham Zimmerman. In 1842 George Dress opened a shop and worked at his trade for five or six years. Jacob Thorn and Daniel Evers came next. In 1841 W. H. Brown started a cabinet-shop on the lot where the Van Wert House now stands. In 1840 Isaiah and Joshua Shaffer started a wheelwright-shop on the corner of Washington and Jackson streets, but soon gave it up, bought land and went to farming. Abel R. Strother had the first wagon-shop in the town, in 1842.

FIRST SCHOOLS AND SCHOOLHOUSES.

The first school taught in Van Wert was by Mrs. Alderman in a log house built for John F. Gabby on the lot now occupied by G. M. Saltzgaber as a residence. The next was taught by Clarissa Gleason and the succeeding one by E. R. Wells, in the Court House on the corner of South Washington street and Central avenue. Then Relief Morse taught school in the building formerly occupied by the Shaffer brothers as a wheelwright shop. Then came Jacob Parkinson.

The first schoolhouse was a hewed-log house built on the lot on which the Wayne Hotel stands on Jackson street. It was occupied as such until 1855, when two frame houses, two stories high, were built—one in the east and the other in the west part of town. These were occupied until 1868, when the present Third Ward school building was erected. Since then there have been four additional ward school buildings erected—one in the First ward, one in the Second ward, and two in the Fourth ward.

SOME PIONEER INCIDENTS AND STORIES.

When C. W. Goss's father came to Van Wert, he bought a house where Mrs. Conn's millinery store is. Part of the house was not plastered and there were no lath to be had

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except as they were split out of oak timber. He made arrangements with the Workman boys, living on what is now known as the Kauke farm, to help saw the timber, and started his son, C. W. Goss, out with a crosscut saw on his shoulder. As C. W. Goss was passing Jim Longs' new house on South Cherry street into which he had just moved, the Longs were at breakfast and there were two cub bears killing the chickens near the house. Goss told Long what was up, and he came out with an oath at every jump, and grabbing a handspike killed the two cubs. Goss then went on and after passing William Parents' home (the Joseph Johnson place) came upon an old she bear and a cub. Goss says he dropped the saw in the middle of the road, took to his heels through the mud and made good time back to Parents', where he arrived covered with mud from head to foot. He told Parent what he had seen. Goss and Parent with his gun went back to where the former had seen the bears. Finding the tracks, Parent followed after, but soon missed the cubs' track. He followed the old one, which passed close to Smith Hill's and Hill went along; they followed her until night and then gave it up. The next clay Goss saw Parent, who said that they were so close on the bear when it crossed the Little Auglaize, south of where is now Middlepoint, that they could see the water running into the bear's tracks. Goss was a little skeptical and seeing Smith Hill a short time afterward told him what Parent had said. Hill said, "It is true there was water in the bear's tracks, but I did not see it running in."

When Van Wert was in its natural state—that is, the mud was about a foot deep—Joseph Shilling, Barney Klet and Casper Von Walt decided to play a trick on Mike Hoffman, a man that was fond of his dram. Theyagreed to furnish him a pint of whisky if he would ride a horse belonging to Shilling. The whisky was furnished and for fear of some mishap Mike drank the whisky while they were getting the horse ready. They put him on facing the horse's tail. When the horse started Mike caught around its flanks with both arms, which caused the horse to kick and run, Mike slipped off into the mud without damage but the horse didn't stop and it was three days before he was found. Then they had to pay $3 for having him brought back.

At an early day a trial of some interest was being heard in Willshire and a number of men from Van Wert were drawn there either by subpoenas or curiosity, among them being Robert Conn, James Webster and quite a number of other. On the way over some of them had noticed a large hornets' nest. On the way back they were divided into two squads. The squad in front thought to have some fun by firing into the hornets' nest and have them thoroughly aroused by the time the second squad came up; but not being well acquainted with the hornets they did not know how long it took to rouse them. They fired into the nest and for the next half mile there was as lively a race along that trail as if there had been a whole tribe of Indians after them, and their wounds were as sore as if caused by the scalping knife. They didn't even ask the second party if they had seen the hornets' nest.

James G. Gilliland owned 10 lots north of sycamore street, between Washington and Market streets that Dr. Lenox wanted to buy. Mr. Gilliland asked him $100 for the lots. Lenox offered to doctor Mr. Gilliland's family 10 years for' the lots, which offer was accepted. The Doctor lived eight years after he deal and during this period was called but once to treat any of the family. When he died,

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he left but little property and there was no claim made for the remainder of the unearned price. So it was $100 for one visit.

At one time a number of men were out duck hunting along the creek south of town, Dr. Hines on one side of the creek and Robert Gilliland on the other. Gilliland shot at a duck and the shot glanced off the water. Hines cried out that he was shot. Gilliland waded the :creek up to his arms, notwithstanding he was suffering with rheumatism, and found the doctor apparently suffering intensely. When they made an examination, they found one shot had lodged in the abdomen and had only partly buried itself in the flesh. Hines recovered immediately and said that in his case imagination was as severe as reality could possibly be. But Robert Gilliland suffered the reality in a severe spell of rheumatism and could never be convinced that his was imagination.

SOME NOTORIOUS CHARACTERS.

Among the early residents of the town were several characters that became of some note in an unenviable role.

Bash Howard was a laborer and never owned anything but what he had on his back or had in his pocket. He owed a bill for his poll tax and refused either to do the two days' work on the highway required or to pay the judgment the supervisor obtained against him. He only laughed at the constable when the latter tried to collect the judgment. The constable told him that he would collect it. Howard replied, "When you get it, let me know." Howard was a powerful man and enjoyed a fight as well as he did his breakfast. A short time after this talk of the constable, a controversy arose in which Howard took a prominent part. Some words passed that Howard

thought reflected on him and he threw off his coat to whip his traducer, when the constable picked up the coat and walked off with the' laugh on Howard, as the whole thing had been arranged. Howard paid the judgment, as that was cheaper than to buy a new coat.

Another one was Ratlif, who was a petty thief. He lay in jail five months waiting for his trial for stealing a calf skin, valued at $2.50. At one time he went to harvest for a man. When the reapers after the first through were resting, Ratlif took off his hat and a pair of socks fell out of his hat. He tried to get them out of sight under the bosom of his shirt; when he saw that his actions were noticed, he said that he had started from home in such a hurry that he had not taken time to put on his socks, but the reapers saw that he already had on a pair. He had stolen the socks off the clothesline of one of his neighbors. He spent a large part of his time in jail but never stole enough to get more than a jail sentence. His last offense was the theft of a couple of hams ; it was then intimated to him that it would be healthier for him to move and he did.

Another notorious character was William Stanford, better known as Bill Myers; a thief by occupation, he would steal anything from a chicken to a horse. At one time he stole something, I believe it was a heifer, and was arrested and convicted. He asked the constable, Isaac Daugherty, to go with him to his foster brother, John Myers, who lived south of town. to get security for the fine; but John Myers refused to bail him and they set out on the return journey. There was no bridge at that time across the creek—only a foot log in front of where is now the Bulletin office. In crossing the creek the constable went ahead; when he was about half way over the creek Bill Myers knocked him off the log and broke

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for the woods. Myers was not heard from for several months. When he finally returned, riding a fine gray horse, he was arrested and word sent in every direction, but no owner to the animal was found. He sold the horse to the sheriff, Samuel M. Clark. He afterward said that he stole it in Pennsylvania and rode two nights and a day without sleep or feed for the horse. Toward morning of the second night he turned the horse into a field of oats and lay down in a fence corner with his head on the saddle. He awoke at the sound of a bell ringing for breakfast to find the sun was shining. On looking about for his horse, he saw men leading his horse into a barn. Waiting until they went in to breakfast, he secured the horse without difficulty and hurried away.

He stole a very fine mare from a doctor in Fort Wayne in daylight. The doctor rode up in front of a store where there were half a dozen men sitting around, hitched his mare and went in. Myers got on the mare and rode off. The doctor came out and missed his mare. The bystanders recollected that a man had unhitched the mare and rode away. Pursuit was started inside of 10 minutes but Myers, having the best animal, made his escape. There was a reward of $50 offered for information that would lead to the recovery of the mare. Myers was arrested and lay in jail a long time but could not be identified. After having been in jail for some time in Lima for some crime, J. G. Gilliland brought him back to Van Wert for trial. On the way Gilliland said to Myers, "You know there is a reward of $50 for that mare you stole in Fort Wayne. Tell me where she is and I will divide the reward with you." Myers rode along for some time without speaking and then said, "I would like to have the $25, but there must be honor among thieves."

Once Myers came into the Gilliland lane,riding a large gray horse in a lather of sweat, and John Mark close behind on another gray horse shouting "horse thief." Myers turned into the woods west of the house and the next day was in town. He was watched for weeks until the citizens were satisfied that he had an accomplice that had taken the horse. But as there was not a house for 40 miles north, it was useless to look for it. The horse was stolen in Allen County, and the owner was in sight of Myers when they came to Marks' home, where Marks took up the chase. The horse was never found or heard of.

Myers was never convicted of any but petty crimes and finally died from hard drink, leaving a family that followed in his footsteps—all except his oldest son who when he returned from the army commenced railroading and was a passenger conductor when he died, being well respected where he lived.

Sam Maddox was another petty thief and he and Myers spent a portion of their time in jail together. The ceiling of the jail had dried out to such an extent that they could pry the logs apart so that they could climb up between them and get out at a hole in the gable end. They would get out at night, steal chickens and other eatables, go to Myers' home and have a feast and be back in the jail in the morning. One night they took their night vessel and threw it through J. M. Barr's window. Barr was prosecuting attorney.

Of at least a dozen horses stolen from a distance. and brought here, no owners were ever found.

THE TOWN INCORPORATED.

In 1848 the General Assembly passed an act incorporating the town of Van Wert and defining its boundaries. John W. Conn, P. Jacob Hines and Robert Gilliland were au-

240 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY

thorized to put up in three public places in said town a notice to the electors thereof that an election for one mayor, one recorder and five trustees would be held at the Court House on Saturday the 13th day of May, 1848.

At the election held on the 13th of May. 1848, James M. Barr and Isaac Daugherty acted as judges and E. G. Jones as clerk. Richard C. Spears was elected mayor; E. G. Jones. recorder; and J. G. VanValkenberg, Reuben Frisbie, William R. Kear, Walter Buckingham and Hiram Campbell, trustees.

MAYORS.

The following have been elected mayor of Van Wert, from 1848 to the present time: R. C. Spears, 1848-50; C. P. Edson, 1850-51; John W. Conn, 1851-54; W. C. Gallaher, 1854-56; George L. Jacobs, 1856-57; Davis Johnson, 1857-62; Joseph Slater, 1862-66; James M. Barr, 1866-67; I. N. Alexander, 1867-69: G. M. Saltzgaber, 1869-70; H. C. Glenn, 1870-72 ; George E. Wells, 1872-74; Thaddeus S. Gilliland, 1874-78; Andrew J. Porter, 1878-1880; George E. Wells, 1880-82 (appointed in 1880 and elected in 1881) ; Ira P. Shisler, 1882-84_.; S. B. Austin, 1884-85; W. H. Mozier, 1885-86; J. O. Browder, 1886-90; O. A. Balyeat, 1890-94; James F. Higgins, 1894-96; C. N. Sutphen, 1896-98; M'. H. Osborn, 1898-1900 ; James B. Smith, 1900-02; E. C. Stittz, 1902-1903; G. W. Newton, 1903-1906; C. E. Lawhead, 1906-.

THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.

Van Wert has now a paid fire department, one of the most efficient in Northwestern Ohio. The department, which only in recent years has been a paid one, has been well conducted and with one or two exceptions has been successful in putting out fires in an incredibly short time.

The Van Wert Fire Company was organized in January, 1872. A hand engine and two trucks, reels and hose were purchased by the Council. A constitution and by-laws were adopted and officers elected on the 30th of January, 1872. The following were the officers chosen at the first election : J. H. Foster, foreman; George H. Mowry, 1st assistant foreman, C. F. Bickford, 2nd assistant foreman; D. A. Clark, secretary, and George W. Clark, treasurer. In 187 the council purchased one of the Ahrens steam fire engines, which has been in service ever since, but is not often used now since the installation of the waterworks. J. H. Foster was foreman of the company from its organization in 1872 until 1890.

The Buckeye Hook and Ladder Company was organized as an independent company of about 50 men. With their own money they purchased a hook and ladder truck and the necessary apparatus. Several years later the company sold their property to the village. Since then, up-to-date trucks and equipment have been purchased. The well-drilled hook and ladder company never fails to accomplish good work when called upon.

NEWSPAPERS.

The first newspaper in Van Wert was started by George E. Burson in 1844, and named the Van Wert Patriot. The next paper, owned and published by William Moneysmith was named the Bugle.

The Bugle passed into the hands of Conn and O. W. Rose, and the name was changed to the National American. It was edited by I. N. Alexander, Lewis Evers and Tilbery in succession. The name was next changed to the Ohio Weekly Bulletin, and was edited in

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turn by Col. Joseph Cable, William C. Scott, R. B. Encell, A. C. Tucker and H. C. Glenn. The name was changed in 1859 to the Van Wert Bulletin. After its editor and proprietor, William C. Scott, entered the army in 1861, the Bulletin was owned and edited in turn by H. C. Glenn, J. H. Foster, Foster & Hammer, Glenn & Foster, Summersett & Arnold and John A. Arnold and was finally formed into a joint stock company, the stock being owned by J. H. Foster and his family.

In 1873 in addition to the weekly Bulletin they started an evening daily, which has had a very large circulation from the start. In 1895 the weekly Bulletin was discontinued and a twice-a-week Bulletin took its place. The paper is ably edited and the young members of the family are furnishing the vim and push that we often find lacking in country papers. In addition to their papers they conduct an up-to-date job office.

The Bulletin traces its history back to the Bugle's first appearance in 1844, never having suspended for a day. After many moves from its first location between Jefferson and Washington streets to Main street, it has finally become a permanent fixture on the south bank of the "Little Jordan." It is Republican in politics, following that organization since it first made its appearance as the champion of free territories and free speech.

The Watchman was started by William Moneysmith in 1854. He was followed in 1856 by H. S. Knapp (known as the fighting editor), and he by Duane Roberts in 1857. In that year the press was purchased by a joint stock company and the name changed to the Weekly Constitution. Its editors in succession were H. S. Knapp, J. Clutter, E. B. Hearn and Van Valkenberg. On August 29, 1865, it was purchased by Moneysmith & Tucker and the name changed to the Van Wert Times. It was later edited and owned by A. C. Tucker, Wright & Phillips, A. C. Tucker, D. McDowell and Hall & Moore until 1870 when it was purchased by W. H. Clymer, by whom it was edited. It was finally purchased by a joint stock company and was edited by George W. Kohn until 1900, when it was purchased by a newspaper syndicate and since has been edited by Emery Lattanner. In addition to the weekly paper, a morning daily was started in 1904. A job office is operated in connection with the paper.

The Times is Democratic in politics. After many changes both of name and editors, it seems at last to have become a fixture on West Court street.

The Press was established in 1874 by Grimes McConahay & Son. It later passed into the hands of J. A. McConahay and was finally discontinued.

The Morning Star was issued as a spiritual paper but after a short struggle expired for want of patronage.

The Van Wert Republican was started April 26, 1883, by Milton B. Evers and was sold to E. L. & T. C. Wilkinson on October 5, 1885. T. C. Wilkinson disposed of his interest to E. L. Wilkinson in July, 1895; E. L. Wilkinson sold to John B. Smith, in February, 1897; and Smith sold to W. L. Scott in April, 1802. The Republican Printing Company was incorporated in December, 1902. Since then the paper has been edited by D. J. Evans. They have a well-equipped job office in connection with the paper.

The Republican as its name indicates is Republican in politics and has a large circulation, especially in the country where the dailies do not reach.

STAVE FACTORIES.

The first stave factory was erected by War-

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ren & Wells on the ground now occupied by the Cincinnati Northern freight house and tracks. Washington Zeigler was foreman for many years.

The next one was put up by Messrs. Pennypacker and Sibley and occupied 10 acres between West Main street and "Keartown." It was a joint stock company. The charter members were D. H. Pennypacker, R. Sheppard, George Sibbett, Samuel Neel and Josiah Sibley. The officers were : W. G. Pennypacker, president; W. S. Craig, vice-president; I. H. Eldridge, secretary and treasurer.

The Eagle Stave Company was formed as a stock company in 1870, the stockholders being A. Conant, F. J. Bonewitz, W. N. Longsworth, I. N. Alexander, W. Zeigler, A. B. Gleason, H. C. Glenn and Warren & Wells. In 1871 G. H. Marsh bought an interest and later on bought a controlling interest and has managed it since that time until a few years ago, when he surrendered the charter. The machinery has been taken out and moved to Missouri.

L. Meredith and Henry Butler started a hardwood stave and heading factory and dressed their staves by horse power with what was called a bucking machine. Later on Meredith sold his interest to Brumback and J. K. Scott, and the factory was enlarged, steam power installed and the timber bought in the bolt instead of being split and then bucked. They afterward added slack barrel works to their plant. The firm's name was H. Butler & Company.

The stave factories added much to the wealth of the county and hastened the clearing up of the land. After the hard and soft timber that could be worked up by the factories was taken off, there was little left and the land was easily cleared. While many did not save the amount of timber land that they shouldhave, yet with the almost universal use of wire fencing and of coal for fuel it is not necessary.

THE ANDERSON PIANO COMPANY

Is the present name of Van Wert's leading manufacturing concern. The original company was organized in February, 1896, by G. W. Newton, Charles F. Manship, James F. Higgins and George W. Kohn, Gust. Ad. Anderson and O. C. Nelson came here April 15, 1896, and began the making of the famous Anderson piano, the manufacture of which had already been begun by Mr. Anderson in Rockford, Illinois, in 1892.

This company is now controlled financially by the leading financiers and business men of Van Wert. The directors are George H. Marsh, J. G. Rupright, J. P. Reed, R. J. Cavett, F. L. Webster, Charles F. Manship, J. B. Smith, O. C. Nelson and Gust. Ad. Anderson ; and the officers are J. G. Rupright, president; George H. Marsh, vice-president ; R. J. Cavett, treasurer ; Charles F. Manship, secretary ; Gust.A. Anderson, manager ; and O. C. Nelson, superintendent.

This concern has always advanced on conservative lines and has ever held the quality of their instruments up to the highest standard, which has resulted in a steady increase in the volume of their business. This year the company will not turn out less than 48 pianos a month.

THE UNION MILLS

Were built by C. Link, who sold out a few years later to Hardesty & Hardesty, who in turn sold to Link & Emerson, and they in turn to John Rout. On February 27, 1871, the Union Flouring Company was incorporated and purchased the mills of John Rout. The

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incorporators were F. J. Bonewitz, S. Swineford, John A. Conn, T. S. Gilliland and Jacob Fox.

The building is situated on the corner of Crawford and South Walnut streets. The building is a frame 65 feet square, three stories high with a capacity of 400 bushels per day. At the time the company was formed and the plant purchased, there was considerable real estate attached, which has since been sold. This real estate was located where are now F. N. Walker's, C. B. Johnston's and Keiger & Dickinson's feed barns and other buildings along Market street, and represented a valuation at that time of $16,000. An important improvement was added in the way of an elevator by which it is possible to hold sufficient grain to keep the mills going when there is but little grain moving. The mills are now owned by, Adam Wise, who is a practical miller and superintends it himself. He is having a good run of custom.

WAREHOUSES AND ELEVATORS.

The first grain warehouse was built by L. F. Fletcher on the corner of Washington and Jackson streets, but it was soon abandoned for that purpose, because the railroad company refused to put in a side track.

Fletcher then built another on the northeast corner of Market and Jackson streets. Shortly after this was built, the War of the Rebellion broke out and Fletcher's sympathy being with the South he had the courage of his convictions and went South. It is said that he secured letters of introduction from his friends in the North and had a pair of shoes made for the purpose with the papers between the outer and inner soles. He engaged in the cotton trade between the Southern States and Mexico and amassed a large fortune. As hebought with Confederate money and sold for gold, the profits were large. After a sale he would exchange his gold for Confederate money and buy more cotton, but after changing about $30,000 in gold and investing the proceeds in cotton the Union forces captured his cotton and left him bankrupt. After the war, he came back North, broken-hearted, and died in the county infirmary.

His last warehouse was finally purchased by T. S. Gilliland and an elevator put in and operated by steam. Bonewitz & Johns built a small elevator on the east of the one owned by Gilliland and after operating it for a few years sold it to Gilliland. Both of these elevators were consumed in the fire that destroyed six buildings for Gilliland and three for C. W. Lown, one for the Standard Oil Company, and one for Mrs. Henrietta Lown. Gilliland re; built and operated the elevator until July, 1905; when he sold out and the elevator is now owned and operated by Mahan & Johnson.

The Grange organization built a large elevator on the corner of Jackson and Cherry streets, according to the Chase plan, but it was not suitable for a country elevator. This they operated for a number of years. It was finally' sold to George H. Marsh and he to Ireton Brothers. This elevator was destroyed by fire and was replaced by one more suitable for the kinds of grain handled in the county. This they are still operating, having taken a brother-in-law into the firm, which is now Ireton Brothers & Eikenburg.

J. W. McMillen built an elevator in the west part of town on the Cincinnati Northern Railroad. This was burned down but it was replaced immediately and is now operated by J. W. McMillen & Son.

Van Wert is a good location for grain and hay. The territory has been restricted by the elevators being built in the neighboring towns

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yet our elevators are having all they can take care of at present. They are frequently annoyed by the scarcity of cars for shipping, yet with the amount of incoming freight that is unloaded here they fare much better than elevators at neighboring towns.

MERCHANTS.

The names given under the above heading include both those who are in business now and those who were so engaged in the past.

Grocers.—S. Swineford, A. Conant, A. Lynch, D. H. Clippinger, Andrew Conn & Company, H. J. Wise & Son, David Newcomer, Jacob Miller, C. W. Wallis, Andrew Moebus, D. H. Shull, Tucker & Patterson, Petterson & Halfhill, Brehm & Slade, Fox & Slade, M. L. Purmort, George Hammer, David & Allen, Henry David, Edwards & Gaskill, William Pier, George Hull, Dunathan & Humphreys, Humphreys & Hughes, McCoy & Harnley, McCoy & Collett, Collett & Harnley, A. W. Scott, Harry Darnell, A P. Conn, Conn & Cave, C. B. Pearson, J. E. Fowler, J. C. Sells, A. K. Sweet,, A. R. McCoy, Collett & Son, George W. Moltz, Luman Slade, David Harnley, Ream & Doran, U. S. Wise, Meredith & Clippinger, D. L. Clippinger, Capper & Terry, Evans Brothers & Collins, Evans Brothers, G. W. Newton, Collins & White, Conn & Scott, John Stouder, John A. Conn, Willard Pennell, Wisman & Allen, A. P. Wisman, W. H. Dye and Sherman Allen. The fah lowing grocers are now in business : D. R. Miller, W. W. Collins, Benjamin Coleman, Will Young, H. V. Allen, A. Rothacker, Lynch & Greenwalt, Hire & Crosby, Charles W. Kiggins, H. A. McCoy, Benjamin Yoh, R. B. Pearson, L. D. Whiteleather, C. M. Siders, E. Brown, W. G. Edwards, DeVoe & Son, Frank Clay, H. Woolery, Lewis Graves, Charles W. Webster, Wisman & Mohler, O. W. Allen, Conn & Balyeat and Jerry Agler.

Wholesale Grocery. — The Humphreys Grocery Company is worthy of notice. It has grown from a small beginning in the retail trade until it is one of the largest wholesale houses outside of the large cities. It occupies a large stone building, 66 by 132 feet, three stories and basement, which are filled with the wares they carry.

Bakers.—Charles Beiber, Christ Huffman, Kesler, Swoveland & Gephart, A. Lynch, Jacob Miller, Miller and Gephart, David Newcomer, Ream & Doran, Capper & Terry, Blanchard & Brown, E. Brown, Yost & Son, Jones and John Jacobs. The bakers in business at present are: A. Rothacker, Lynch & Greenwalt, A. B. Miller and Lewis Graves.

Dry Goods Merchants.—Samuel M. Clark, Adam Nimon, Thomas R. Mott, J. G. & Robert Gilliland, Walter Buckingham, George S. Crafts, (A.) McGavren & Clark (0. P.), O. P. Clark, S. F. Hahn, Reuben Frisbie, James Webster & Brother, E. Laukhart, D. H. Hackadorn, Bonewitz, Schumm & Company, L. G. Schumm, Webster & Troup, F. L. Webster, D. R. Bonewitz, Williams & Roberts, I. Sealberg & Company, J. O. Roberts, Kyle & Reece, E. R. Wells, D. S. Miller, E. Vance, William Anderson, Bonewitz & Johns, Thomas S. McKim, Charles Mount, W. B. Harb, McKim & Zimmerman, McKim & Hall, Zimmerman & Hall, McKim & Son, George W. Moltz, J. S. Brumback & Company, R. L. Gipe, L. F. Zimmerman, Roebuck & Teubner, A. L. Teubner, D. R. Bonewitz's Sons, G. M. Hall, New York Store and Bigelow & Wilson.

Furniture Dealers and Undertakers.—Fred Coffin, William Morse, G. G. Goss, Crumrine & Wells, Crumrine & Johnson, Joseph Johnson, Zeigler & Evers, C. W. Lown and Penn & Strother.

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Here the furniture business and undertaking became separated, and the furniture business was carried on by Penn & Cupp, C. W. Goss, Ream & Streit, H. J. Cavett, J. F. Sidle & Son, Balyeat Brothers and Palmer Brothers. The present firms are Sidle, Bonewitz & Needler, Balyeat Brothers and Palmer Brothers.

The undertaking was carried on by C. W. Lown & Son, Vore & Fronfield, W. L. Rank, B. F. Fronfield, B. L. Vore and Rank & Painter. The present undertakers are B. L. Vore and Rank & Painter.

Druggists.—Linn & Martin, A. P. Linn, Dr. Fred Coffin, Dr. D. K. Galliher, Dr. U. W. Hertz, Hines & Morse, Hines & Son, C. A. Melshimer, H. Noell, Noell & McDonald, D. L. McDonald, Gackenheimer & Son, L. F. Gackenheimer, Butler & Boroff, F. J. Boroff, McGavren & Holbrook, Stemen & Dunathan, Stemen & Gipe, Clark, Stemen & Gipe, C. B. Stemen, Longsworth & Pennell, W. H. Pennell, F. P. Hill & Company, L. K. Webster & Company, Webster Brothers, Pennell Brothers and C. J. Haven.

Of the above, Linn & Martin sold to A. P. Linn; he kept the store for many years and finally moved it to his residence. Dr. Fred Coffin sold to Dr. D. K. Galliher and there the store was lost sight of. Dr. U. W. Hertz sold to Longsworth & Pennell ; Longsworth & Pennell to W. H. Pennell ; W. H. Pennell to F. P. Hill & Company ; F. P. Hill & Company to L. K. Webster & Company ; L. K. Webster & Company to Webster Brothers, the present proprietors. McGavren & Holbrook sold to Stemen & Dunahan; Stemen & Dunathan to Stemen & Gipe; Stemen & Gipe to Clark, Stemen & Gipe; Clark, Stemen & Gipe to C. B. Stemen. Hines & Morse sold to Hines & Son, and later the business passed to Hines Brothers, the present proprietors. After C. A. Melshimer's death, H. Noel] bought the stock andthen sold to Noell & McDonald; they sold to D. L. McDonald and he in turn to C. J. Haven, the present proprietor. Gackenheimer & Son sold to L. F. Gackenheimer and at his death the business went to Butler & Boroff, who sold. to F. J. Boroff, the present proprietor. Pennell Brothers started July 4, 1894, and are present proprietors.

Clothing Dealers.—Ed. Steinfield came first with a pack on his back. Afterward he bought a horse and soon had capital enough to start a store. Finally he went to Rochester, New York, where he became wealthy. The next clothing dealer to locate in Van Wert was Gen. A. Jacobs, who has been in the business since 1855 and is now the oldest merchant here, having been in business continuously for over 50 years. Charles Rose was here for a few years. Decker Brothers were here in 1865. Gus Brewer abandoned his stock of goods and went to California. His creditors took the goods. Emanuel Straus also let his creditors pocket their loss. Other clothing dealers who have been engaged in business in Van Wert in the part are: E. Alexander, G. W. Day, Cahn Brothers, Stamm, Knapp, H. V. Olney, Davies & Jones, Hy. Davies, W. H. Clymer & Son, L. G. Germann and Ed. Doe. The following firms are in business at the present time : Bien Brothers, Stamm Clothing Company, Gen. A. Jacobs, Balyeat & Wassenberg and Feldner, Olney & Richards.

Hardware Dealers.—A. B. McCurdy conducted the first hardware store. Before his time hardware to a small extent was kept in the general stores. S. B. Hertz was the second dealer in hardware. Others who have been engaged in this line, including those still in business, are; McCurdy & Company (J. H. Kauke being the partner), Casto, Eyler & Lehman, Casto & Eyler, Smith, Bard & Bentley, Clark & Bouton, Bouton & Lawrence, Jones & Tudor, Jones &

246 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY

Tudor Company, Wilson & Girod, Kauke & Alspach and Lowery & Heistand.

Farm Implement Dealers.—Dunathan & Hard have been in the implement business for many years. They now have a building fronting 84 feet on South Market street and 66 feet deep, with two stories and basement, filled from top to basement with all the latest improved machinery. Gilliland & Gilliland have been in the implement business for many years. Both are practical farmers and have a large acquaintance in the country. They carry a large stock, having purchased the old Armory Building, which they have well filled with machinery. Charles Cook has been in the implement business for some years and is well acquainted with the trade and carries a gold stock. Charles Strother has had a number of years experience in handling machinery and besides is a good machinist, having learned that trade and followed it for a number of years. He has now embarked in the farm implement business with a fair stock.

Harness Dealers.—B. F. Shoop, Nelson Fugate, Guyselman, Fred Henerman, John Strandler, Rague, S. B. Bradberry and Standler, Gilliland & Company.

Jewelers.—Including those still in business, the following jewelers have been engaged in business in Van Wert : William SnashalI, Snashall & Son, L. Meredith, J. C. Sholler, A. P. McConahay, McConahay & Myers and J. D. Rowland.

BANKS.

The First National Bank of Van Wert was organized February 25, 1863, with a capital stock of $60,000. The original stockholders were: D. W. Burt, C. Emerson, E. R. Wells; A. S. Burt, S. Swineford, F. J. Bonewitz, D. A. Johns. A. Conant, Jacob Fox, A. W. Baker, A. B. McCurdy, Almira Smith, William Smith and J. W. Rout. The first officers were : President, C. Emerson; cashier, A. S. Burt; directors—C. Emerson, D. W. Burt, E. R. Wells, F. J. Bonewitz and A. Conant. The bank's statement in 1864 showed a capital stock of $60,000 and deposits of $7,328.11.

The bank's statement January 29, 1906. showed a capital stock of $150,000; surplus and undivided profits of $45,424; and deposits of $565,321. The present officers are : President, A. R. Gleason; cashier, F. L. Webster ; directors—G. H. Marsh, L. R. Bonewitz, E. K. Ream, A. B. Gleason and F. L. Webster.

The Van Wert National Bank was incorporated in March, 1882, succeeding the private bank of Emerson, Marble & Company.

A comparison of the assets and liabilities of May 19, 1882, on which date the first statement was made to the Comptroller of the Currency, with the last statement made November 9, 1905, shows the growth of the bank, with the rapid increase in wealth of our city and county:

The People's Savings Bank has an authorized capital of $100,000, of which $50.000 has been paid in. It commenced business on December 7, 1903. Following are the officers: President, W. T. Hughes; vice-president, W. H. Pennell ; cashier, F. W. Leslie; directors—

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W. T. Hughes, C. L. Ireland, M. Woodruff, H. V. Olney, J. W. Longwell, F. W. Leslie, W. R. France, W. H. Pennell and S. Kohn.

LIGHT, POWER AND TELEPHONE COMPANIES.

The Van Wert Gas Light Company, now one of the most prosperous institutions of the city of Van Wert, had a humble and weakly, beginning. The first gas works were erected in 1881 by J. H. Miller, Jr. The gas necessary to supply the demand was generated with one bench of three retorts, worked only to about one-half of their capacity. The storage facility consisted of one gas-holder, capable of holding 10,000 cubic feet. The insignificance of these figures are apparent when the present capacity —that of generating a half million cubic feet per day with a storage capacity of 120,000 cubic feet—is understood.

In the same year, 1881, the Van Wert Gas Light Company, a corporation, was formed with an authorized capital of $25,000, and Mr, Miller transferred the property to the corporation, though he held the hulk of the stock. The first board of directors consisted of J. H. Miller, Jr., Jerome Miller, H. C. Glenn, O. C. McCurdy and John VanLiew. H. C. Glenn was elected president, O. C. McCurdy, secretary and J. H. Miller,. Jr., treasurer. In 1882 . a syndicate, composed of John VanLiew, G. M. Saltzgaber, H. C. Glenn, O. C. McCurdy and Perry Zimmerman, purchased a majority of the stock and soon thereafter secured the entire stock of the company. Changes occurred from time to time in the personnel of the syndicate until the year 1893, when H. C. Glenn having acquired all the stock became the real owner of the property.

In the meantime the works were practically rebuilt. A water-gas generator took the place of the three retorts ; a new gas-holder of 20,000cubic feet capacity supplemented the first one; new purifying and condensing apparatus took the place of the old and large extensions were made to the mains and service pipes.

In 1896 H. C. Glenn sold all his stock, representing all the property, to J. B. Stevenson, Jr. Mr. Stevenson by his son, J. B. Stevenson, third, owned and operated the plant for about three years, during which time he added some valuable improvements. At the end of this period he sold all the stock to W. T. Morris and the Bradleys, who also purchased the property of the Van Wert Natural Gas Company and united the two properties. These parties made other valuable improvements. Upon the death of the late J. B. Bradley, all the Bradley interest passed to W. T. Morris, who is the owner of the principal portion of the stock. The present officers are: President and treasurer, W. T. Morris: orris ; vice-president, T. S. Atkinson; secretary, H. C. Glenn. The capital stock has been increased from time to time, and is now $150,000, and the property is considered to be of that value.

The Gas-Electric Light & Power Company of Van Wert was incorporated in the year 1889 as the Citizens' Electric Light & Power Company, the incorporators being Levi Meredith, J. Wright, George W. Beers, G. L. Marble and Thomas J. Ryan, with Levi Meredith as president and George W. Beers, secretary. Various changes in personnel and management of the plant occurred from time to time until the present owners came into control a few years later.

The plant has grown from its start of 25 street lamps and 600 incandescents to its present total of 80 street lamps and over 4,000 incandescents and a continuous service day and night. A large number of electric motors are also in service, ranging in size from the I-20 H. P. motor for sewing machines to the 20

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H. P. motor for factory purposes. A central station heating plant has been put in operation in connection with the electric plant and for the past four years has been giving general satisfaction, a large portion of the business houses and many residences making use of the heat. The present demand indicates a great increase in both branches of the service. The present officers of the company are: J. M. C. Marble, president; John E. Marble, treasurer ; O. A. Balyeat, secretary ; and H. P. McDonald, manager. The president and secretary are residents of Los Angeles, California.

The Van Wert Home Telephone Company. —The wonderful telephone industry, which is so necessary to the modern method of doing business quickly, has had a history in Van Wert similar no doubt to that which it has had at other places.

Long ago the Bell Telephone Company on the application of a number of the leading business people established an exchange in Van Wert. This was under the management of George W. Beers, then a Van Wert boy, whose subsequent fame in that business has spread all over the United States. Telephone users were but few in number, the rate charged was $4 per month for business 'phones, and $3.50 per month for residence 'phones. The mere fact that so few then were willing to accept service at that rate really made that few less desirable; and upon the demand of the Bell people that the number be increased to at least 50, it was found to be unable to comply with the demand, and the exchange was discontinued.

Afterwards other efforts were made to induce the same people to come here, but not with success. It was supposed that the Bell people had a monopoly of the business, by reason of certain parts of the equipment that werenecessary, but finally it was discovered by some enterprising individuals that the magneto system could be used successfully for telephone service. On the solicitation of Mr. Beers, an independent plant was established in the then village of Van Wert. Hon. H. C. Glenn was elected the first president of the local company, and W. C. Lawrence, secretary.

Afterwards the litigation in the Supreme Court of the United States, instigated by President Harrison, to determine whether the exclusive patents of the Bell Telephone Company on certain apparatus should be canceled, having been determined against the Bell Telephone Company, the form of telephone, the same as used by the Bell Telephone Company, was adopted and the independent movement became a great success.

In Van Wert, after the establishment of the exchange on the part of the independents, the Bell people made several efforts to establish a rival company and divide the subscribers, and have two systems in use instead of one ; but in each instance the Bell people were defeated and the growth of the Van Wert Home Telephone Company was continuous and sometimes very rapid.

In 1904, at a very large expense, the home company installed, what is known as the Strowger automatic telephone system,-"the cussless, waitless, out-of-orderless, girlless telephone," by means of which any subscriber can call up any other subscriber without the aid of the central office. There are but few places in the world where this system has been inaugurated, but here as elsewhere it has proven a great success, and the people of Van Wert are justified in their boast that our city has one of the finest telephone systems in the world.

The present rates charged are: $1.25 per month for residence 'phones and $2.50 per month for business phones. All telephone

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users are connected with the one system, so that the evils of a divided telephone service is not known in this community. The present number of subscribers is over 1,300. The officers of the company are : Hon. G. M. Saltzgaber, president; J. W. Longwell, secretary; E. M. Leslie, treasurer ; and the board of directors consist of Hon. W. T. Hughes, Dr. R. J. Morgan, W. G. Edwards, and the president and secretary.

NATURAL GAS AND OIL.

Oil was discovered in Van Wert city although not in paying quantities ; however, a large supply of gas was found. It was decided to abandon drilling for oil and drill for gas, which was found at a higher level. A company war formed and a number of wells put down that were reasonably good wells. Some of the best ones were abandoned when salt water came in. This was done for a purpose, as Eastern parties, who had been taken in and given a controlling interest, decided to pipe from the Mercer field. They gave as their reason for it. that if they developed a good field here and the people became dissatisfied they could organize another company in opposition, but to pipe from the Mercer field would be too expensive. After spending a large amount of money and the Mercer field having failed to supply a sufficient amount of pressure, a very expensive pumping station was put in, which also failed. In the end the company was compelled to fall back on the Van Wert field, which has supplied gas for the town for the last 10 or 15 years. After drilling for oil in Van Wert had ceased, a field was opened in the northeast part of York township and reaching over in Ridge township.

The Van Wert County oil field now extends over the southern tier of townships andalso includes Ridge and a part of Washington townships. Oil has also been found in Pleasant, Union and Tully townships, but not in paying qualities.

THE BRUMBACK LIBRARY.

In 1890 the following ladies of Van Wert, realizing the great good to be derived from a public library, incorporated "The Van Wert Library Association" : Mesdames Hattie L. Brotherton, Clara V. Cavett, Ann W. Clark, Frances O. Clark, Lucy Craig, George C. Glenn, Mary J. Hiestand, Mary Leeson, Elizabeth Malick, Isabelle Rose, Fannie H. Stradler and Eudora H. Troup. These ladies canvassed the town for subscriptions and gave entertainments in aid of the project until the nucleus of a circulating library was formed.

Any person who contributed $3 each year was permitted to share in the use of the library. At the end of the first year, they had a collection of 660 books, placed in charge of a librarian in a rented room. The library became generally appreciated and through the efforts of the ladies, the Common Council of Van Wert in 1896 voted a tax of three-tenths of a mill in aid of the library, on which they realized about $575 annually.

This together with the money secured from the annual dues of patrons furnished a small sum upon which the library could be maintained, but the purchase of books was necessarily very limited. The field for the work was, however, so much larger than the means wherewith to accomplish the work, and the future so dependent upon constant effort that the ladies, although justly proud of what had been done, might well feel apprehensive for the future when their personal efforts should cease. It was only too apparent that the enterprise might fail if not placed upon firm and enduring foundation.

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It as at this stage that the will of John Sanford Brumback was made public, providing for the gift to the people of Van Wert County of a building in which to forever maintain a free public library, by the following clause in the will : "It is my will and desire that my said dear wife and children expend sufficient of my estate willed to them in items one and two to carry out my wishes known to them by the erection and gift of a library building, something after the plans and designs I have had prepared for that purpose, provided and this item is upon the express condition that my said wife and children can make arrangements satisfactory to them with the City of Van Wert, or if they desire and think best, with Van Wert County, for a location for said building and the maintenance of the library to be placed therein."

Before going on to what has been accomplished under this provision, let us take a cursory view of the life of the man who made possible the firm establishment of a Public Library in Van Wert County.

John Sanford Brumback was born on a farm in Licking County, Ohio, on the 4th of March, 1829, and died December 11, 1897. When he was four years of age, his father died, leaving his mother a legacy of six young children and 40 acres of undeveloped land with a log house upon it. This mother, like others of that day, set bravely to work to eke out a precarious livelihood. Unable to spare her only boy, John, from his work except in the winter season, his early education consisted of the crude instruction received in a country school during the few winters he was privileged to attend school at all. Quick to learn, he acquired even in this short time the rudiments of an education that, added to and rounded out by a life-time of close observation and keen perception, made him a man of generalinformation and broad intelligence. As illustrative of his self-reliance and capability, his mother sent him at the early age of 10 to market where, with rare judgment, he disposed of the produce the family had to sell. The commercial instinct thus early aroused, he Ieft the farm and entered the grocery business at the age of 17.

The only capital he had was $50, which his mother had saved and which she willingly entrusted to him. Later, while engaged in the dry goods business at Ashley, Ohio, he married Ellen Pearline Purmont, May 26, 1852.

He afterwards sold his store and moved on a farm between Delaware and Columbus. From there he went to Casey, Illinois, where he conducted a general merchandising and stock business. In 1862 he settled in Van Wert and for over 35 years his life was linked with the growth and history of the town and county. For many years he was engaged in the stave business, was proprietor of a well-known dry goods store and was one of the principal promoters of the Cincinnati, Van Wert & Michigan Railroad. In later years his interests centered largely in the Van Wert National Bank and the Central Manufacturers' Mutual Insurance Company, of both of which he was president.

A man with a heart full of philanthropy could not die without remembering his fellowmen, if it could be accomplished in justice to his own family. So when he came to draw his will, openly, as he had lived, he called his family around him and freely expressed his thoughts. He said he had long felt like doing something for Van Wert and that he knew of no way in which so much good could come to his old friends and associates and their children, as through a Public Library. Even then in his will he caused the gift of a library building to be optional with his heirs, but the unani-

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mity with which his wife and children carried out the wish expressed in his will bears testimony to the affection and veneration felt for the husband and father.

One thing to be especially noted in the will was the provision for a County Library. The suggestion was a noble conception full of great possibilities. Up to the date of this will, no thought apparently was ever directed to the establishment of a county library. When it was first proposed to make the Brumback Library a county institution, many looked askance and could hardly believe it practicable. Of course the inauguration of a county library was not accomplished without much effort and many discouragements. When a bill was drawn by O. S. Brumback to be presented to the Legislature to permit the County Commissioners to bind the county to maintain a library by taxation, it was realized that it could be passed only by vigorous efforts in its behalf. When, however, the farmers of Van Wert County assembled in their Granges and declared, after full discussion, almost unanimously in favor of such library, their action together with the assistance of leading citizens both in town and county caused the bill to become a law in April, 1898.

In August of the same year, the County Commissioners—H. H. Ludwig, Peter Knittle and H. G. Schumm—took the necessary action under the law to execute a tripartite agreement with the Ladies' Library Association and the heirs of J. S. Brumback, namely, Ellen P. Brumback, Orville S. Brumback, David L. Brumback, Estelle B. Reed and Saida M. Brumback (Antrim).

By the terms of the contract, the Ladies' Library Association turned over to the Brumback Library all the books, some 1,600 in number, belonging to the association; the county agreed to forever maintain the library by thelevy of an annual tax upon all taxable property of the county; and the Brumback heirs agreed to construct and furnish complete and ready for, use a stone building in one of the parks of the city of Van Wert.

Flow well the heirs fulfilled the terms of the contract, let the splendid building and furnishings—substantial, commodious and beautiful in every detail—speak.

Believing that the ladies would exercise a most beneficent influence in the management and work of the Brumback Library and to keep it out of political broils, it was also provided in the contract that the library should be managed by a non-partisan board of seven trustees, three to be appointed by the County Commissioners, two by the Ladies' Library Association and two by the Brumback heirs. Their term of office is for three years and in case of failure to appoint, the City Council of Van Wert is to make the appointment. The first board of trustees, composed of the following members, J. M. Laudick, Thomas M. Thorpe, Joseph L. Tossey, Clara V. Cavett, Mary J. Hiestand, Saida B. Antrim and John P. Reed, entered upon the discharge of its duties June 2, 1899.

The ceremony of the laying of the cornerstone occurred July 18, 1899, and was observed in a most fitting manner.

The first day of the new century, January 1, 1901, ushered in the day of dedication of the library. The building was presented by the Brumback heirs and accepted by the county with appropriate exercises, followed by a reception held at the library in the evening.

On January 29, 1901, the library opened its doors to the public with about 5,000 books on its shelves in charge of Miss Ella L. Smith, librarian. And now in this the sixth, year of its !existence, the present librarian, Miss Jane Brotherton, reports 10,698 books and a circu-

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lation of 50,000 volumes annually and branch libraries established at 16 different points throughout the county by which books are made accessible to every one however remote from the central library.

As a county library, the Brumback Library has attracted much attention and the prominence which Van Wert County has received and w ill continue to receive as the pioneer in such a work, cannot but be a proud distinction and of great benefit to all of her people.

THE GLEASON FAMILY.

Probably the earliest mention of the Gleason family of America, traceable, is found in the records of Cambridge, Massachusetts, where, in 1657, lived Thomas Gleason, who emigrated to America from New Castle, England, the family having originated in the North of Ireland. There is a family legend relating that the first emigrants of the name to come to America were three brothers, who settled in New England, during the colonial period, and were the original stock from which the American family sprung, which gradually spread to adjacent States, until now its descendants are to be found in every Northern State, and doubtless in many Southern States also.

Bezaleel Gleason, the great-grandfather of Andrew J. Gleason, to whom we are indebted for the data of this memoir, is the most remote ancestor known of, in a direct line. He lived near Brattleboro, Vermont, and is said to have taken part with General Stark's "Green Mountain Boys", in the battle of Bennington. He was probably a descendant of the Thomas Gleason above-mentioned. His wife was Phoebe Newberry. Their family consisted of six sons and three daughters, named as follows : Adonijah, Amos, Nathan and Nahum (twins), Ira, Bezaleel, Sarah, Phoebe and Clarissa. Adonijah, who was a Baptist preacher, lived at Sempronius, New York, for a time and then removed to Switzerland County, Indiana ; at last accounts he was in Minnesota, where he probably died. To him and his wife Cynthia were born three sons—Justus, Parsons and Elias, of whom the last named lived in Cincinnati during the '50's. Amos, the second son, lived at Caledonia Springs, New York ; Sarah (Fisher) also lived in New York State on the St. Lawrence River, while the rest of the family, except Bezaleel (second), continued to reside in Vermont when last heard of. It was while journeying across the mountains on his return from visiting some of his children, that the aged patriarch was overtaken by a tragic fate. becoming bewildered in a mountain storm, causing him to lose .his way and to perish in the cold.

Bezaleel Gleason, grandfather of Andrew J. Gleason, settled in Ontario County, New York, near where the town of Shortsville now stands. He was a farmer, and a man noted for great muscular strength. He married Abigail Howland, by whom he had three sons and five daughters, viz. : Stephen, Joseph, Sarah, Phoebe, Clarissa, Mary, Eliza and Benjamin. After his death, which occurred June 21, 1832, his widow resided on the family homestead for some years, then, gathering together her family (except Sarah and Phoebe who had previously married), her two eldest sons piloting the way, she removed, in the summer of 1837, to the unbroken wilds of Van Wert County, Ohio, taking up lands in the southwestern part of Pleasant township, where she resided until her death, which took place August 29, 1851, having seen the most of her children settled around her, and enjoyed the affectionate care of both children and grandchildren.

Stephen Gleason, the eldest son of Bezaleel Gleason (second), was born in Ontario Coun-

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ty, New York, July 24, 1801. He married Amanda Fletcher, by whom he had eight children, viz.: Emily (Evers), Sarah J. (Royce), Mary A. (Evers), Lucy O. (Albright), Charles F., George H., Louisa (Kiser), and Oliver B., four of whom are living, viz. : Mrs. Sarah J. Royce, of Columbia City, Indiana; Charles F. Gleason and Mrs. J. W. Kiser, of Dull, Ohio; and Oliver B. Gleason, of Van Wert. For several years after his marriage, Stephen Gleason followed the occupation of a farmer, residing, a part of the time, at a place called Oak Orchard, New York; but, being enticed by the flattering reports from the new country in Western Ohio, after first, with his brother Joseph, having prospected and selected a location, he sold his property in New York State, arid at the head of the family colony, with wife and five children, he turned his back on a comparatively comfortable home to face hardships and privations he little dreamed of. At one time he was left in charge of the whole colony, while his brothers, with all the available teams, proceeded to a point on the Maumee River, whither a portion of the household goods had been shipped by water, a trip requiring some weeks in the bad condition of the roads. During all this time Stephen was constantly employed carrying grists of corn to and from a handmill, some four or five miles distant, to keep up a supply of breadstuff. Yet indomitable pluck carried him through these and similar hardships until he had made for himself and family a comfortable home again.

Mr. Gleason lived on his farm, which he and his sons brought into a high state of cultivation, until about 1867, having been several times elected county commissioner, and afterward county treasurer, which offices he held with much credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the public. Upon retiring from the office of treasurer, he resumed his farm life,but, receiving a fair offer for his farm, sold it to Robert Wade, and removed to Van Wert. Here, however, he remained only long enough to enable him to purchase another farm near South Whitley, Indiana, to which he soon after removed. Losing his faithful wife in 1871, he soon gave up farming, spending his time with his children up to the time of his death, June 21, 1883, the 51st anniversary of his father's death. Both his and his wife's remains were brought to Van Wert and interred in the family lot in the old Van Wert Cemetery.

In politics Stephen Gleason was a Democrat, and, being of an argumentative disposition, was always ready for a tilt with a political opponent. His religious belief was Universalism, although never having any affiliation with that church. As a citizen few were looked up to for counsel and advice more than he, and while in or out of public office his best efforts for the promotion of the county's welfare were given without stint, and many substantial improvements in the county will perpetuate the memory of Stephen Gleason.

Joseph Gleason, father of Andrew J. Gleason, was born in Manchester township, Ontario County, New York, September 3, 1803, and, with his brother and sisters, was given a fair common-school education, which qualified him to teach the district school. It was while engaged in teaching he became acquainted with Harriet Brown, who was at that time a pupil in his school, the acquaintance ripening into attachment destined to be lifelong, and which resulted in their marriage, February to, 1828. After his marriage, he continued to reside near the place of his birth, following in turn the occupations of teacher, farmer and lumberman, until the year 1837, when with his wife and three children he joined the little colony then about to try the many vicissitudes of emigration to this then unsettled region. Entering

256 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY

160 acres of land where Potts Corners are now, he devoted his time for the next two years to clearing and improving a farm. Having been elected county recorder, he removed to Van Wert in the autumn of 1839, purchasing a log tavern near the northeast corner of Main and Jefferson streets, afterward replaced by him with a two-story frame building, known for many years as the American House. Being quite popular with the new settlers, official honors rather crowded upon him, as he at one time held the office of county recorder, associate judge and justice of the peace, being elected judge for one term. He held the office of justice of the peace for many years, and in the numerous pettifogged cases that came up to his court Squire Gleason's rulings were rarely known to be set aside. After remaining in this diversified employment some 15 years, he leased his hotel property to John W. Conn, and, his term of office as county recorder having expired, formed a partnership with Thomas R. Kear. They erected the first steam sawmill built in the county, on the ground where William A. Clark's flouring-mill was formerly located. After operating this mill about a year, he sold out to his partner, taking a lease of the property for three years as a part of the consideration. At the expiration of the lease, with his brother Stephen as a partner he built what is now the Gleason Lumber Company's mill, of which he afterward became sole owner, operating it with little help, except that of his four sons, for a number of years, its products contributing largely toward the improvement of the town and surrounding country. In the meantime, having sold the hotel property and become possessed of several farms in embryo in the near vicinity of Van Wert, lie gradually withdrew from the lumber business (which thereafter was conducted by his two youngest sons) and devoted his entire time to improving his farms, and looking after other real estate interests. During the centennial year, Mr. and Mrs. Gleason visited the Philadelphia World's Fair, after which they made a tour of the scenes of their childhood in Connecticut and New York, a journey long anticipated and greatly enjoyed. They found as a matter of course, but few still living in the old neighborhoods whom they had known in earlier years, yet this visit was something to recall and live over again until the end of life.

It was with much satisfaction that Joseph Gleason saw nearly all of his children settle around the old home (his eldest daughter having removed to Michigan), and all were often together enjoying happy reunions under the parental roof. He was father of nine children, two of whom (a boy and a girl) died in infancy, seven growing to man's and woman's estate as follows : Mrs. Mariette L. Strother, of Algodon, Michigan ; Julius. A., Andrew J., Abram B. and Francis J., and Mrs. Julia A, Carper ; and Ella A. Carper, of Van Wert, who died April 4, 1896.

In politics Mr. Gleason was always a Democrat, but he drew the line when disunion threatened, casting his vote for Stephen A. Douglas for President, and, when the Civil War came, giving his two elder sons to uphold the "Stars and Stripes." His religious convictions were broad and liberal, and, although never affiliating with any church, he was a strong believer in the final salvation of the whole human race, or, in other words, was a Universalist, losing no opportunity to attend the preaching of that doctrine and to contribute of his means thereto. His favorite mottoes were "Love thy neighbor as thyself" and "Keep thyself unspotted from the world." With this simple creed for his guidance, he was content to trust his future in the care of Him who doeth all things well. The approach of the

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grim reaper was gradual but sure for several years, the paralytic symptons affecting his walk and speech being first noticeable, yet his mental faculties were impaired but slightly up to his death, which occurred February 2, 1883, he having entered upon his 80th year. He was surrounded by all of his family in his last hours and was followed to his chosen resting place in beautiful Woodland by many surviving and loving friends, who will long revere the name of Joseph Gleason.

Harriet Brown Gleason, wife of Joseph Gleason, and eldest daughter of John and EIsie (Fish) Brown, was born February 26, 1811, at East Windsor, Connecticut, her family afterward moving to Ontario County, New York, and thence to Lorain County. Ohio, where her parents resided until their death. While residing in New York she was united in marriage to Joseph Gleason, and afterward, with him and their three small children, emigrated to this county to help build a home in the al

most unbroken wilderness. Although many privations and dangers had to be endured, yet she never flinched from her duty, and was in later years rewarded by seeing the wilderness bud and blossom as the rose, and the virgin forests give way to fertile and fruitful farms. So great was the transformation that it was difificult to realize that but a score of years had passed since she had nightly gathered her little ones about her to quiet their fears amid the howling of wolves in the surrounding forests. Mrs. Gleason never affiliated in membership with any church, and with her family was a Universalist ,in belief. She found her highest good in maintaining an upright character and striving to impart it to her children and grandchildren, who "rise up and call her blessed." She survived her husband a little over five years, her death occurring July 26, 1888, at the family residence on West Main street, VanWert, whence her mortal remains were borne by tender hands to be laid beside her loved companion in Woodland Cemetery.

Sarah, eldest sister of Joseph Gleason, married William Pomeroy, with whom she removed to Canada, and, when mother of five children, died. Her husband, being unable to care for the children properly, wrote an appealing letter to the Van Wert relatives in their behalf, which resulted in Stephen and Joseph Gleason undertaking to bring the orphans here to find homes, which was successfully accomplished, and they all lived to become useful citizens, viz. : Francis C. Pomeroy, Mrs. John W. Clark, Carlos Pomeroy, Mrs. John T. Bowers and Mrs. Sarah J. Brittson, all of whom are now deceased. Their father followed them to Van Wert after a few years, and lived with his eldest son near Middlebury, up to the time of his death.

Phoebe N., second sister of Joseph Gleason, became the wife of Matson Warren, and with him settled first in Lorain County, and afterward in Lake County, Ohio, whence with their family of seven children they removed to Van Wert County in the '50's, living first in the Gleason settlement, thence removing to Willshire, in and near which town they continued to reside until both parents were summoned to the better land. For a number of years previous to his death, Mr. Warren was totally blind. Mrs. Warren survived her husband some eight or ten years and lived to be :he last surviving member of her father's family, her death occurring in December, 1894, at &bout the age of 90 years. Being a woman of great memory, to her Andrew J. Gleason is indebted for much of the family history here 'recorded, there being very few records existing n possession of Grandfather Gleason's descendnts. Her children were : John B. Warren, of Mount Vernon, Ohio; the late Mrs. Abigail

258 - HISTORY OF VAN WERT COUNTY

Langdon, of Liberty township, Van Wert County ; Abram M. Warren, of Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Minerva Langdon, of Liberty township, Van Wert County ; Mrs. Elmira Richards, of Van Wert; Hiram Warren (deceased) and Job A. Warren, of Pleasant township, Van Wert County.

Clarissa, third sister of Joseph Gleason, began teaching at an early age and was one of the pioneers of the profession in Van Wert County, numbering among her pupils many who are among the best known residents. She became the wife of John Edson, to whom she bore one daughter. In the year 1873, she was bereaved by the loss of both husband and daughter, who were stricken down by the destroyer within but a few weeks of each other, She afterward made her home in Van Wert, becoming an active promoter of Spiritualism, in which doctrine she sought consolation for her double bereavement. Her death occurred November 24, 1893, at the age of 80 years.

Mary, fourth sister, married Jacob Thorn, deceased, late a resident of Chicago, Illinois. She made her home at Delphos, Van Wert and Dixon at different periods, but while residingat the latter place fell a victim to consumption, August 3, 1856, aged 39 years. No children were born to her.

Eliza, fifth sister, was wedded to Matthew Flagg and resided near her mother's homestead in Pleasant township until about 1858, when she, with her children (two sons and a daughter), took up her residence in Van Wert, where she lived until her death, which occured June 23, 1867, at the age of 48 years. Henry J. Flagg, her eldest son, is now residing at Xenia, Ohio, while Mrs. Albina Long, the daughter, and Joseph G. Flagg, the youngest son, resides in Whitley County, Indiana,

Benjamin H. Gleason, youngest son of Joseph Gleason, being a mere boy when the family came to Van Wert County, grew to manhood and cared for his widowed mother until her death, after which he married Castara Ann Potts, and in a few years removed to Greenville, Michigan, where he resided until 1890, then coming to Van Wert County, where he made his home with 'his sister, Mrs. Edson, up to the time of his death, which occured December 19, 1891, aged 68 years. He left no children.