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cer Grinnell, James Gillis (his heirs). O. Hayden, B. H. Hornaman, Tobias Hoonstock, I. P. Hoag, H. W. Hicks, John Hontz, Joel Johnson, James Jones, David Kallen, Jacob Kimmell, Henry Kirtz, Samuel Kirtz, James A. Lee, Jacob Lawyer, David Leminger, James McClellan, James Mather, Dixon Milligan, Madison Morris, Christopher McManus, John McLaughlin, W. and H. A. Martin, Simeon Martin, Jacob Neff, John Neil, Robert Ogle, Rockwell Pratt, James Patterson, Peter Backer, Norton Russell, Jonathan Runkins, Edward Rex, Thomas Sinkey, H. H. Seeley, William Semans, W. B. Stickney, J. B. Snow, Jabez Snow, Charles Sleets, William Sleets, John Skelton, Christopher Singer, David Singer, Alexander Stephens, John Simon, Leonard Sellers, Daniel Tharp, Peter Tucker, William Van Fossen, John J. Webb, John Wenger, H. and 0. Wilson, Joseph Whitehall, D. Worley and Philip Zeigler. Not more than twenty of the above men lived in Florence in 1844.

LIFE IN THE BACKWOODS.

Elias Depew and John D. Martin came to the township in the fall of 1835, and erected a saw-mill on Section 36, on the bank of St. Joseph's River. A dam was built across the stream, and a race, extending across a bend of the river, carried water to the wheel that propelled the saw. The mill being the first in all that section of country, was well patronized from the moment the saw began its slow but regular motion. Lumber from this mill was sold for miles around to the first settlers, and was a God-send to those who otherwise would have been compelled to go twice the distance or do without. When it is recollected that roads, at that time, were poor and without bottom, and teams were generally oxen, thin from constant use and insufficient food, and often so weak that they were scarcely able to draw their own weary limbs from the deep and tenacious mud, the great blessing attending the propinquity of stores and mills of all kinds, will be readily realized. Both Martin and Depew erected small residences, in which their families were domesticated. Improvements were slowly conducted on the farms, but the object of Martin and Depew was to found a village, a full account of which is found further along. In 1838, the grist-mill was built on the same dam by these men, and from the start had a fair patronage. The lumber which was used in its construction was sawed at the saw-mill, and of course consisted wholly of native wood. It has been stated that, before the erection of the grist-mill, a small run of buhrs had been placed in the old saw-mill, and used to crack corn for the few families who lived within five or six miles of the place. The facts could not be ascertained. As stated above, Martin sold out his interest in the mills in about 1840, to John Depew, a brother of Elias, but about four years later the brothers

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transferred their interests in the same to William Semans. After a few years the mills were again sold, and continued, from this onward, operating under various ownerships, and doing, at times, excellent work, until about the time of the last war, when the dam was destroyed, and has not since been rebuilt. In early years the mills were widely known, more, perhaps, from the accommodation afforded settlers, than from any capital merit of the flour ground or lumber sawed. Great trouble was experienced in preserving the dam in times of high water, owing to the sandy nature of the soil used in its construction. The mills would not have been successful, solely on this account, had it not been for the excellent patronage extended them.

INCIDENTS OF PIONEER LIFE.

John Cass (or Case, as it appears on the tax duplicate) was in the township in 1837. Himself and family established themselves in a little log cabin on Section 1, where they resided a few months, and then left the township. This settler is said to have been a relative of Gov. Cass, of Michigan. David Singer, Sr., deserves more credit than perhaps any other man for the hardships himself and family endured, to create a home in the dense forests of Florence. Mr. Singer came to this part of the State in 1836, locating his farm on Section 9, and during the winter of 1836-37, erected a log cabin about forty rods north of where his son now lives. In the meantime, his family lived a short time at Denmark, and later with Robert McDaniel, who then lived on Section 30, Superior Township. In February, 1837, the family took up their residence in their new home, on Section 9. They were very poor, as almost everybody was then, but they had good health, and did not hesitate to face a reasonable amount of privation and toil. At that time there was not a neighbor residing any nearer them than five miles, and their little home was surrounded on all sides by an almost impassable wilderness, filled with wild and savage beasts, and with scarcely less savage Indians. It was all the family could do at first to live. At one time, for four weeks, they lived without any bread whatever, their only food consisting of rice soup and wild meat. They had a little money, and tried at one time to buy a small quantity of potatoes that had had the eyes cut out, but failed, as the man said, "I will not sell, as I can live on potatoes without eyes, but cannot on money." Finally, Mr. Singer started to mill with his grist on his back, going first to Denmark (the Martin & Depew Mill not having yet been erected), but failing there, he went on to Jacob Dillman's, who could not help him, and thence on to Brunersburgh. At the expiration of almost a week, he returned home, carrying severity pounds on his back, and being completely worn out with his load and with fasting. These extreme privations did not last long,

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fortunately, for if they had, the family would have gone back to their old home farther East. ' They soon were enabled to feed and clothe themselves, and were then about as well situated as most of the earliest settlers. There was no such thing as caste in early times ; the settlers were like brothers, for all were poor. Mr. Singer became belated in returning home one night from Denmark, and a heavy storm coming on, he became bewildered and lost. In vain he endeavored to trace his way, as the thick darkness and heavy rain descended. The more he tried the more uncertain he became that he was moving in the right direction. At last he saw that the wisest course was to sit down on a log and wait, either until he was certain of his steps, or until morning had dawned. There he sat all night long, with the cold rain beating upon him, and the dreary winds sweeping by him in chilling gusts and eddies. When morning dawned, he was soon beside a roaring fire, something which every settler had, with no cost save labor. After a few years, the Singers were in better circumstances. They, on one occasion, owned a fine sow, which had a large family of pigs, and these animals were permitted to sleep against the side of the cabin (on the outside), that they might be protected from wolves and bears. One dark night, when Mr. Singer was away, and no one was at home save Mrs. Singer and her little children, the wolves, rendered desperate by hunger, came up to the cabin to attack the sow and pigs. Mrs. Singer resolutely sallied forth with a large fire brand, and drove them away, but they returned, and were again driven away, and then the settler's wife saw that, if she saved her animals, she must guard them with fire all night. A fire was kindled near the cabin, close to the swine, and was kept replenished all night, but the sow and pigs were saved. Such incidents as this were common.

HUNTING EXPLOITS.

Mr. Singer, though not the best hunter in the world (as the expression goes), was quite skillful with his rifle, and generally kept his cabin supplied with wild meat. He killed many deer and a few bears. One day, while he was at work in the woods near his cabin, he was approached by Phillip Nihart, who hurriedly told him that he had treed a bear out in the woods about half a mile distant, and wanted his assistance in killing it. The two settlers, armed for the fight, went to the tree as fast as they could, and found the animal still in the branches. A couple of shots brought it to the ground, dead. On another occasion, not far from the year 1845, Mrs. Singer, who was standing outside her cabin, saw some black animal, about as large as a small dog, walking on the top of a rail fence near by. She approached, and saw with surprise that it was a cub. Calling to her husband, and two or three other men who were chopping

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near : " Here's a bear! here's a bear !" she ran up and caught the little animal by the back of the neck, and, despite its growls and struggles, ran with it to the cabin. The men came up, and, after a few minutes talk, came to the natural conclusion that the mother of the cub was not far distant, and resolved to find her, if possible. The next day, the men, while hunting, found a hollow tree that looked as if it might contain a bear. One of them began cutting it down, and, while thus at work, scared a porcupine, which ran out of a big hole high up in the tree. The men at first thought that this must be the animal that had made the scratches on the sides of the tree ; but, the tree was so near down, the cutting was continued ; and the first thing the chopper knew the report of a rifle rang out on the air, and a large bear fell to the ground within five feet of him, dead. The animal had come out of the opening above, and was seen by Mr. Singer, who brought it to the ground with one shot. The cub was kept for some time, and finally sold for 50 cents, and taken East. Mr. Singer was quite a bee-hunter, and his cabin table was often graced with a fine dish of strained or candied honey. One day, the Indians, who were encamped on the creek about thirty rods east of David Singer, Jr.'s, present residence, wounded a bear, which crawled into a large hollow log, and could not be dislodged. One of their number, who had come from Canada, and whom they did not like, was told that he was too cowardly to enter the log by crawling, and pull the wounded bear out by the leg. It was thought still alive, and full of fight. After a little time, he entered the log head first, and soon emerged, pulling the animal, which was dead, out by the leg. One clay, one of the Indians got drunk, and declared that he would kill his squaw, and proceeded to put his threat into execution. Several Indians came to Mr. Singer, and begged him to interfere, which he accordingly did, and, with their help, bound the desperate savage hand and foot. The mosquitoes were very bad, and pestered the captive to such an extent that he soon came to his senses, and demanded that his bonds be taken off; but, this was refused, until his complete sobriety was assured, and his promises were given that he would behave himself. Mrs. Singer smoked, every year, many venison hams on shares for the Indians. John Singer and David Singer, Jr., one day wounded a deer, and, while trying to cut its throat, were knocked back by the animal, which sprang to its feet, and ran off through the woods. It was afterward caught, with the assistance of the dogs. The Singer family had, for years, a pet deer, with a bell around its neck, which was used as a decoy in hunting. It would meet other deer in the woods, and bring them close to the cabin, when they could easily be shot from some concealment. Samuel Cain, now living in the western part of Northwest Township, located in the township rear Union Corners in

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1838. He tells several interesting hunting incidents. One day, he broke an ox-yoke, and went to William Van Fossen's to get another. While on the way, his dog discovered a cub, and chased it, growling, into the top of a tree. The mother bear appeared upon the scene at this juncture, and charged furiously upon the dog, which nimbly got out of her way. She passed close to Mr. Cain, who swung his hat at her, causing her to veer around him. She ran into a swamp, and was seen no more. Mr. Cain had no gun, but he went some distance and called to Clark's boys. of Superior Township, who came up and shot the cub. On still another occasion, Mr. Cain, John Anspaugh and Jacob Anspaugh were walking in the fresh snow, near the tamarack swamp, in the northeast corner of the township, when they discovered a fresh bear track. They immediately called their dogs, which followed the bear into the swamp, and soon treed it there. John Anspaugh was the first one to reach the tree, and, at the first shot, he brought the animal to the ground. It proved to be a young bear, and its flesh was very tender and sweet. Many stories, similar to the above, might be narrated, but this will suffice to show what sport the early settlers enjoyed.

GENERAL GROWTH OF THE TOWNSHIP.

From 1844 to 1855, the settlement and improvement of Florence was most rapid. All the soil was taken up largely by actual residents, and the heavy forests went down before the ax of the executioner. At first cabins were set in small clearings, where the standing trees were only sufficiently far away to insure the safety of the families from falling trees in case of a severe storm. Such clearings were dotted with stumps and heaps of branches, limbs, roots and logs; but as time passed on, the results of constant industry were visible in broad fields without a stump or an encumbering heap of dead forest remains. Crops became more abundant; the acreage of grain and other farm productions rapidly multiplied; success in the creation of homes became assured; competence slowly took the place of want; roads were established and bridges built; wet tracts of land were reclaimed by wise systems of drainage; the causes of malarial ills were largely removed; sufficient, comfortable, and even fashionable clothing usurped the place of buckskin and " linsey-woolsey ;" larger and better residences drove the primitive log-cabins tG decay and ruin, but not forgetfulness ; stores and mills were established at cross-roads and along well-traveled highways ; and schools and churches came to strengthen the intellectual and moral being. The early settlement of the township was quite equally distributed, as, in 1845, rude log cabins could be seen every mile or two within its limits. One of the most striking features of the early settlement and improvement was the

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wholesale destruction of the forests. Every available means was employed to give whole farms of magnificent timber to swift and indiscriminate destruction. Log rollings, where from ten to forty men assembled, were to be seen every day throughout the year, and the air was scarcely ever free from heavy clouds of smoke and falling ashes. Thus time slipped away, until to-day some sections of the township are hardly yet out of the woods. Country industries sprang into life here and there in the township, to supply home demand. Benjamin C. Pickle, an old settler and an excellent citizen, started an ashery at Union Corners at a very early day, and at the same time sold goods from a small stock he kept on hand. Goods were given in exchange for ashes, and the latter was manufactured into potash and sold. The old ashery is yet in existence. Several small stores and many asheries were started an various parts of the township, until at last the foundation of villages led to their discontinuance.

TOWN OF EDON.

In 1850, there were three families living on the present site of the incorporated village of Edon—those of Henry Stuller, John Garwood and Thomas Smith. In 1855, Andrew Sheline built a small log cabin_ about fifteen rods north of the corner at Edon. A short time before this. Mr. Sheline, with the assistance of several neighbors, had cut down about two acres of forest at the northeast corner of the principal cross streets, and here he erected a steam saw-mill, which began operating in May. 1856. Stuller lived some distance west of the crossing, Garwood southwest, and Smith east, and all lived in log houses. In 1866, the saw-mill was sold to Mr. Hill, and afterward to various other parties. This mill. entirely new and in a different location, is yet in operation. In 1856. Mr. Sheline erected a grist-mill at Edon. The structure was two-storied, about 30x30 feet, contained two sets of buhrs and was operated by the same engine that propelled the machinery of the saw-mill. John Allen bought an interest in both mills in about 1860. A few years ago, the old grist-mill was moved a short distance south, and has since been used as a town-hall, a cooper-shop, a warehouse, etc. In 1876, Wesley Thomas and James Robinett erected a new grist-mill, at a cost of about $7,000. It is a frame structure, two stories in height and has three runs of stone. Lately it has been doing good work. In 1866, Andrew She-line and Joseph Allomong erected a three-story frame building, 40x60 feet, at a cost of about $2,000, designing the same for a woolen factory. Three looms, one jack of 220 spindles, a set (three machines) of forty-eight inch manufacturing cards, a twenty-four inch double-roll card, a picker, a napper, a dresser, a fuller, a scourer and an excellent engine were placed in this building, at a cost of about $13,000, waking the total

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cost of building and equipments not less than $15,000. At that time, just at the close of the war, woolen machinery commanded almost fabulous prices, and, in view of subsequent events, the wisdom of the enterprise at Edon may be seriously doubted. At first, an excellent business of carding, spinning, weaving and dressing was done, there being not less than seventy thousand pounds of wool used during each of the first two or three years. For several years after that, from fifty thousand to sixty thousand pounds were used ; but after that the business decreased to an average of about twenty-five thousand pounds per annum. About twelve years ago. Allomong sold his interest to Sheline, and the latter, a year ago, sold to his son, Eli 13. Sheline. As the woolen business gradually decreased, stave manufacturing machinery, a shingle saw, a molding machine, a handle machine and other apparatus were placed in the building. The wood work done for several years past is worth at least $20,000 per annum and the woolen work about the same, making a total manufacturing capacity of not less than $40,000 per year. It can be justly said that this is not only the most important industrial establishment ever at Edon, but one of the most important in the county or in Northwestern Ohio. An average of eight or ten workmen has been constantly employed.

MERCANTILE PURSUITS.

A man named Herbert built a small plank house on the northwest corner about 1856, and began selling from a stock of notions, valued at about $75. He built an ashery, and conducted it and the store until his death a few years later. Robert Smith, John Aller and Dr. Ezra Mann, located at Edon in about 1857 or 1858. Mr. Smith built a storehouse, and placed therein about $1,000 worth of a general assortment of goods. This was about 1858. Two or three years later, his goods went to George Huber, who did a. lucrative business with his store and with his sale of liquor. In about 1866 or 1867, he sold to Cook & Eichelberger, both of whom retired from the business in a few years. Klink Brothers probably went into the same room with a stock of goods next; but, after a few years, built the hardware storeroom, and, in about 1869 or 1870, sold to C. S. Garrison and C. A. Bowersox. Mr. Bowersox soon sold out to Garrison, who has since been in business in the town. John Aller and George Ball, under the firm name of Aller & Ball, opened a store about 1868 or 1869 ; but after a few years retired. John W. Thomas was in some way associated with them in business for a time, and afterward continued alone. Ilis stock finally went to Young & Garside. A year ago Garside secured the entire interest. Walter Young opened a store in about 1875 or 1876, but sold to R. A. Haskins about four years later. Mr. Aller opened a drug store after he had disposed of his dry

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goods, and continued until about 1877, when he sold out to T. S. Car-vin & Co., who are yet in business. Klink Brothers sold hardware for a time. David Holmes bought him out, but, later, sold to James Robinett, who, in about 1879, transferred his stock to Charles Hine. Emmet Burke now owns the stock. The principal physicians in the villiage have been, in about the order of their coming, Ezra Mann, Edwin Knepper, J. G. Cameron (there at present), Dr. Marvin, Dr. Webb, John Shutt, Dr. Phillips, George W. Noble (yet there), and Dr. Williams. The Postmasters have been John Klink, C. S. Garrison, James Garside and T. S. Carvin, the present agent of Uncle Sam. A few years ago David Hissong and Andrew Sheline built fine frame hotels. This was one of the results of the railroad boom. In the autumn of 1873, Robinett & Burke built a saw-mill, but about two years later the former sold to Eli She-line. In 1878, Burke sold his interest to John King. Several others owned interests in the mill. At present David Hisso ng ovens two-thirds interest, and Mr. Metzler one-third. Jacob Brosey and Frank Studor built a saw-mill about 1860. Among the owners of this mill have been Samuel and Daniel Cook, John Willibee, Emmet Burke and John Wagner. It is now owned by Cook & Wagner, who have placed in the mill a planing machine and a side-sawing machine. The Hissong Mill was burned a year ago, but was soon rebuilt.

INCORPORATION OF EDON.

It was not until after the last war, and after the village had attained considerable size, that lots were properly laid out and recorded at Bryan. In September, 1867, Andrew Sheline, Robert Lees, Conrad Yockey, Thomas Smith, George W. Hunter, John Aller, Thomas Laux, Samuel Cook, Jacob Keltenbach, John Klink and George Huber, owners and proprietors of the land, employed a surveyor and laid out forty-one lots on the southwest quarter of Section 16, the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 17, and the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 21, and named the village "Weston." At that time the village had a population of some ten or twelve families. In December, 1868, Rebecca Garwood made an addition of seventeen lots, the same being laid out on the northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 20. In August, 1873, H. S. Hine made an addition of sixty-five inlots and ten outlots, from the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 16, and the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 21. In April, 1874, Andrew Sheline made an addition of some seven or eight blocks, on the east half of the southeast quarter of Section 17. In October, 1874, Joseph Garwood had attached to the village an addition of two blocks of eight lots each, surveyed on the

458 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.

northeast quarter of Section 20. In December, 1874, H. S. Hine attached his second addition, which consisted of forty-one lots on the north half of the northwest quarter of Section 21. In May, 1874, a petition signed by fifty citizens of Edon was presented the County Commissioner by H. S. Hine, praying that the village might be incorporated under the name of Edon, and that it might have the following bounds: The southwest quarter of Section 16, the, southeast quarter of Section 17, the northeast quarter of Section 20, and the northwest quarter of Section 21. Action on this petition was deferred by the County Commissioners until the same had been amended, so that the following land was stricken out of the bounds to be incorporated as above given : The southwest quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 20, the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 21, the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 16, and the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 17. The prayer of the amended petition was granted August 13, 1874.

MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS AND OFFICERS.

On Monday, the 5th of April, 1875, the first election of village officers was held in Edon, James Pollit, Jacob J. Burkhart and Hiram Merchant being Judges of Election, and James H. Smith and D. M. Mowry, Clerks. Seventy-nine votes were polled with the following result: Erastus Hoadley, Mayor; Robert R. Lees, Clerk; S. F. Garwood, Treasurer; B. F. Ewan, Marshal; David Hissong, Solicitor; Andrew Sheline, Jonathan Burke and J. P. Rummel, Councilmen for two years; H. S. Hine, J. W. Thomas and Eli Sheline, Councilmen for one year. The Council at first met in the Sheline House, but, in autumn, 1875, a combined jail and council room was built at a cost of about $500. David Darr became the first Street Commissioner. The first corporation tax was levied May 25, 1875, as follows: One mill for general corporation purposes; one mill for building street crossings; one half of one mill for fees for Marshal; and six mills for building corporation prison and council room, making a total of eight and one-half mills. In April, 1876, E. R. Sheline was elected Clerk; J. W. Thomas, James Robinett and Samuel Cook, Councilmen. In April, 1877, Jonathan Burke was elected Mayor; E. It. Sheline, Clerk; S. S. Eyster, Treasurer; J. C. Day, Marshal; Andrew Sheline, E. Everhart and F. B. Metzler, Councilmen. J. M. Shutt was appointed Solicitor. In the fall of 1877, A. W. Lewis was elected Marshal. In April, 1878, J. W. Thomas, James Robinett and Samuel Cook became Councilmen. In April, 1879, Jonathan Burke was elected Mayor; E. R. Sheline, Clerk; S. S. Eyster, Treasurer; T. P. Hoadley, Marshal; C. W. Dean, Street Commissioner; Walter Young, H. S. Hine and A. Sheline, Councilmen. In August, 1879, J. W. StulIer was

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elected Marshal. In April, 1880, A. W. Lewis was elected Marshal and Street Commissioner; John Brooks, S. F. Garwood, T. S. Carvin and A. Kuster, Councilmen. In April, 1881, Jonathan Burke became Mayor; Solon Burke, Clerk; S. S. Eyster, Treasurer; A. W. Lewis, Street Commissioner; Sylvan us Dailey, Marshal; Jacob Metzler, Samuel Cook, Rufus Isenhart and Jacob Keltenbach, Councilmen. In May, 1881, Henry Allwood was appointed Marshal, but he refused to serve, and Adolph Krause was appointed in his stead. In April, 1882, David Hissong was elected Mayor; Solon Burke, Clerk; John Klink, Treasurer; S. S. Eyster, Marshal; Andrew Sheline, Street Commissioner (he did not qualify, and Eli Sheline took his place) ; Andrew Kuster and William Latimer, Councilmen.

SECRET SOCIETIES.

Florence Lodge, No. 545, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted July 1, 1873, by W. C. Earl, P. G. M. and Special Deputy, with the following charter members: James Pollit, J. W. Thomas, Henry King, Samuel Keiss, O. B. Johnson, W. H. Hillard, Joseph Garwood, John Zimmerman, John Friend, J. W. Stuller, John Bordner, Frederick Mocherman and David Keiss. The first officers were John Friend, N. G.; David Keiss, V. G.; O. B. Johnson, Secretary; John Zimmerman, P. S.; Henry King, Treas. The present officers are T. S. Carvin, N. G.; R. M. Isenhart, V. G.; E. Leek, R. S.; J. M. Toner, P. S.. S. S. Eyster, Treas. The lodge now numbers fifty-seven members, pays a rent of $65 per annum for its hall, owns property worth $600, and has in funds about $1,000. The charter is dated May 14, 1873.

Edon Lodge, No. 474, A., F. & A. M., was instituted July 17, 1873, by Norman Relyea, with the following charter members: J. G. Cameron, Emmet Burke, John Aller, C. S. Garrison, Norman Relyea, J. A. Headley, J. D. McConnell, Frederick Coldsnow, Edwin Powers, H. S. Hine, William Malcom, Robert Longhead, C. A. Headley, G. B. Near, James Thorne, T. J. Fetterhoof, Jacob Haughey, H. Spangler, John Willibee, Jr., G. W. Lindersmith, Thomas Davis, D. Isenhart, Sylvester Isenhart, W. J. Pardy, Hezekiah Edwards, Sr., Hezekiah Edwards, Jr., T. J. Burlew, Hiram Hoadley, Jr., Fred Hardenbrook, C. McKillen, Henry Cassler and Simon Bookmiller. The first officers were Norman Relyea, W. M.; J. G. Cameron, S. W.; Emmet Burke, J. W.; John Aller, See.; Hiram Hoadley, Treas.; H. Edwards, Jr., S. D. J. D. McConnell, J. D.; G. W. Lindersmith, Tiler. The present officers are T. S. Carvin, W. M.; F. P. Davis, S. W.; J. M. Toner, J. W.; F. X. Hager, Treas.; L. W. Johnson, Sec.; H. Edwards, Jr., S. D.; F. Cassel, J. D.; George Huber, Tiler. The charter was granted October 22, 1873. The

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lodge pays rent of $50 per annum, has property valued at $600, and numbers fifty-four members.

Boone Post of the Grand Army of the Republic was instituted May 23, 1882, by T. Q. Waterhouse, District Mustering Officer, with the following charter members : William Miller, H. S. Snyder, Curtis Garrison, R. D. Scott, R. H. Chesholm, David Singer, H. H. Root, John Kentner, S. D. Dailey, David Darr, Israel Willabee, P. J. King, Conrad Zwiehy, Christian Snyder, Leander Carlin, Wesley Bowersox, David She-line and Mr. Carl. The first and present officers are B. F. Ewan, P. C.; L. W. Johnson, S. V. C.; George Alberts, J. V. C.; A. W. Lewis, Adjt.; Erastus Hoadley, Q. M.; John Stuller, Sergt.; S. S. Eyster, Chaplain ; Edward Everhart, O. of D.; John W. Cox, O. of G.; Hiram Merchant, S. M.; Benjamin Esterline, Q. M. S. The lodge meets every first and third Wednesday nights of each month, and pays for its hall as rent $9 for three months.

The Good Templars have had organizations in Edon, though little could be learned of them.

ITEMS OF PRESENT AND FUTURE INTEREST.

The population of Edon, in 1860, was about sixty; in 1870, about two hundred ; at present, about six hundred and .fifty. The various branches of trade and industry are represented to-day by the following firms and individuals : Dry goods, C. S. Garrison, James Garside; hardware, Emmet Burke; grocery, M. Bowman; furniture, Palmer & Allomong; harness shop, J. G. Brooks ; jewelry, Theodore Peters; agricultural implements, Johnson & Burke; millinery, Mrs. John Aller, Miss H. Lees; restaurant, George Huber ; hotels, Andrew Sheline, David Hissong; blacksmiths, Gus Yackey, Steiffel & Thiel ; saw-mills, D. His-song, Cook & Wagner; grist-mill, Nichols & Fee; woolen and handle factory, Sheline & Son; barber, J. W. Stuller; butchers, Manerhan & Long, A. Daub; wagon-shop, Charles Steiffel ; pump and tin shop, A. Kuster; livery, Huber & Albert; washing machines, S. S. Eyster; undertaking, John Newman ; cooper shop, H. H. Root; shoe shops, Rhine & Engle, George Hauck, J. Kauffman ; drugs and books, T. S. Carvin & Co.; insurance, J. M. Toner; cheese factory, J. M. Welker; windmills and scales, Toner & Sheline; lumber dealers, Fitzgerald & Huber, A. Strauser, Allomong & Lees ; photographer, Riley Harger; cigar manufactory, Benjamin Bowman; brick manufactory, Kalterbach & Kiser; galvanized iron works, Andrew Kuster; paint shops, Thomas Myers, Luke Brothers.

TOWN OF BLAKESLEE.

In November, 1880, John Boman laid out fifty-six lots on the south-

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east quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 34, and named the vii lage thus founded in honor of S. E. Blakeslee, an eminent lawyer and distinguished citizen of Bryan. An addition of eighteen lots was made in December, 1881. John Boman had lived upon the village site since April, 1853. The second house was erected in October, 1880, by J. N. Chilcote, and the third by Theodore Long in April, 1881. The fourth was built by John 0. Street. The Long building was a store, as was also the Street building, though the latter was used as a dwelling. R. A. Leonard opened a small grocery; J. K. Deal did the same ; J. F, Snyder opened a hotel. Others who built dwellings were Jacob Shoup, Peter Hewart, Peter Monn and others. Chilcote had the first stock of good.'. Other merchants have been John Somerlott, Long Brothers, Henry Lines, Martin Redman, John Boman and J. O. Street. Chilcote & Somerlott built a saw-mill in February, 1881. The citizens of the village gave depot grounds and right of way to the railroad company, besides about $1,000 in money. G. H. Meredith is the present station agent. James Fitzgerald opened a lumber yard in 1881, and has on hand several thousand dollars' worth of lumber. Conrad Sachar's Addition to Blakeslee was made in November, 1881, and consisted of thirty-six lots on the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 35.

VILLAGE OF WEST BUFFALO.

In November, 1836, John D. Martin, owner and proprietor, employed a surveyor and laid out 157 lots on the southeast fraction of Section 36, and named the village thus founded West Buffalo. During the latter part of 1838, he sold the village property to the Depew Brothers, and, in 1840, sold his interest in the saw-mill and grist-mill to them also, as stated a few pages back. The Depew Brothers made efforts to sell the Iots, and for a time seemed reasonably certain of success, but notwithstanding the inducement held forth by the presence of the mills, only four lots (noticed further back) were ever sold, and they were purchased by a man who never expected to locate upon them. In about 1847, the town lots were sold, and the Depew Brothers retired to more lucrative fields. A few houses were built there later, a blacksmith came on, and a merchant appeared with a small stock of goods, but after this had gone on in a very feeble and sickly state for many years, the land was surrendered to the adjoining farms, and West Buffalo died without hope of resurrection.

DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION.

In about 1843, a small Iog schoolhouse was built on Section 32, in the northwestern part of the township. Lawyer Welch, of Bryan, was one of the first teachers. This house was used about ten years, when it was

462 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.

destroyed by fire, and a small frame was built near there to take its place. The present house in that district was built about six years ago. Among the families that sent children to the old log house were those of George Perkey, S. Martin, Moses Tomus, Solomon Parker, James McClarren, and perhaps others. At New Berlin was a log schoolhouse as early as 1846. Those who were interested in this school were the Arnolds, Edwin Wells, William Van Fossen, George White and others. It is said that the Arnolds had several terms of school before the first schoolhouse was built, the sessions being held in their cabins as early as 1843. Benjamin Arnold opened a store, and also manufactured potash. Godfrey and others kept store there. John Lake kept an ashery there also. A post office was established at the residence of Judge Martin Perkey in 1843, he being the Postmaster. The little village thus formed was called New Berlin, from a place in the East where the Arnolds came from. Henry and Joseph Dittenhaver built a steam saw-mill there in about 1854. It has been idle for the last eight or ten years. In the summer of 1842, a term of school was taught in the cabin of Samuel Cain, near Union Corners, by 'Miss Olive Thompson, twho afterward became Mrs. Ferrier. Cain had five or six children, and Charles Allman sent two, and that, so far as recollected. constituted her enrollment. She was paid about $1 a week, and taught for two months. In about the year 1844 or 1845, a schoolhouse was built near B. C. Pickle's. Abigail Gordon is said to have been one of the first teachers in this house. It was used a few years, when a frame school building was erected on land donated by B. C. Pickle. Among those who sent children in this district early were B. C. Pickle, Samuel Cain and Levi Campbell. Some fourteen years ago, a frame schoolhouse was built about half a mile south of Union Corners. Daniel Singer, Sr., had built a log cabin where Mrs. Singer, Sr., now lives, for his father, an old man who had come to the county with him. The old man did not remain there long, and the house was used for school and church purposes. The first term of school was taught in this house in about 1843, but about the year 1847, a small log schoolhouse was erected about half a mile east of the Singer Corners. Enoch Thomas and Theodore Beeso taught in the old Singer cabin. Hannah Miller taught the first school in the log schoolhouse near the first old M. E. Church, east of Singer's Corners. In about 1850, this large school district—which included about twelve square miles—was divided, and schoolhouses were built a mile west of what is now Edon; a mile east of Edon ; two miles northwest of Edon ; two miles northeast of Edon ; and, about the same time, schoolhouses were built in two or three places in the southern part. It was about 1850 or 1852 that the township was divided into school districts, much as it is at present, except the school at Edon. This gave to

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about every district a schoolhouse of some kind. In the summer of 1881, the first term was taught in the village of Blakeslee, in a building belonging to Peter Hewart, by Mrs. Englesaw, but before the expiration of the term, this lady was taken sick, and Cora Shell was employed to finish the term. The term was three months, and each scholar paid the teacher 75 cents for the entire time.

THE SCHOOLS OF EDON.

Previous to the winter of 1874-75, the children of Edon went east and west one mile to the country schools ; but, at the latter date, Solomon Metzler was employed to teach in a large room in the Sheline House, which he did to the satisfaction of the citizens. During the following summer, Mrs. Hattie Miller taught a select school, and the succeeding winter William Holmes taught in what is now the Masonic Hall. On the 10th of March, 1876, the following men were elected members of the first Board of Education : J. G. Cameron, James Robinett, James Gar-side, Andrew Sheline, William Latimer and Jonathan Burke. J. G. Cameron became President of the Board, and James Garside, Clerk. On the 10th of April, 1876, the Board authorized the levy of a tax of three mills for tuition and contingent fund, and four mills for building fund. May 13, 1876, pursuant to a notice to that effect, the citizens of the corporation voted upon the question of raising the sum of $1,500 by three annual assessments, the same to be used in the construction of a schoolhouse. Thirty-one votes were polled for the levy, and thirteen against it, showing that only about half the strength of the town turned out to the election. May 29, bonds for $1,500 were ordered prepared and sold. About this time, it began to appear that trouble would ensue over the question of the location of the schoolhouse. Citizens in the western part wanted it built on the Garwood lots, while those in the eastern part wanted it on the Gearhart lots. Finally, after considerable maneuvering, the question was submitted to vote, and carried by a majority of seven in favor of the Garwood lots, in the western part. Specifications for the house were drawn up, and sealed proposals for the contract of erecting the building were solicited, with the following result: Peter Rake (frame), $1,900 ; Andrew Sheline (frame), $1,780; Hiram Merchant (frame), $1,795; Peter Rake (brick), $2,425 ; Andrew Sheline (brick), $2,425 ; J. Kalterbach (brick), $2,500. The Board at first accepted the proposal of Andrew Sheline to build a frame house for $1,780 ; but, later, reconsidered the acceptance, to consider a new proposal from Mr. Sheline to construct a brick school building, much after the style of the specifications, for $2,000. The contract was closed at this price, and the Garwood lots, four in number, were purchased for $200 ; $1,500 were to be paid on the building

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as soon as the bonds could be negotiated, and the balance as soon as the house was completed. Three bonds, each for $500, were issued, bearing interest at eight per cent per annum, payable semi-annually, and were purchased by Mr. Sheline at their face value. It is said that the bonds were really owned by Eastern capitalists. The building, a two-storied brick, was erected during the following fall and winter, and has since been in use. In September, 1877, the enumeration was fifty-four males and sixty-eight females ; and at this time, R. A. Heritage was employed as Principal, and Miss Emma Fulton as Assistant, to teach the school. T. J. Saunders and wife were the next teachers, remaining two or three years. The present Principal is F. B. Monosmith. Among the assistants have been Miss Nellie Starr, Rufus Isenhart and Miss Jennie Bowman. In June, 1880, it was voted, sixteen for and two against, to levy sufficient tax to pay the remainder ($650) of the schoolhouse bonded debt. This was accomplished, and the house is now free from debt. In December, 1879, the Board decided to grant diplomas to students who finished the course in the grammar department. In 1880, the first class, as follows, graduated: Fen Rice, Edward Brooks, David Holmes, Herbert Kerns, William Ruse, Emma Kuster, Della Bratton, Clara Fetters and Nellie Hine. In 1881, the following class graduated from the same department: Viola Osfall, Dosia Luke, Henry Myers, Clement Wagner and Walter Cory. In the meantime, a high school department had been erected, and in 1881 the following class was graduated from this department: Nellie Hine, Clara Fetters and Herbert Kern. The village schoolmen are apparently as much in favor of red tape as the average Congressman.

CHURCHES.

One of the first religious organizations in the township was established at the house of James Coon, in the northern part. Afterward, the class met at the old Tomus Schoolhouse, but finally moved to Columbia. Full account of this society will be found in the chapter on Northwest Township. An old log cabin, which had been built by David Singer, Sr., for his father, was the first church edifice in the central part of the township. It was located on the Singer farm, and at first there were two classes, which met there—English Methodists and German Methodists. Among the leaders of the former were George Donutt and Mr. Webb, and, among the latter, Singer, Newman, Estey, Allomong, Solseaver and others. Among the first ministers were Revs. Havener and Cline ; the latter conducted a revival in the old Singer cabin ; and, among those who joined them, were Gahn, Baker and Shutt. In about 1848 or 1850, both classes united means, and built a hewed-log church about half a mile west of the Singer Corners. Those who helped build it were Singer, Allo-

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mong, Donutt, Burke, Palmer, Willibee and others. David Singer, Jr., then about thirteen years old, carried water for the men to drink. It was a very warm day, and, while the work was rapidly progressing. ,), severe hail storm swept over, driving the men into the schoolhouse near there for shelter. George Donutt was one of the most prominent members ever in this house. Ile was a minister, and, while preaching or praying, had a peculiar habit of gesticulating with one hand, and grasping his ear with the other. He would change hands frequently, apparently to give fluency to his tongue and precision to his thoughts, and, it is even asserted that, when he wished to say something unusually impressive, he would stop gesticulating, and clasp both ears with his hands, and then his genius of scorching sinners was most brilliant and phenomenal. The hewed-log church was used until about 1864 or 1865, when the small frame church, one mile north of Edon, was built. Wonderful meetings and revivals were had in this old house. Judge Bowersox taught singing school there. Three or four years ago, a Dunkard society, which had been organized a few years before, purchased the church, and yet own it. The remnants of the Methodist class meet at Edon to worship. The Methodist Episcopal Church at Edon was built four years ago, and cost about $3,500. The class is in prosperous condition. The German Methodist Church, in the northwest corner of the township, was erected about twenty years ago, and cost about $2,000. This class was formed about twenty-five years ago, and was really an offshoot of the Singer class, re-enforced by citizens in the northwestern part. The class was unable to build a church until as stated. It met in schoolhouses; but is now in a fairly prosperous condition in the church. The German Reformers, in the northwestern part, organized a class about thirty years ago in the Tom us Schoolhouse. Thirteen years ago, a small church was built, the cost being about $900. Among the members were Gerhart, Boisier, Coleberger, Miller, Rapp, Myers, Stoneberger and Weigel. Rev. Wendel Wasnick attended the class for about twenty-five years. The new church was built three years ago, under the ministration of Rev. John Ruhl. The class now numbers about twenty. The Disciple class at Edon was organized about 1856, in the residence of John Luke, with about the following members : George Kintner and wife, A. Sheline and wife, John Luke and wife, Silas Luke and wife, Sirenus Palmer and others. Their church, which cost $1,500, was built some fourteen years ago. . At that time, the membership was about fifty. Sunday school was started then, and has been conducted ever since. Elder M. M. Gleason conducted a revival four years ago, at which time about twenty-five new members joined the class. The present membership is about fifty. St. Paul's German Lutheran Church was erected in 1872, and

468 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.

cost $1,800. The building committee were Martin Myers, George Zebt and Jacob Kalterbach, Peter Rich was the contractor. The class was first organized in 1866, by Frederick Grimm, pastor. Among the early members were Martin Young, Paul Metzler, William Rockey, Jacob Kalterbach, Martin Myers, Jacob Kiser, Conrad Zeiter, Conrad Baker, John Allomong, George Kiser, George Kurtz and John Lump. The class met in the Lash Schoolhouse for a time. The ministers have been Frederick Grimm, Frederick Muschman and William Wacky, the present pastor. The present membership is about forty-five. The class have a sectarian school, the pastor being teacher, but only a few terms have been taught. The St. Joseph Catholic Church, north of Blakeslee, was built about seventeen years ago, and cost $4,000. Seven families constituted the first class; now there are about fifty families. The priests have been Cary, Baker, Eiler, Bruschler, Fockt, Peters, and Mattis at present. Among the present members are Thill, Calbly, Fry, Ley, Houser, Hewart and Blinzler. A year ago, the fine church was destroyed by fire, and the incendiary was detected and sent to the penitentiary for fifteen years. He had no excuse for his crime. The class is at present erecting a large brick church on the same site. A Catholic schoolhouse was built near the church a number of years ago, though but few terms have been taught. The new brick church is expected to cost, when fully completed, about $8,000, and will be by far the finest in the township.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP.

BY M. B. PLUMMER.

Beaver Creek is the only stream of any importance in the township of Jefferson. Its course is almost due south, and affords water sufficient to run mills.

OLD TOWNSHIP OF BEAVER.

In 1834, Beaver Township was organized, including the territory now contained in Jefferson and Pulaski Townships. The first election was held at the house of Alonzo Rawson, in the villiage of La Fayette (now called Pulaski), and Joseph Moss and Jabez Jones were elected Justices of the Peace, and their commissions are dated October 16, 1834. At the March session, 1835, the Commissioners attached the lands lying north of the Fulton and south of the Harris lines to Beaver Township.

ORGANIZATION OF JEFFERSON.

March 6, 1837, Jefferson Township was organized, embracing Town-

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ships 7 and 8 north, Range 3 east, and containing about forty-three square miles, being the largest in territory in the county. The first election was held July 2, 1837, at the house of Andrew Ferrier, Jr. Thomas Reid was elected Justice of the Peace; Joseph Engle, Thomas Reid and Andrew Ferrier, Sr., were elected Trustees; David Wilson, Clerk, and Andrew Ferrier, Constable.

FIRST SETTLERS.

John Perkins and family were the first settlers in this township. They moved from Brunersburgh in the spring of 1833, and settled near where the village of Pulaski is now located. Mr. Perkins was born in the State of Virginia about the year 1770 ; came to Ross County, Ohio, and married a Miss Dawson. The fruits of said marriage were three sons and four daughters. Isaac Perkins and Malinda Plummer, son and daughter, are now living in the county. Isaac Perkins came to Williams County in 1818, and, with his father, settled at Brunersburgh, and has been a resident of the county sixty-five years. Mrs. John Perkins died. in Ross County, and he married Abigail Jones, daughter of David Jones, and sister of Jabez Jones, now of Bryan, to whom were born seven children, three sons and four daughters. Dr. Jazeb Perkins, of Michigan ; Elijah Perkins, living near Pulaski, and in this township; Mrs. Nancy Rawson and Mrs. Susana Masters, of Pioneer, and Abby Hester of said township, are still living. Mr. Perkins built the first mills at Brunersburg, and in 1833 sold his property to a Mr. Bruner, who subsequently laid out the village of Brunersburgh. He built the first mill in this county ; he laid out the village of La Fayette (now called Pulaski), and sold the undivided one-half to John Patterson, of Columbus, Ohio. When the county seat was removed from Defiance, it was generally supposed that it would be located at La Fayette.

Eli Oliver moved from Pickaway County, Ohio, in the fall of 1833, and settled on the lands now occupied by his children, Virginia Beerbower and James Oliver, who have resided in Jefferson Township the longest time, coming here in 1834.

Jabez Jones was born in Hampshire County, Va., June, 1792; while young, he, with his father's family, came to Ross County, Ohio. He came to Jefferson Township in the spring of 1834 ; was elected the first Justice of the Peace in Northwestern Ohio, and he is now living in Bryan, at the advanced age of ninety years. He was a soldier of the war of 1812 ; was at Upper Sandusky (now Fremont), with Gen. Harrison. At the celebration at Bryan, July 4, 1876, Mr. Jones, with six other soldiers of 1812, sat on the stand; these have all passed on before him. G. W. Myers, now living in Bryan, moved from Huron County, Ohio, to Jefferson Township, and was one of the live working men. He

470 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.

landed September 13, 1837, and settled on the farm now owned by the county, and known as the " Infirmary Farm." In 1838, he was elected Township Clerk, and held that position for many years. In 1840, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and re-elected for three terms.

Albert Opdycke, another of the soldiers of 1812, with R. H. Gilson, moved from Trumbull County, Ohio, and settled in Jefferson Township. Ile was one of the hardy pioneers and reared a large family of boys, of whom John and Heman are still living in the county. He cleared up a large farm, was loved and respected by all, and was twice elected Commissioner of Williams County. He lived more than fourscore years, and was one of the pillars of the M. E. Church. His house was the home of wearied itinerant preachers, who were always welcome. Many yet remember the name of "Pap" Opdycke. He has passed over Jordan and his works do follow him. Jacob Boyers (now of Clinton, Mo.) moved from Crawford County, Ohio, in 1835, and settled on the farm now owned by George Arnold (and known as the Andrew Smith farm). Mr. Boyers was energetic, loved to give and take a joke, full of fun and enjoyed himself in the company of his friends. George W. Perky came from Hancock County, Ohio, and settled on the farm now owned by the heirs of Jacob Folk. He was smart, but an oddity. Once, as one of his neighbors was passing, Perky was chopping out the road in a cat swamp. He remarked that "we read that God divided the land from the water, but here is a place He forgot." Andrew Ferrier and his sons moved from Coshocton County in 1835, and erected the first mill in this township on Beaver Creek, in 1837. His wife and self built the dam of cobble stones. The building was of logs. The wheat was ground, and conveyed to the second story by hand. The miller put the unbolted flour in a hole in the floor, while the patron turned the reel with the bolt on. In this way the early settlers procured their flour. The old man was a Presbyterian minister of the Gospel. Andrew Smith (now of Bryan, Ohio) moved from Coshocton County in 1837, and erected the first saw-mill. Henry Newman erected the second saw-mill. Joseph Moudy moved from Pick-away County, Ohio, in 1835, and settled in Pulaski ; thence removed to Jefferson Township, and was there at the organization of the same and was elected Township Treasurer and Justice of the Peace. For fun, jokes and satire, his equal could not be found. Ephraim Plummer came from Ross County in the fall of 1834. John Shankster and sons moved from Ross County in 1835, and settled on the lands now occupied by him. Joseph Bush (now of Florence Township) was one of the early settlers. John Snyder, John and William Barger, George Dorshimer, Jacob Andrew, Joseph Engle, Turner Thompson and Isaac Fickle were among the first settlers of this township. Henry Miller moved from

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Stark County, Ohio, and settled on the land now owned by Martin Burns, at which place he subsequently started a carding machine run by horse-power. The first settlers of this part of the county had to go to Brunersburgh for their flour and corn-meal and pirogue it up Bean. Creek, making their headquarters at Daniel Colgan's, in Springfield Township. It would take from four to six days to make a trip, and when they did arrive, at times the flour made " sick bread." Many of the first settlers commenced to clear their lands and plant corn by making a hole in the ground with an ax. Jabez Jones, Andrew Smith, George W. Myers, George Dorshimer, John Shankster, Jacob Boyers and Jacob Andre are the only ones living of the old settlers. It is true that many of their children and grandchildren are still living.

PRODUCTS OF FIELD AND FOREST.

Wheat, corn, oats, rye, buckwheat, hay, clover-seed, flax-seed, potatoes, turnips, sweet potatoes are the principal crops produced in this township ; horses, mules, cattle, hogs and sheep are raised in abundance; apples, peaches, pears and small fruits are generally a sure crop. Originally the lands were covered with large trees, consisting of black and white walnut, poplar, blue and gray ash, sugar-maple and red elm. The forest abounded with bear, deer, wolves, turkeys, raccoons, minks, foxes, squirrels and rabbits, and from these the tables of the early settlers were supplied with meat. One of the old settlers once informed me that Williams County could not have been settled had they been deprived of basswood bark and coonskins. The skins were traded for tea, coffee, sugar and clothing. The log-chain and bed-cord were made from the bark of the basswood. Venison, corn or johnny-cake, and rye coffee or spice-wood tea were considered a good meal. Wild bees were plenty, and in the fall of the year honey was obtained in large quantities.

EFFORT FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE COUNTY SEAT.

After the division of the county in 1845, there was much dissatisfaction on account of the county-seat being located at Bryan, and petitions were put in circulation for its removal—one being for its location on lands now owned by Jared Graves, of Jefferson Township.

GRADUAL DEVELOPMENT.

The financial condition of the county was poor, the indebtedness being some $20,000. The future prosperity of the township did not look favorable. But with a strong arm the early pioneers went to work with a will, emigration came into the township, and in 1850 she had doubled her population. The completion of the Air-Line Branch of the Lake

472 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.

Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad through the county gave new life to the farmers, and to-day the citizens of this township feel proud that they have one of the best townships in Northern Ohio.

FIRST BIRTH, DEATH AND MARRIAGE.

Eliza Hood, daughter of Andrew Hood, was the first person born in this township. Mary Perkins, daughter of John Perkins, was the first person who died. January 1, 1837, Andrew Hood and Elizabeth Reid were married, they being the first.

EARLY MARKETS.

Before the building of the railroad through the county, the farmers had to haul their wheat to Maumee City or Defiance, and sell for 50 cents per bushel.

NEIGHBORLY KINDNESS.

No domestic difficulties ever existed among her citizens, but all seemed anxious to help one another in rollings, house and barn raisings, and would go four and five miles to help each other.

EARLY TAVERNS.

The first tavern in this township was built by Jonathan Tressler, in the year 1851, in the village of West Jefferson ; it was one of the largest buildings at that time in the county, and cost $4,000 or $5,000. 0. Dolph built the second in the same village, and was the landlord for several years.

VILLAGE OF WEST JEFFERSON.

West Jefferson is the only village in this township, and was laid out and platted by Jonathan Tressler, George Dorshimer, Elias R. Brown and Jonathan Gilbert. John Richart started the first store ; Samuel Sharon the second; Brownwell and White the third ; John TressIer started the first grocery and saloon. The annual trade was not large. The village contained one store, one grocery, one saw-mill, one blacksmith shop, one hotel, two churches, and, at different times, four physicians—but at present there is but one, and there are but two in the township. The inhabitants of Jefferson Township have never been blessed or even cursed with a lawyer residing within her limits. It has been said that it is a bad place for doctors and lawyers. Durbin's Corners (now called Karle) is the only post office in the township, and is at the village of West Jefferson. John Tressler was the first Postmaster, William Brown, second, Samuel Sherran, third, and Fred White, fourth. The trade and business of the township have been done principally at

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Bryan, Pulaski, West Unity, Stryker and Montpelier; this accounts for their not having any village of note within her borders.

CHURCHES.

The same may be said in regard to her churches. The Methodist and German Reform Churches are located at Pulaski Village, while many of their members live in Jefferson Township.

About twenty years ago, the Evangelical Lutheran (English) built a fine church in the village of West Jefferson, at a cost of some $3,000. They have a fine congregation, and quite a number of members. George W. Walker was their first pastor. About the same time, the German Reformers built a good church at West Jefferson at a cost of $2,000. Rev. Mr. Butt was their first pastor. The house is at present occupied by the Methodists, there being no pastor of the German Reformed connected therewith. The United Brethren in Christ built a fine church, one mile north of George Dorshimer's, at a cost of about $2,000. They have regular meetings and some good members. The Church of God built a good frame church near 11 Bunker Hill," in 1858, at a cost of some $2,000. It was subsequently burnt—supposed to be the work of an incendiary. In 1874, the German Reformers built a fine brick church at Bunker Hill, at a cost of $4,000 or $5,000. Rev. Hasler, Pastor. In 1881, the German Reformers built another good brick church, on lands formerly owned by B. S. Foust, at a cost of $3,000. Rev. Hasler, Pastor.

VARIOUS PREACHERS.

Rev. Simeon H. Alderman was the first Methodist preacher. Ile preached at Bunker Hill Schoolhouse the winter of 1842-43. John J. Hagerman was the second, J. L. Terris the third, and W. W. Winter the fourth. William L. Smith preached at Bunker Hill Schoolhouse in the winter of 1842-43, and was the first Brethren preacher. Jonathan Thomas was the second, and preached at the same house in 1843. R. R. Saulter preached at the same place in the summer of 1844, and was the first German Reformed preacher. Andrew Ferrier was the first Presbyterian preacher.

SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS.

In the winter of 1839, Joel F. Pool taught the first school in the township in an old house on the land of Thomas Reid, now owned by Jacob M. Hester. This was before the township was organized into school districts. In 1840, George W. Durbin (now of Pioneer) taught the second school in a log schoolhouse near where the Centre Schoolhouse now stands. The logs were small and the door was made of clapboards. Some time during the winter, the scholars barred the teacher out, and asked of

474 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.

him to treat them to something. The teacher procured a rail, and with it broke open the door. The scholars were glad to sue for terms.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

In 1841, the Trustees divided the township into twelve school districts, but no record can be found of the amount of money or the number of scholars there were in the township. The amount of money was kept on sheets of paper, and not until the year of 1845, do we find any correct amount of money or number of scholars. In that year, the township had three hundred and five scholars, and drew, from all sources, $299.89. From that time until the present the funds have been correctly kept, always plenty, and enough to keep their schools the time required by law. The following figures show the amount of moneys drawn each year for school purposes, to wit:

In 1842, James Welsh taught the first school in District No. 5 ; in 1843, he taught the second school. In the summer of 1842, M. B. Plummer taught the first school in District No. 6 ; in the winter of 1842-43, be taught the second term ; in the winter of 1843-44, he taught the third term. In the winter of 1844-45, John W. Porter taught the fourth term. Seth B. Hyatt taught the first school in District No. 7, in the winter of 1843-44. Jacob Reid taught the first school in District No. 8, in 1845. J. Engle taught the first school in District No. 9 in the winter of 1845. Miss Brundydge taught .the first school in District No. 3. Henry Sheets taught the first school in District No. 4. Lewis J. Baldwin taught the first school in District No. 1. Miss Powell taught the first school in District No. 2. Annette Hart taught the first school in District No. 12. From 1840 to 1846, the population of the township was small, and frequently two districts were joined together for school purposes, and, consequently, it is very hard to ascertain who were the first teachers in some of the districts.

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MISCELLANEOUS SCHOOL ITEMS.

The amount paid teachers per month was from $12 to $20, and, as a general custom, they had to board with the parents of the scholars. The books used were Elementary Spelling Book, Emerson's Readers, Olney's Geography and Kirkham's Grammar; the teacher had to set the copies on blank paper for the scholars. There was no particular method of instruction inaugurated at that time ; scholars were apt to learn, and teachers took great pains to instruct them in the rudiments. Spelling schools were held in the different schoolhouses. Scholars would go for miles to get to a spelling school, and frequently would stand on the floor and spell during the entire evening. Many joyful meetings were had during the winter evenings by old and young, lads and lasses. The old have passed away, the young have become old and taken their places. Corporal punishment was practiced by all the teachers, and certainly there was better order in schools at that time than now. It was seldom that the teacher used the "rod," but the scholars knew if they misbehaved they would be punished.

SCHOOL LANDS.

As a general thing, the first schoolhouses were built of logs, and the cost was nominal ; but the buildings are now all brick, and cost from $900 to $1,200, and are built at the center of every four sections, except the north two or three. The State of Ohio set apart Section 16 in each surveyed township for school purposes, and by an act of the Legislature authorized the Trustees of said township to sell said lands at public auction, giving the purchaser ten years to pay for the same. Said moneys were paid into the State Treasury, and called the "irredeemable fund," the State paying six per cent interest to the several townships. In 1848, Jefferson Township sold her land, and from the proceeds of the same derived a part of her school fund. By some mismanagement or neglect of her Trustees, she lost a quarter section of land set off to her from fractional Township 8. This piece of land was situated in the township of Madison. The Trustees failed to complete their entry, and Harvey Wilcox, former County Recorder, entered it. Brady Township 'had a piece in Florence Township and lost it. I have been informed that the Government will give the several townships their quota in some other State. Would it not be well for the Trustees to make application to the General Land Office?

A CASE OF MURDER.

But one crime of any magnitude has occurred within our borders. That was the murder of the son of Peter D. Schamp by Daniel Heckerthorn and A. J. Tyler as accessory, which occurred about the 20th day

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of June, 1847, on the farm now owned by John H. Schamp. Tyler professed to be a fortune teller, and came to the house of Mr. Schamp and told him his fortune; thence he came to where Heckerthorn lived, told his fortune and made inquiry if Schamp was not a man of money. Receiving an affirmative answer, he told Heckerthorn if he would kill Schamp's boy and hide him in a secret place (known to Tyler), that Schamp would come to him and pay him a large sum to tell him where the boy was, and he would give him money enough to go back to Wayne County, Ohio. On the next Sunday morning, according to previous arrangement, Heckerthorn came to Schamp's, and, decoying the boy from the house (he being but six years old), took him to the large woods north of Schamp's. He there took the boy by the heels and struck his head against a knot on a beech tree and killed him. The knot was subsequently chopped out of the tree and brought to court. The boy's hair was seen on it. He then placed him in a hollow tree, put old rotten wood on him, and then placed green brush on it. Sunday afternoon the search commenced by some of the neighbors, and on Monday it became general. At night Schamp went to see Tyler, to ascertain if he could yell of the whereabouts of the boy. He said he was near water, and under rotten wood and green brush. The excitement became general. On Tuesday, men and boys came for miles to hunt, but obtained no tidings. On Thursday, the woods for miles were full of people. In the afternoon, suspicion fastened on Heckerthorn and Jacob Bohner, and the writer found Heckerthorn at his brother's house, concealed. He was taken into custody, and finally confessed the guilt of himself and Tyler. The same day, George Ely, then a Justice of the Peace for Brady Township, issued a warrant for the arrest of Tyler and Heckerthorn. An examination was h' d, and they were committed to jail, were taken to Bryan at the fall term of the Court of Common Pleas, and were separately indicted. Tyler elected to be tried by the Supreme Court. The jail at Bryan was not safe, and they were taken to Maumee City and remained there until the fall of 1848, when Tyler was tried for murder in the first degree, was found guilty and sentenced to be hanged January 26, 1849. J. Dobbs was Prosecutor, assisted by C. Case. S. E. Blakeslee was attorney for defendant. Daniel Langle was at the time Sheriff, and made an inclosure in which to hang Tyler. On the evening of the 25th, the people came and found there was an inclosure set up in the night. They demolished it, and Tyler was hung in public. At the spring term of the Court of Common Pleas, Heckerthorn was tried and found guilty of murder in the second degree, and sentenced to the penitentiary for life.

LAND ENTRIES.

The original plat of Jefferson Township has not been changed. Most

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of the lands were entered and settled by the early pioneers, and are now owned by their children. The log cabin and log barns were the first buildings. Some were so constructed that the fireplace took one end of the building. But they have given place to fine brick and frame houses and frame barns.

THE POPULATION BY DECADES.

The census returns for the years named gave ; 1840, 263 ; 1850,

810; 1860, 1,586 ; 1870, 2,236; 1880, 2,246.

CENTRE TOWNSHIP.

BY WESTON A. GOODSPEED.

The territory comprising the present Centre Township was at first included within the limits of Delaware Township, which had been created by the County Commissioners June 7, 1824, and which embraced all the land bounded on the north by the Harris State line, east by the line separating Ranges 3 and 4 east, south by the line separating Townships 3 and 4 north, and west by the Indiana line, or the First Principal Meridian. Centre was known as Township 6 north, Range 2 east, and remained a part of Delaware until December 3, 1833, at which time it was set off and made a part of St. Joseph Township. The latter was bounded north by the Harris line, east by the line dividing Ranges 2 and 3 east, south by the line dividing Townships 4 and 5 north, and west by the Indiana line. On the 7th of March 1836, the Commissioners ordered 11 that the original surveyed Townships 6, 7 and 8 north, in Range 2 east, be erected and incorporated into a township to be called Centre; and further, that the inhabitants of said Centre Township meet on the first Monday in April next, at the house of Jacob Dillman, and proceed to elect, according to law, the necessary officers to organize said township, and that the Auditor advertise the same according to law." No other change was made with Centre until March, 1839, when Township 7 north, Range 2 east, and fractional Township 8 north, Range 2 east, were set off and created as Superior Township, thus leaving Centre as it is at present. The names of the first officers who were elected at the residence of Jacob Dillman in April, 1836, are no longer remembered.

THE EARLY SETTLERS.

During the summer or autumn of 1833, Mrs. Mary Leonard, a widowed lady, came with her family to Centre Township. She was accompanied by James Overleas, Sebastian Frame and John Heckman, all three

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of whom were her sons-in-law. The four families located in the southeastern part of the township, and began to prepare homes from the heavy woods. Mrs. Leonard had a large family of nearly grown-up children, and with the assistance of her sons and sons-in-law, encountered no serious drawbacks in the creation of a comfortable home. These families came from Montgomery County, Ohio, with three or four wagons, each drawn by two yoke of oxen, and loaded with such household goods as would be needful in the new home. Members of the family had come to the township some time before to select and enter suitable tracts of land, upon which they designed to locate ; this was very probably done during the spring of 1833, and were, so far as known, the first tracts entered in the township, though not the only ones entered during the same year. Sebastian Frame was a man of considerable ability, and had been ordained an Elder in the Dunkard Church., Unquestionably, the first religious exercises in the township were conducted by him, either at his own cabin, or at the cabin of his mother-in-law, Mrs. Leonard. The members of the four families often met during the severe winter of 1833-34, to worship, and to talk over the means of meeting successfully the difficult problems of pioneer life. Upon their arrival in the township, the families had at first lived in their wagons, under the shelter of rude temporary abodes built of poles, brush and blankets, while the men went to work to construct rough cabins of round logs. Pleasant was the task of removing to these cabins, humble though they were. These were probably the only persons residing in Centre during the year 1833. In January, 1834, Joel Kinsey came from Montgomery County, Ohio, entered the northwest quarter of Section 35, erected on the same a small log cabin, and began the destruction of the timber on his land. Two or three months later, George Skinner appeared, and entered the east half of the southeast quarter of Section 34. He likewise built a log house, and made some improvements ; but in October of the same year, sold his land to Jacob DilIman, and removed from the township, going no one knew whither. Mr. Dillman, a man who afterward during his life was very prominent in township affairs, had come from Stark County, Ohio, during the spring of 1834, and had selected a tract of land in the eastern part of the township, upon which were favorable facilities for a fine waterpower. He returned to Stark County, but the sudden death there of a man whom he expected would operate his prospective mill altered his plans somewhat, and when he again came to Centre Township he purchased the Skinner farm. A few acres had been underbrushed by Mr. Skinner, who had sown. thereon what he thought was clover seed, but which soon proved to be Canada thistle seed. The ground was soon covered with these pests, which have not been wholly eradicated even to this day.

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SUBSEQUENT SETTLERS.

On the 1st of January, 1837, there were living in the township the following persons, or their families : Zebulon Britton, S. L. Boughton, Samuel Crocker, Jacob Dillman, Lewis Fritch, Jacob Fetters, Daniel Filson, Sebastian Frame, William Hill, Samuel Hill, Joel Kinsey, Abner Lovejoy, Mary Leonard, Martin Lloyd, Frederick Miser, James Overleas, Banister Pool, Almon Stinson, Horace Stinson, Seth Stinson, Jacob Spangler, Isaac Sufficool, John Heckman, Prescott Sawyer, Daniel Weaver, Abraham Weaver, Phillip Yockey, Mr. Brant, and perhaps a few others.

In 1837, 1,080 acres, valued at $2,700, were taxed. The total tax that year for State, canal, county, school and road purposes was $47.25. A considerable portion of this tax was paid by the proprietors of the villages of Centre and Freedom, which had been laid out the year before. By the 1st of January, 1839, there had come in Alfred Church, M. G: Frock, Lorenzo Garton, John B. Kimmell, Joseph McKean, Isaac Neihart, Jacob Neihart, Thomas Punches, Amasa Shafer, Peter Yockey and others. A year later, there were in—Jacob Swartzcope, Jacob Bowman, John D. Martin, Robert Baird. John Dinsmore, Stephen Hungerford, John McDowell, William Prouty, Robert Smith, William Sheridan, Sr., Frederick Webber and others.

In 1839, there were in the township 13 horses and 102 cattle ; in 1840, there were 34 horses and 130 cattle; in 1842, there were 59 horses and 177 cattle; in 1843, 72 horses and 228 cattle, and in 1844 80 horses and 252 cattle.

HUNTING INCIDENTS.

Perhaps the most successful hunter ever in the township was Frederick Miser, who came from Coshocton County, Ohio, to the township in the spring of 1834. He was a very large man—possessing enormous strength—and was a dead shot with the rifle. He loved to hunt, and would often be gone several days at a time, taking with him in his provision bag a plentiful supply of bread and meat. He would always return loaded down with skins and game. It is said that he was so strong that he could carry in two or three deer on his back. He went dressed in a complete suit of buckskin, as did also his boys. He was one of the few early settlers in the township who succeeded in killing bears. It is related that, one dark night, a great commotion was heard among the swine that were in the woods some distance north of his house. The night was so dark that Mr. Miser knew it was useless to sally forth. The swine squealed terribly for some time, and then all became silent. At daybreak, Mr. Miser and his sons went out where the squealing had occurred; and, after looking around a short time, found the half-eaten carcass of a hog covered with leaves. Mr. Miser knew enough of the

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habits of the bear to be aware that the animal would very likely return the following night to gorge itself again with fresh pork ; so he resolved to be present on that occasion to act as a reception committee of one. Accordingly, about two hours before dark, he went to where the carcass lay, dressed in an appropriate fashion for the reception of so distinguished a guest. He concealed himself behind the roots of a large tree, and patiently waited for the development of events. A little while before dark, he heard a rustling of leaves, and, peering out, saw, a moment later, a large black bear stepping leisurely along, and approaching the " supper table." At a favorable moment, the hunter took careful aim and fired, and the animal fell shot through the heart. A few feeble spasmodic movements—a few feeble kicks—and all was over. The dead animal was carried to the house, on a handspike, by the boys. The next morning, the family ate bear steak for breakfast. The near neighbors were presented with portions and fared likewise. Bear meat is said to be excellent. It tastes much like veal, and can be fried in its own fat like pork.

A MOTHER BEAR AND THREE CUBS.

One morning Mr. Miser started out for a long hunt down in the present townships of Defiance County. While moving through the woods in Milford Township near the residence of Mr. Mann, keeping a careful lookout for game, his attention was attracted to a large opening in a gigantic tree, many feet from the ground. Closer examination revealed the fact that the trunk of the tree and the opening in the same were scratched by the claws of some large animal. The hunter resolved to wait awhile and see what transpired; so, without noise, he seated himself at the foot of the tree. The minutes passed away, and at last a great noise was heard high up in the hollow tree, a scratching and clawing, interspersed with numerous whines and snarls, which, after a few minutes, ceased, and all became still again. Mr. Miser immediately started for the cabin of Mr. Mann, who, with ax in hand, came back with him. The tree, though large, was hollow, and was soon out down. Mr. Miser stood near with his rifle ready, and when the tree fell with a great crash, out through the opening came a large bear, with open mouth and eyes of fire. The animal was instantly shot dead. The tree was examined, and three cubs about as large as cats were found. They fought and scratched when taken out, but were too small to do much damage. Mr. Mann took one of them and Mr. Miser the other two. The latter were taken home, and became great pets in the family of Mr. Miser. They grew rapidly, and soon became large and a nuisance generally. They were up to all sorts of capers, and could eat as much corn as swine. The family kept maple sugar and wild honey in the cabin loft. The bears were very fond of anything sweet, and

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could smell it if it was anywhere about the house. They soon became aware of what the loft contained, but were unable to reach it until one day, after they had become quite large, when they climbed upon the cabin roof, knocked off the weight poles, scattered the clapboard shingles and descended into the loft, where they helped themselves to the store of sweets. Sometimes they would snap and bite the children, but this was done only in sport. They loved to souse themselves in a tub of water, and were a pest to the women on washing day. At last they became so troublesome that they were killed.

A BEAR TPAP.

Traps were made by fastening across some path a small log, into which many sharp pins were driven. Above this, a much larger and heavier log was partly suspended in such a manner that when the animal stepped over the lower log, the trigger was struck and the heavy upper log came down, pinning the animal fast. Mr. Miser often set these traps. One stormy night a large bear attacked a hog belonging to Mr. Miser, and weighing nearly two hundred pounds, and threw it over an eight rail fence that constituted the pen. The unfortunate Sus scrofa was dragged off in the woods despite its squeals, where it was killed and partly consumed. A trap like the one above described was set, but the only thing caught and killed was a valuable dog belonging to the family. The bear was not seen, but must have been a very large one. On still another occasion, while Mr. Miser was hunting in the western part of the township, and while he was trying to force his way through a tangled and almost impenetrable swamp, he saw of at some distance to one side a suspicious-looking heap of leaves and dried grass. While standing observing it, he suddenly saw the head of a large bear emerge from the covering, and a pair of small bright eyes peer about, though the animal still remained lying in its nest. Mr. Miser cautiously raised his rifle without being seen, took deliberate aim at the exposed head and fired. The sharp report was followed by a sudden and tremendous scattering of the leaves and grass of the nest, accompanied by a torrent of growls and snarls, though in a minute or two the death struggles of the animal ceased. Upon going forward, Mr. Miser found two young cubs sprawling among the grass and leaves. He took them home, where they were kept some time, but were afterward killed. One night Mr. Miser heard the screams of a panther in a swamp west of his house, but, although he went out the next morning, nothing of it could be discovered.

A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE.

David Leonard and James Overleas were one day hunting in the

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woods north of Miser's cabin. They were walking along some distance apart, when Overleas discovered a fresh deer track. He followed it a short distance, and soon saw the deer quietly feeding. He cautiously approached and shot the animal, which fell upon the ground, and the hunter went forward to cut its throat. As he stooped over it with knife in hand, the animal, having been merely stunned by the shot, suddenly leaped to its feet, and with bristles erect along its spine, and antlers lowered, charged furiously upon him, knocking him down and pinning him to the earth like a vise. He seized the angry animal by the antlers, and endeavored with all his strength to free himself, but without success. The deer gored him with its sharp-pronged antlers, and struck him with its cutting hoofs, until he was covered with wounds and bruises, and his clothing was torn into ribbons. At the first of the attack he had begun calling loudly to his companion for assistance; but, although the latter heard the cries, he was unable to reach the spot until Overleas had been severely punished for his carelessness. Leonard came panting up to the scene, and immediately ended the struggle by shooting the enraged animal dead. Had it not been for his timely arrival, Overleas would have probably been killed. He went home a wiser man.

MISCELLANEOUS INCIDENTS.

Daniel Fetters one day killed a doe and two fawns within the space of a few minutes. While out with his gun, he discovered them feeding, whereupon he shot and killed the mother, and the fawns ran away at the top of their speed, but soon returned and approached their parent. Mr. Fetters knew they would return, and had concealed himself near the doe. From behind a tree he shot one of the fawns, and the other ran away; but, when it returned, a few minutes later, it was likewise killed. John and Jacob Fetters, one autumn, tried to see which could kill the greater number of deer during the time which each could spare from his work. John killed forty-six, and Jacob forty-nine. The skins were taken and sold, as were also the better portions of the flesh. Many of the hams were smoked or salted down like pork. One day a bear was started in the northeastern part of the township by some one not remembered, and was followed to a swamp in the southwestern part, many joining in the chase. Jacob Neihart and Michael Frock joined the pursuit with their dogs. The bear was at last treed in the swamp, and was shot at by Philip Neihart, who gave it only a flesh wound ; whereupon another settler tried his hand, and the animal came to the ground dead. Mr. Miser could dress deer skins as well as an Indian, and after the same fashion. The suits of buckskin which be and his sons wore were warm and comfortable while they were dry; but after they had become wet and had

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dried, they were like boards, and about as easily put on as a suit of basswood. On such occasions the process of the morning dressing was amusing and ridiculous.

WILD HONEY.

One day in early years, several of the settlers had occasion to go to La Fayette. As they were going along, one of them discovered a “bee tree," which was immediately cut down. The men ate what they wanted of the choice honey, and when they were satisfied, they told Mr. Overleas that he might have the remainder. The settlers in early days were in the habit, when they left home, of taking with them a "wallet" (usually made of cloth) well filled with substantial food. These "wallets " were bags about three feet long, closed at both ends, but open at the middle, and were carried over the shoulder or around the neck, food being placed in both ends. Mr. Overleas had his wallet on the occasion above mentioned, and when he was told that the remainder of the honey was his, being a peculiar man, he resolved to put it all, to the amount of about three gallons, in his cloth wallet and carry it with him. The honey was accordingly placed in the wallet, and the men proceeded on their way. Some of the men had been wiser than Mr. Overleas, and had foreseen the consequences, but they said nothing. At Iast, as the honey became warm on the back of Mr. Overleas, it began to strain through the wallet, and before he was aware of the fact his back was covered with the sweet substance. The other men had been laughing some time at his expense, and when he discovered this, he resolved, as you have done a great many times, dear reader, to stick to his honey as long as it stuck to him, in spite of them. It was a warm day, and he began to sweat, which greatly aggravated the disaster. The other men enjoyed the occasion hugely. The honey was soon dripping from the mortified man's shoulders, but he would. not give up, as he naturally dreaded the outburst of merriment and the ominous ridicule that was sure to result from his relinquishment of the honey. He kept the sweet substance, but was tortured all the way by the suppressed laughter of his companions. At length, when he reached home, about a gallon had escaped, the most of which covered his entire back. He was a sweet picture, truly, and his clothing was immediately put in the wash-tub. It is reasonable to conclude that Mr. Over-leas did not eat honey for his supper on the evening of his return. The crab-apple sauce, the vinegar, the pickles, which his wife had prepared,. suffered, no doubt, a severe attack.

THE LOST CHILD.

One day, in early times, a small boy, about four years old, belonging to a family which lived in the southwestern part of the township, became

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lost. The mother had gone to one of the neighbors, and the child had attempted to follow her. The loss was not discovered until the mother returned, about dark. Search was immediately instituted, the neighborhood was aroused and soon the woods were filled with anxious searchers. Torches were carried, and the search continued all night; but the morning dawned, and the first day passed without success. The mother was almost distracted with grief and nervous anxiety. People came by the score to assist in the search—some as far distant as five or six miles; but, although more than a hundred active searchers were present, no concerted and organized effort was made, strange to say, until the third day. On this day, a long line was formed, the men and women being stationed about sixty feet apart, and the word was given by the Captain to march. It was not long before the little boy was found. He was dead, but his body yet contained warmth, showing that death had occurred only a short time before. The spot where the little fellow had slept each night was found. When night overtook him, he had, as was his habit, taken off his clothing, thinking that he must do so in order to go to sleep. It was October and the nights were quite cold, and the little wanderer could not survive the chilling weather. When he arose the first morning, he was unable to put on his clothes properly, and thus wandered about half-clad. Had the search been organized, as it should have been, on the second day, the little boy would have been found alive. It was the easiest thing in the world even for grown people to get lost in early days. The sensations on such occasions are described as terrifying. The mind and senses become wild with bewilderment, see familiar objects under new and strange aspects, and refuse to recognize trees and paths known for years. Old settlers, lost, have been known to pass within a few yards of their own doors without recognizing a single familiar object.

LOCATION OF THE SETTLERS.

Jacob Bowman owned land on Sections 24 and 25; Daniel Kreiger, on 29; Charles Butler, 10 and 20; Levi Cunningham, 6; John Craw and Joshua Conklin, 3; Jacob Drayer, 4; Rowland Day, 8; Andrew Dice, 28 ; Jacob Eberman, 21 ; W. P. Green, 30 ; Zenas Hinds, 33; Bentley Harman, 21 ; Joseph Henderson, 17 ; Simon Jennings, 8; Frederick Moyer, 26; Beniah McGowan, 12; John Miller, 29; Christian Miller, 30; B. L. Mead, 7; Albert Mathias, 30 ; Jacob Neidhardt, 23; Eden Neer, 20; Abraham Roon, 25 ; George Retter, 26 ; Samuel Ross, 14; Isaac Robbins, 23; Henry Tharp, 19; Joseph Whitehill, 32; John Ward, 5; Peter Wilhelm, 23; Walter Wimple, 12; James B. Wells, 12; Isaac Wilson, 26; Samuel Medary, 9; Richard Baker, 6; Samuel and Abner Aiken, 3; Thomas Armstrong, 2; Zebulon Britton, 28; Samuel

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Crocker, 35; Jacob Dillman, 34; Lewis Fritch, 20; Jacob Fetters, 27 ; Sebastian Frame, 35; William and Samuel Hill, 17; Joel Kinsey, eastern part; Martin Lloyd, southern part; Frederick Miser, 25; James Overleas, 35 ; Banister Pool, 30; Almon and Horace Stinson, 10; Seth Stinson, 4; Jacob Spangler, 28; Prescott Sawyer, eastern part; Daniel and Abraham Weaver, northern part; Philip Yockey, eastern part; John Blair, 28; George Beechler, 21; John Flora, 13; J. B. Kimmell, 28; Abraham Hunsberger, 11; John McDowell, 35; J. S. Marshall, 24; Joseph McKean, 19; C. L. Noble, 10; T. L. Punches, 24; Thomas Smith, 29 and 32; Jacob Frock, 21; Jacob Neihart, 21.

INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES.

In about the year 1845, Fred Miser, Jr., built a saw-mill in the eastern part, on the western branch of Lick Creek. A dam was constructed, and a race dug, and, for some five or six years, during the rainy months, a considerable quantity of lumber was sawed. It is said that 500 logs were transformed into lumber by this mill, during one spring, while the mill was in operation. The mill was abandoned because it did not pay sufficiently well to warrant its continuance. Several years before this mill was built, Jacob Bowman had constructed a strong dam on Lick Creek, near where the stream is crossed by the Centre and Bryan road, and had, with the help of eight or ten hired men, excavated a long race across the large bend in the stream, on Sections 24 and 25. Near the terminus of the race he erected a two-storied frame grist-mill, and placed therein two sets of buhrs, one for wheat and the other for corn. About the same time. he built a saw-mill on the same race. These mills were conducted quite successfully for many years, and became well known and well patronized. The grist-mill furnished excellent flour ; and the saw-mill furnished lumber that may yet be seen in many a building in the surrounding neighborhood. In 1836, Mr. Bowman, opened a general store in Centre Village, his stock being valued at about $500. About the same time, John D. Martin also opened a store at the same place. The Assessor of 1837 valued his stock at $700. These stores and mills were very handy to the settlers, as they saved long journeys, through bottomless roads, to distant places. The stores furnished all sorts of useful articles needed in the backwoods, and almost any kind of produce was taken as. payment. Deer skins were for many years almost legal tender for the payment of obligations. Money was very scarce, and other mediums of exchange were sought and found. So many yards of calico were worth so many pounds of butter; so many pounds of sugar or coffee were worth so many deer skins or hams, or dozens of eggs; and such a pair of boots was worth such a hog, or such furs. Estimates of value were thus made from the self-

488 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.

regulated law of supply and demand, with the various articles in the possession of the settlers. Stores were not opened in villages alone ; they were kept in farmers' houses. Prescott Sawyer, one of the first blacksmiths in the township, placed in his cabin dry goods, groceries, hardware, zlueensware, etc., valued at about $500. He also built an ashery, and for several years manufactured the estimated quantity of ten or twelve tons of black-salts and pearl-ash, annually. He exchanged goods from his store for ashes, and probably opened the store as an adjunct to the ashery. Here the early settlers could get goods without money; all they had to do was to save the ashes which resulted from their log-heap fires, and haul the same to the ashery. Henry Ruse purchased the Bowman grist-mill after a number of years, and placed in the same a steam engine. A few years later, the mill was destroyed by fire, but was soon rebuilt, but after a number of years was again burned, and was then abandoned. It was customary in early times, in almost every family, to have whisky, at all times, on the mantlepiece; members of the family, old and young, could take a drink whenever they pleased. This universal custom of consuming liquor led to the construction of many distilleries in the wilderness. In quite an early day, Jacob Householder constructed a small one in the eastern part of the township, on the old Neidhardt farm. The small quantity of whisky made was consumed as fast as it came from the still. The distillery was conducted about three years, and was then abandoned. Lewis Fritch was a carpenter and cabinet-maker; he made many coffins, tables, stands, etc., for the early settlers. Jacob Fritz made spinning wheels, large and small, also reeds, shuttles, looms, etc. He tried his mechanical ingenuity in the construction of a musical instrument known as an 11 organ ;" but, after the lapse of several mentally laborious months, abandoned the project, as he had reached the terminus of his inventive skill. Philip Neihart manufactured chairs, in an early day. Specimens of his workmanship may yet be seen in the township. Sebastian Frame, immediately after his arrival in the township, erected a small building on his farm, in which he placed a small set of "nigger-head" buhrs to be used in " cracking corn." It was located on a branch of Lick Creek, and was operated by water power, and, later, by horse or ox power. It was the first "grist-mill" in the township. William Sheridan, Sr., an excellent man, and one of the first blacksmiths in the county, built a shop on his farm in the eastern part of the township, where, for many years, all manner of work in his line was done. A man named Clendennen worked in his shop for a time, but afterward went to Centre Village, where he worked at the same trade. In about the year 1846, Daniel Wirtz erected a building in the eastern part, in which he placed the necessary machinery for carding wool and dressing cloth. The

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motor for operating the mill was water from the stream on which the building was situated. A considerable quantity of wool was taken to his mill, where it was carded, after which it was taken home, spun, woven into cloth, and returned to the mill to be fulled or dressed. The mill had all it could do during the wet months—the only times it could operate. It did a paying business for about ten years, and was then discontinued. It is said that David Leonard afterward transformed it into a saw-mill. These were the principal early industrial pursuits in the township, outside of the villages.

FREEDOM.

In the month of February, 1836, Montgomery Evans, Nathan Shirley and Thomas Warren, proprietors, employed a surveyor and laid out the above-named town on the southeast quarter of Section 35. The proprietors were speculators, whose object was to lay out a town that should ultimately become the county seat of Williams County. At that time, Defiance and Williams Counties were one, under the latter name; and, as the geographical center of the county was not far from southeastern Centre Township, the proprietors felt sure of securing the location of the county seat at their village ; for the subject of removing the county seat from Defiance to some spot more centrally located, was then being seriously discussed. The above designated gentlemen, with pretty accurate foresight, laid out Freedom accordingly ; but two important obstacles, which, in the nature of things, could not be foretold, lay in the way of the fruition of their hopes. One was the foundation of Centre (village), and the other was the division of the county into two. The latter circumstance was sure to defeat the hopes of Freedom, and the former was very likely to do the same, as it was located on the justly celebrated Bellefontaine road. The result was that Freedom did not grow a particle, and at length, in about 1842, the village was abandoned.

CENTRE.

This village, like Freedom, was designed for the county seat, and would have been but for the division of the county. It was laid out on the 23d of January, 1836, by John Evans, proprietor, and Miller Arrowsmith, Deputy Surveyor of Williams County. Four hundred and eighteen lots were laid out on the southwest quarter of Section 35, four lots being reserved for a park, a school-yard and a cemetery. Within a short time after the village had been founded, it became plainly apparent that Williams County was soon to be divided. This was a death blow to the anticipated growth and prosperity of Centre. In 1836, there were two or three families in Centre. Prescott Sawyer, a blacksmith, was there. J. B. Kimmell was also there with his store, as was John D. Martin soon

490 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.

afterward. A. M. Bateman also lived in the village. Kimmell was the first Postmaster, and was appointed some time during the year 1838. It was during the spring of this year that Congress established the mail route from Defiance via Brunersburgh, Williams Centre, St. Joseph and Denmark, in Ohio, and Perseverance, Steubenville, Little Prairie and Pretty Prairie to Lima, in Indiana. It is said that Judge Israel Stoddard, who at that time lived at Denmark, St. Joseph Township, was the first mail carrier. He traversed the route on horseback. Colin Tharp, who lived at Centre, but just across the line in Defiance County, opened his doors and entertained the traveling public. Mr. Kimmell also kept a house of entertainment. He kept liquor for those who wanted it, and their names were legion. His house became quite a resort for those who looked upon the wine when it was red. At that early day the subject of total abstinence began to be discussed. Jacob Dillman came out strongly in opposition to the liquor traffic. He and Mr. Kimmell were opposing candidates in 1839 or 1840 for the position of Justice of the Peace. Mr. Kimmell was the successful candidate, and it is stated that his election was largely due to the support of the intemperate element. Mr. Dillman kept a small store. Lorenzo Crocker located in Centre in about 1840, and Samuel R. Clendennen, a blacksmith, appeared in about 1842. John Manon, a tailor, came in 1841, and for some time worked at his trade, but afterward clerked many years in the store of Giles H. Tomlinson. The land upon which Centre stands was entered by James Overleas, who erected the first building of any kind upon the present town site. This was a rude log cabin, built in the fall of 1833. The cabin of Mr. Kimmell was probably the second; it was erected in 1836. Crocker was a shoemaker, and worked at his trade. John Evans, the proprietor of the village, was a physician, who lived at Defiance. He had considerable means at his command. Oliver Sawyer was a resident of Centre about the year 1838. Giles H. Tomlinson first appeared in Centre in 1838, but he did not locate there until about 1848. Mr. Manon succeeded Kimmell as Uncle Sam's postal agent. He took the office about 1844, and held the same for nine or ten years, at which time Dr. Dunshee stepped in and remained until J. P. Dodge was appointed, during Buchanan's administration. After a few years, Daniel Lovejoy took possession of the office. He was succeded by his son, who is yet Postmaster. In about 1844, the most of the village lots of Centre, after having passed through several hands, were purchased by Brown & Phelps, who paid the tax on them a few years ; but when the neighborhood was taxed heavily for school purposes at the time the schoolhouse was built, their share of the burden was greater than they cared to bear, and they neglected the payment of their tax. Finally the lots were sold by the Sheriff and pur-

CENTRE TOWNSHIP - 491

chased by G. H. Tomlinson, for $400, or at $2 each, there being two hundred of them. In January, 1848, Mr. Tomlinson opened a store in Centre with about $1,500 worth of a general stock of goods, which he brought from Bryan, where he had previously been in business. He continued in the mercantile business until 1862, having in store at certain seasons goods valued at about $6,000. He packed large quantities of beef and considerable pork, and conducted an ashery from 1848 to 1864. Often the value of his shipments East considerably exceeded the value of his goods shipped West. He employed six or eight hands in the fall and winter to pack meat. Sometimes for months the ashery was conducted day and night, two sets of hands being employed. An average of about thirty tons of black salts and pearl-ash was manufactured annually. Freeman & Freedy opened a store soon after 1848, and about the same time Ruse & Tharp did likewise. The former firm had about $2,500 worth of goods. Boyd, of Defiance, sent goods to be sold at the village. Bowman & Core opened a store a little later, but finally sold out at auction. Too many stocks of goods were offered for sale from 1850 to 1860, as several failures resulted. Garver Brothers began during the war, and for a number of years conducted a fair business. The brothers were succeeded by Garver & Walker. The population of Centre in 1840 was about 25 ; in 1845 was about 40; in 1850 was about 90 or 100, and in 1860 was about 250. This has been about the population since Centre saw its best days from 1850 to 1865. Rudolph Roth opened a grocery and saloon about 1853; he made considerable money. John Manon opened a general store about sixteen years ago, and has continued until the present. Hugh Mills opened his store in 1861, and continued until: about five years ago. A. H. Ogle began measuring tape and calico about six years ago; and J. M. Shutt brought in a stock of goods in 1881. Charles Agler conducted a saloon a few years, beginning about 1871. James McDowell, in 1848, began manufacturing chairs, tables, stands, and large numbers of coffins. James Ritchie and his brother worked at the cabinet business, and also made quite a number of wagons.

MILLS AND SHOPS.

Jacob Dillman built the first saw-mill in Centre in about 1846, and operated the same with steam. It passed to several owners, one of then, being James McDowell, who, in 1866, sold it to Storer & Kittridge. In January, 1867, the mill was burned down, but was rebuilt the same spring. Storer bought Kittridge out in the fall of 1869, and in the spring of 1870 the mill again burned down, but was again soon rebuilt. In October, 1870, Mr. Storer had his left hand, except the thumb, sawed off by an accident. In 1873, W. S. Wilsey purchased an interest in the

492 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.

mill, but four years later sold out to Storer. The mill in its day has been an excellent one. Mr. Storer has added a shingle machine, a lath machine, a fork, hoe and broom-handle lathe, a planing machine, and a machine for chopping feed for stock. Large numbers of cheese boxes are made at present. Dr. William Hall came to the village in about 1842. After him came Drs. Pope, Ensign, Dunshee, Jenkins, Clark and Shutt. In 1868, Dodge & Young began manufacturing wagons, carriages, buggies, etc., on quite an extensive scale, nine hands being employed, and from $4,000 to $5,000 worth of work being done annually. The sales ran down in 1873, owing to the hard times, and the business was partly abandoned. This, in brief, sums up the past importance of Centre.

WILLIAMS CENTRE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

Williams Centre Circuit was organized at the Central Ohio Annual Conference, held at Fostoria, Ohio, A. D. 1867, when Rev. Henry Boyers was appointed pastor. It was then in Defiance District, Rev. Elnathen C. Gavitt, Presiding Elder. In 1868, Williams Centre Circuit was placed in Toledo District, and Henry Boyers was returned as pastor. Rev. T. H. Wilson was Presiding Elder in Toledo District at this time. 1869, T. H. Wilson, Presiding Elder, and Rev. J. McKean was appointed pastor. 1870, T. H. Wilson, Presiding Elder; J. McKean, pastor. 1871, Rev. Leroy A. Belt was appointed Presiding Elder of Toledo District, and 0. E. Moore, pastor at Williams Centre. 1872, L. A. Belt, Presiding Elder, and William Littell was appointed pastor. 1873, L. A. Belt, Presiding Elder; William Littell, pastor. 1874, L A. Belt, Presiding Elder; William Littell, pastor. 1875, Park S. Donelson was appointed Presiding Elder of Toledo District, and William Littell was returned as pastor of Williams Centre. 1876, P. S. Donelson, Presiding Elder, and David Bowers was appointed pastor. 1877, P. S. Donelson, Presiding Elder, and David Bowers, pastor. 1878, P. S. Donelson, Presiding Elder, and S. L. Biler was appointed pastor, who remained two years. 1879, Wesley G. Waters was appointed Presiding Elder of Toledo District, and Jackson T. Pope as, pastor at Williams Centre, who remained two years. 1881, W. G. Waters, Presiding Elder; E. H. Snow was appointed pastor. The first church was erected many years ago. The second one was erected during the first year of Rev. William Littell's pastorate, 1872. Present membership and officers, forty-two, and about sixteen will be added soon. Present pastor, E. H. Snow. The Sunday school has a regular attendance of seventy-five; present Superintendent, Mrs. Giles H. Tomlinson.

CENTRE TOWNSHIP - 493

MELBERN.

In the month of August, 1869, John Fritch, John Kendall and Jacob Neihart laid out twenty-three lots on the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 20, and the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 21, Township 6 north, Range 2 east. The lots were all north of the railroad. In October, 1871, Eden Neer laid out an addition to Melbern, consisting of three lots on the south side of the railroad, and on the west side of the wagon road. The town came very nearly being called Kansas, but by good luck escaped such a direful fate. It has had, therefore, no grasshoppers nor tornadoes. The house of John Fritch was the first, it having been built many years before. Some years before the lots were laid out, Amos Huffman built the brown house near the church. Dr. John Kendall bought two acres at the village, and became the first Postmaster. The office was in Philip Neihart's old log house south of the railroad. David Lovejoy built an early house, in which he opened a small grocery; this was about 1866; he became Postmaster. William Thomas, Peter Brakeman and Constantine Beals erected early buildings. In about 1871, Mr. Thomas opened a general stock of goods in town. About three years ago Samuel Benn began merchandising in the same room. William Brown came in some eight or ten years ago. He is yet in business, and has the largest and best stock of goods in Melbern. Henry Jaques was his partner for a time, but sold out to George Brainer. Alexander McCaskey began selling notions about four years ago. There are in town the usual number of carpenters, blacksmiths, etc. Henry Beck was the third Postmaster, and Alexander McClaskey the fourth and present one. Dr. Kendall was the first physician; Dr. Trutton, the second, and Dr. Shutt, the third and last. None reside in town at present. Of course, the town has had its saloons. About the year 1866, Beal & Harris built a steam saw-mill, which they operated about three years, when it was purchased by Brakeman & Son, who yet own and conduct it. It is a good mill. ̊1 Centre Grange " was instituted at the Miller Schoolhouse in 1874, by the Deputy Grand Master, and at first was filled to overflowing with members. The first officers were: Master, Theodore Hunt; Secretary, William Weaver; Treasurer, Samuel Stauffer. Two years after the organization, the lodge built the storehouse in which Mr. Brown's stock of goods is now for sale. The upper story was fitted up for a lodge room, and here the grangers yet assemble to deliberate. The lodge, though not, as strong as at first, numbers, at present, about eighty-five members, and meets on Saturday evenings. The members, by united action, have done much to reduce the price of various farming implements. Three or four years ago, George Fox built a cheese factory south of the railroad. Ile manu-

494 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.

factures per day, during the warmer months, from six to fifteen cheeses, each weighing from twenty-five to forty pounds.

SCHOOLS.

The first schoolhouse in the vicinity of Melbern was built on the present site of the saw-mill, about the year 1837. It was a small log cabin, with a huge fire-place in one end, which fed a tall chimney built on the outside. The desks were rough boards placed on wooden pins driven in the wall, and the seats were clapboards, with legs made of wooden poles. Old man Barney was the first teacher in this primitive schoolhouse, receiving his pay by subscription. Mr. Barney was an odd old fellow, with peculiar habits, but he was a good teacher, though his education at this day would be designated mediocre. Mr. Fritch remembers that one night the teacher said 11 school is dismissed," but suddenly recollecting that he had not called the roll, he told the scholars, who had started up, to take their seats again. Mr. Fritch, then quite a large boy, did not hear the order of dismission countermanded, and kept on toward the door, until suddenly, without warning, the master's long whip came down across him like a sword. No further explanation was necessary, as Fritch saw the point, and went to his seat at a Rarus gait. This house was used about two years, when another log structure was built half a mile south of Melbern. Barney taught here also, as did Thomas Hill. This was used five or six years, when the third one for the neighborhood was erected at the geographical center of the township. A short time before the last war, this log building was replaced with a neat frame house, which was used until a few years ago. It is now the township hall. It stands a short distance north of the center, as, when it was built, land at the center could not be obtained, owing to an unsettled estate. William Neavill, Edgar Hubbard, Sarah Washburn and J. B. Kimmell, were early teachers in this neighborhood. It is said that Mr. Kimmell used to punish by tying boys and girls together, and then standing them on the top of seats. Such a procedure would be a source of supreme joy to the average scholars of to-day. The Pool Schoolhouse in the southwastern part was not built until about 1844. It has been replaced by several others. An early log schoolhouse was erected about a mile northwest of Melbern. Log schoolhouses were built in the northern part as early as 1840, and possibly as early as 1837 or 1838. The Yockey School District had its first log house about 1840. A log school cabin was built at Centre, on the south side of the creek, on the hill, about the year 1838. Old man Barney, the Yankee, was one of the first teachers. The house was used until about 1844, when a small brick structure was erected at a cost of about $500. It was largely due to the energy of Jacob Dillman

CENTRE TOWNSHIP - 495.

that this house was built. He paid half or two-thirds of the cost himself, and gave out the contract for the manufacture of the brick. The district was taxed to pay for the house ; and this, as stated several pages back, was the cause of the refusal of Brown and Phelps to pay the heavy taxes upon their town lots, as the tax soon amounted to nearly as much as the lots were worth. This building was used until a few years before the last war. Religious services were held in it, public assemblages gathered there, and the "old brick " will not soon be forgotten. In about the year 1852, the Maumee Presbytery began the project of constructing a seminary at the village. The citizens, without regard to religious convictions, were asked to assist in the cost of constructing the house ; and all did so without seriously thinking that the school was to be strictly denominational. The frame building (now the district schoolhouse), in the western part of the town, was immediately built at a cost of about $2,500. Jacob Dill-man gave the land (west of the present site), upon which the house was built, with the understanding that the land was to revert to him in case it was no longer used for school purposes. A thorough Presbyterian organization was effected, the following men being elected Trustees of the Maumee Presbytery: John M. Layman, D. S. Anderson, J. P. P. Stockton, John Kelley, Milo Rockwell and Joseph S. Grim. James Anderson, a man of fine character and culture, was given charge of the school. A fair attendance of scholars was secured, and the seminary began to attract attention. The house was used by the Presbyterian society on Sundays, and the class was under the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Crabb, an excellent man, and a very ardent Presbyterian. James Anderson died in about three years, and his brother David was then given charge of the school. As the years advanced, and the rigidly orthodox tenets of the Presbyterian ritual were more or less taught to the assembled scholars, considerable comment and criticism were indulged in by those whose children were in attendance, and whose religious views were not Presbyterian. Such parents soon found that they had made a mistake in supposing that their children could attend the school without coming within the strong influences of Calvinistic teachings. Matters went on thus for some time, until, at last, such parents kept their children from the school. This led to the downfall and abandonment of the seminary. The land went back to Mr. Dillman, and the house was moved to its present position, and became the property of the district.

THE HIGH SCHOOL.

When many of the citizens withdrew their children from the Presbyterian school, their feelings of resentment became paramount. While in this disturbed condition they instituted movements for building a high

496 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.

school structure. The building was designed to cost about $3,000 ; and, in order that not too severe a burden should fall upon any person's shoulders, the amount to be raised was divided into shares of $10 each. Men bought as many shares as their means allowed. Mr. Dillman headed the subscription by taking fifteen shares, and others did nearly as well. The plan, or project, was highly successful, and the house was immediately built. The structure is a large, two-story, frame affair, about 35x50 feet, and school was begun in it immediately, J. H. Omo being the first teacher. This was about the year 1857 or 1858. The sessions were held eight or nine months of the year, and from forty to seventy young ladies and gentlemen were in attendance. The school flourished exceedingly until the war broke out, at which time many of the young men entered the army, and went to Western Virginia for six months, saying that they would return in the fall to be ready for the winter term. They expected, dear reader, to whip the rebels soundly by that time, and avenge the insult offered the old flag. Mr. Sherwood was one of the early teachers, During, or after, the war were Messrs. Chapman, Harris, Zeigler, Greer, Bowersox, Kirk, Irish and Lewis. Many good terms have been taught since the war. The building is at present unoccupied. The ownership of the house and the lots upon which it stands is uncertain, as the association was not incorporated, and some technical mistakes were made in the transfer. The courts will ultimately be called upon to settle the case.

CHURCHES.

At the time the Presbyterians built the seminary, they organized a class which met to worship in that building. Rev. Crabb was their first pastor. Many of their members lived in Defiance County. The society was disorganized at the time the school stopped. As early as about 1844, the Methodists had formed a small class at Centre, and by 1848 they were strong enough to build a small frame church, about 24x32 feet, at a cost of $400. Among the early members were some of the Dillmans, the Nobles, the Ensigns, the Crockers and the Lloyds. The house was used until a short time before the war, and finally passed to the ownership of G. H. Tomlinson, in whose possession it yet is. Among the early ministers were Revs. Money, Thompson, Lindsey, Ray, Boyer, Miller, Perky, Henderson and Barkdoll. The present Methodist Episcopal Church was erected in 1874. Bishop Kumler organized a United Brethren Society at Centre about the year 1842. The members met in schoolhouses and dwellings until about 1856 or 1857, when they built a frame church at a cost of about $2,800. Of this amount, G. H. Tomlinson gave about $400, and L. Henenway, George Kearns, M. L. Jaques, J. D. Wilsey, Daniel Kaler and Griffin & Britton (the contractors) about $150 each.

CENTRE TOWNSHIP - 497

Rev. Eugene H. Snow was one of the first ministers. The Universalists had a small organization for a short time in the high school building. The Spiritualists erected a small frame temple in the south part of Centre about twenty-five years ago. Here the spirits of the departed were conversed with through mediums. Seances were held, and strange performances were enacted. Believers in this faith met with considerable ridicule and opposition. The Disciples' Church at Centre was built in 1869 and 1870, principally through the efforts of Rev. J. E. Harris, who had organized the society about two years before. Among those who gave the most toward the cost of building the church were the following persons, with the estimated amounts each gave in money and labor : J. E. Harris, $225 ; J. D. Wilsey, $200 ; J. P. Dodge, $300 ; Hugh Mills. $250; Isaac Ewan, $315; John Lane, $210; Reasoner Scott, $150; George Miser, $75; Jesse Little, $60; C. M. Gilbert, $120; Colin Tharp, $60; J. K. Storer, $60 ; Mary Stenger, $25, and scores of others for smaller amounts. The building committee were Isaac Ewan, George Ferris and Joel P. Dodge. The ministers have been J. E. Harris, J. P. Martin, E. M. Gleason, B. Faraut and T. P. Sutton. The members numbered about forty at the time the church was built. For the last four or five years, the society has had no regular class. As early as 1837, the Methodists formed a small class at the residence of Mr. Hill, in the northern part of the township. Among the early members were the Hills, the Pools, the Sufficools, the Shafers and others. This society. though too weak to build a church, has endured until the present day. At present, they meet in the Lutheran Church at Melbern. Among the present members are William Pool, William Monosmith, John Gabriel, J. L. Jordan, Henry Jaques and William Brown. In about 1846, a Lutheran class was organized at the residence of Jacob Neihart, and for some time met in the upper story of his house. Joseph McKean, Jonas Deal, Samuel Lent, Samuel Deeds, Simon Thomas, Daniel Kreiger and Jacob Thomas were early members. Rev. Butler was the first minister. James Cather often came from Indiana and preached for the class. Robert Mays was one of the early ministers. The class built the church at Melbern about twenty-five years ago; cost about $600. Other denominations helped build the church, and now use it when it is not occupied by the Lutherans. The Lutheran membership is about thirty. Nineteen new members were united with the church about a year ago.

498 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.

SCHOOLHOUSES AND CEMETERIES.

NO. OF DISTRICT	SECTION	ACRES	VALUE CENSUS 1880
District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 District 8 District 9 District 10 Centre High School Disciples' Cemetery Brown's Cemetery Lutheran Cemetery Centre Cemetery.	1 4 6 17 16 24 26 34 33 30 35 1 13 16 34	.25 .50 .50 .50 .25 .50 .25 1.00 .25 .25 4 lots .80 1.00 .53 Lot 9	$450 500 200 300 350 65 700 500 200 300 1,500 200 500 400 300
Acres of land in Centre Township Acres of meadow and pasture, 1880 Acres of plow land, 1880 Acres of wood land, 1880 Value of land. Value of buildings Average value per acre, exclusive of houses Value of Centre Village. Value of Melbern			22,757.22 9,309 4,481.9 8,967 $382,266 31,380 17.32 4,279 3,721