468 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY

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 village 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, a Miss Dawson. The fruits of said and marriage were three sons and four daughters. Isaac Perkins and Malinda Plummer, son and daughters, 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 sisters 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 village of Brunersburgh. He built the first mill in this county ; laid out in 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. He was one of the hardy pioneers and reared a large family of boys, of whom John and Herman are still living in the county. He clear 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 prace 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 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 Pickaway 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 goto 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. Origiinally thge 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 johnnycake, and rye coffee or spicewood tea were considered a good meal. Wild bees were plenty, and in the fall of this 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 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 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 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. O. 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 Tressler started the first grocery and saloon. The annual trade was not large. The village contained one store, one grocery, one saw-mill, one black smith 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 principality 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 $3,00. They have a fine congregation, and quite a number of members. George W. .Walker was their first pastor. About the same time German Reformers built a good church at West Jefferson at a cost $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 " Bunker Hill," in 1858, at cost of some $2,000. It was subsequently burnt—supposed to be 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. Hesler, Pastor.

VARIOUS PREACHERS

Rev. Simeon H. Alderman was the first Methodist preacher. He 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 reached 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 he 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 first school in District No. 1. Miss Powell taught the first school 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 'me; scholars were apt to learn, and teachers took great pains to instruct them in the rudiments. Spelling schools were held in 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 will give 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

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, J. Tyler as accessory, which occurred about the 20th day

476 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.

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 nigh Schamp went to see Tyler, to ascertain if he could tell 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 had, 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 tried for murder in the first degree, was found guilty and sentence to be hanged January 26, 1849. J. Dobbs was Prosecutor, assisted by C. Case. S. E. Blakeslee was attorney for defendant. Daniel Langle was 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 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.