84 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. CHAPTER XV. POLITICAL STATUS OF WOOD COUNTY-THE TOLEDO WAR-INCIDENTS CONNECTED THEREWITH-THE WHIGS AT FORT MEIGS- ELECTIONS IN THE COUNTY UP TO 1896-LISTS OF NATIONAL, STATE AND COUNTY OFFICIALS. THE political status of Wood county, down to 1840, was scarcely considered by candidates for State or National offices. Beyond the limits of Perrysburg, the canvasser for votes seldem strayed, unless indeed, he considered it advisable to visit the enterprising towns along the Western Reserve road. To local politicians, however, the county was an open book; for they knew all the nooks where a vote rested, and, when the roads or trails were passable, directed their steps to secure it. For fully twenty years after its organization, the people paid very little attention to the outside world. Gen,. Harrison's visit to Fort Meigs, in 1840, attracted their attention, and, by degrees, the Congressional, Senatorial, Representative and judicial contests interested them, but never destroyed their absorbing interest in county and township elections. The Toledo War irritated the pioneers, who, in the sober hours after the conflict, speculated on their narrow escape from civil strife, and wondered why or how the authorizes, elected to direct their affairs, would entail upon them such risks. From 1835 to the fall of 1839, the people avoided State politics, and, not a few, looked upon the State officials with suspicions of their competency. This was all due to the trouble with Michigan. The Toledo War.-This ludicrous fiasco is an example of the excess to which the individual or people of one State may go to rob another State of its territory. Ohio played this game on Michigan, and Illinois on Wisconsin, each taking a strip from its northern neighbor without regard to the law, only with regard to the profits, and each building a large city in relative positions, on the lake shore of the acquired territory. The history of the transaction relates only remotely to Wood county, but there are circumstances in connection with it which justify a mention of the fiasco in these pages. A Wood county citizen, W. V. Way, wrote a most complete sketch of the little attempt at civil war; Perrysburg was converted into an armed camp for the would-be warriors, among whom were many of Wood county's old settlers, ready to, advance against the soldiers of Michigan. Ohio was determined to hold the Six-Mile Strip." The trouble may be said to have preceded the Act of the Ohio Legislature, February 23, 1835, authorizing the governor to appoint three commissioners, for running the north line of the State, from the southern extremity of Lake Michigan to the most northerly cape of the Maumee Bay. On February 12, 1835, the Michigan Council passed an Act to prevent the organization of a foreign jurisdiction within the limits of the Territory. On March 31, 1835, Gov. Lucas and the boundary commissioners, appointed by him, arrived at Perrysburg en route to remark the Harris Line, and, about the same time, 600 militia, under Gen. John Bell, of the Seventeenth. Ohio Militia District, went into camp round the old British Post, known as Fort Miami or Fort Campbell. According to judge Way's history: The force consisted of five-companies of the 1st regiment, 2d brigade of the 17th, division of militia, under the command of Col. Mathias Vanfleet. The captains of these companies were J. W. Scott, of the Perrysburg company; Stephen S. Gilbert, of the Maumee company; John Pettinger, of the Waterville company; Felton, of the Gilead company, and Granville Jones, of the Lucas guards, an independent company at Toledo. These companies numbered about 300 men. There was also a part of a regiment from Sandusky county, commanded by Lewis Jennings, and a part of a regiment from Seneca and Hancock counties, under command of Col. Brish, of Tiffin. These numbered about 300 more, making the total force 600 men. I am unable to give the particulars of the recruiting of any of the companies in Col. Vanfleet's regiment, except that of Capt.. WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 85 Scott. Agreeably to military usages, he employed a drummer to wake up the martial spirit of the inhabitants. Instead of establishing headquarters at some particular place, he made them rove up and down nearly the whole length of Front street, in Perrysburg. That street was the only one, except Louisiana avenue, that contained many inhabitants. He selected a spot some distance below the avenue, and one near the upper end of the town, between which the drummer was required to beat the drum, from early morning until night. The drummer was a very large man by the name of Odle. He had a brother who was of usual size; but the drummer was so much larger than his brother, that he went by the name of the "Big Odle." He was so large, that while marching beating a common-sized drum, the drum appeared, in comparison of size with him, no greater than one of those small drums in toy shops, for the use of little boys, would .appear in the hands of an ordinary sized man. He wore a two-story white felt hat, with a narrow brim; but by long use it had become softened and the crown bulged up so that it was really a two-story and an attic. A strip of paper with the words " recruiting for the war," in large letters printed on it was fastened around it. His coat was an old rifleman's uniform of green color, trimmed with black lace. His pants were domestic cloth, colored with oak bark, and also trimmed with black lace down the lees. Thus equipped, Odle, accompanied by a man carrying the American Tag, marched up and down the street, beating the drum with great vigor from morning to night. This drumming continued for several days in succession. In the meantime the Court of Common Pleas of Wood county commenced its session. David Higgins was presiding judge. In going his beat up and down Front street, Odle had to pass by the court house. The drumming after a while became annoying to judge Higgins, who was a very nervous man, and somewhat irritable at times. One of his peculiar irritable moods came over him during this term of court. He vented his feelings by pitching into Capt. Scott's drummer, instead of some young and modest member of the Bar, as was his usual custom. He ordered the sheriff to go out and stop that drumming. The sheriff went to Odle and told him that he was ordered by the court to stop his drumming. Odle replied, that he was under orders and pay from Capt. Scott to drum for recruits for the war. That he considered it his duty to obey him as a military authority, and should continue to beat the drum until stopped by him; or until he was satisfied that the court had more authority than Capt. Scott. He marched on beating his drum, and the sheriff went into the court room to report. The judge's eyes flashed lightning when he heard the report. The sheriff was ordered to arrest Odle forthwith and bring him before the court, and also summon Capt. Scott. All of which was done in a few minutes. Capt. Scott was interrogated whether this man Odle was disturbing the court under his orders. The Captain replied that Odle was beating the drum under his orders, having received instructions from Col. Vanfleet to employ the music to aid in recruiting volunteers for the service of the State. He further stated that Gov. Lucas, who was stopping at Spafford's Exchange, had sanctioned his proceedings before the court commenced its session, and should therefore continue the music until stopped by Col. Vanfleet or his Excellency. The Judge roared out in a stentorian voice, " Mr. Sheriff, take Capt. Scott and his music organ to jail and lock them up. Mr . Prosecuting Attorney, draw up an information against these men for contempt of court, and have the case ready for hearing to-morrow morning."The sheriff, Jonas Pratt, made a move toward executing the order. Capt. Scott and Odle readily followed him down stairs to the corner of the building where there was a path leading to the log jail on the back end of the lot. Here a stand was made. The sheriff's authority to imprison was repudiated. The Captain informed him that he should not sacrifice the interests of the State to gratify Judge Higgins's assumed authority. That in the emergency of war, when the State was invaded by an enemy, the military authority, on which the State relies for protection, is paramount to the civil authority; that although he regretted to disturb the proceedings of the court, yet he could not consent to the enforcement of its order in his case. He gave the sheriff to understand, that if he persisted in attempting to take him to jail, he would then and there, on the spot, test the question of power, between himself and the court. He told the sheriff that if he made a single move further to imprison him, he would declare martial law, and do with him and judge Higgins as Gen. Jackson did with judge Hall at New Orleans, put them both under arrest. "That is right; that is right, Captain," said Odle, at the same time doubling up his two hands to about the size of elephant's feet. "That's the way to talk. Bully for you, Captain. Stand off, Sheriff ! " By this time, there was a commotion in the crowd of bystanders, indicative that the sheriff would have a lively time of it, in getting them to jail, if he should attempt it by force. The sheriff retreated up-stairs to the court-room as soon as possible, and reported what had taken place at the door below. The judge never said a word in reply; but continued in the trial of the case on hand, as if nothing unusual had happened. Without losing any more time, Odle slung the drum strap over his neck, and continued his march and music as before up and down the street. After some little time, the judge directed the sheriff to go and find Capt. Scott and ask him if he would be so good as to order that music to some back street, where it would interfere less with the court. The enthusiasm for enlisting recruits was so great, that if the court had attempted to enforce its order, it would have failed. Capt. Scott acquired so much popularity by these proceedings, that he shortly after had no further us(; for his drummer. His company was made up at once. Gov. Mason, with Gen. Joseph W. Brown, arrived at Toledo with a force under the immediate command of the latter, variously estimated from 800 to 1,200 men, and went into camp, ready to resist any advance of the Ohio authorities upon the disputed territory to run the boundary line or doing other acts inconsistent with Michigan's right of jurisdiction over it. Gen. Brown had, for his staff, Capt. Henry Smith, of Monroe, inspector; Maj. J. J. Ullman, of Constantine, quartermaster; William E. Boardman, of Detroit and Alpheus Felch, of Monroe, aids-de-camp. The two governors, having made up an issue by legislative enactments, found themselves confronted by a military force that had been called out to enforce their respective legislative pleadings. Gov. Mason, representing the tenant in possession, was content to rest at his ease. Gov. Lucas, representing the plaintiff, had to open the trial. He found it convenient to observe a "masterly inactivity " for some days. Nothing prevented war but the arrival of Richard Rusk and Col. Howard from Washington, who came as peace delegates from the President. They proposed that the Harris Line should be re-marked according to the Act of the Ohio Legislature; but that the residents of the " SixMile Strip" should be free to recognize the authority of the State and Territory according to the sympathies of each, until Congress would settle the question. It cannot be said that the two governors accepted this solution; but it had the effect of permitting the militia to retire to their homes without firing a shot. Michigan maintained her pretensions until August 29, 1835, when Gov. Mason was removed and Charles Shaler appointed in his place; but the boundary-line troubles continued down to June 15, 1836, when Congress designated the Harris Line as the southern boundary of the State of Michigan, admitted that day. This boundary trouble arose over a strip of 86 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. land five or six miles wide, which, by a survey made by William Haris, and known as the "Haris line," belonged to the State of Ohio. But, according to another line, surveyed by John A. Fulton, and known as the " Fulton line," it belonged to the Territory of Michigan. By the " Fulton line " Toledo and the north part of Lucas county would now be in Michigan. As Lucas was then a part of Wood, or rather as there was no Lucas county, Wood was right in the midst of the "war." Army headquarters were at Perrysburg. The Ordinance of 1787 provided that the line in question should be a line extended due east from the South end of Lake Michigan. It is easy to see that there might be considerable room for slight variations. Ohio was a State, and has votes and influence in Congress. Michigan was just a Territory, subject to the action of Congress. Ohio had specified her boundary lines in her Constitution; she was no doubt in the wrong; but while the Michigan people stood manfully for their rights," Congress thought best to recognize the Haris or Ohio line, and did so, but as a sop to the wrathy " Wolverines " gave them what is known as the Upper Peninsula, and, further, admitted Michigan to Statehood. The Whigs at Fort Meigs.- The Harrison meeting at Fort Meigs remains, to-day, one of the political landmarks of Ohio. The idea of this demonstration was expressed February 21, 1840, at Columbus, when a miniature fort, armed with a brass cannon, cast at Toledo, and a few iron pieces, was shown to the Whigs, then present to ratify the nominations made at Philadelphia, December 4, 1839. It was resolved then to hold a great meeting at Fort Meigs in June, 1840. From the report made in the Perrysburg journals, and reprinted in a thousand papers, pamphlets and books since that time, the following story of the meeting is taken: It was decided that a huge log cabin should be erected upon the fort, to be used as headquarters by Gen Harrison for reception purposes. One log for this cabin was to be furnished by each township in Wood and Lucas counties. The first log to arrive was brought from the neighborhood of the present village of Swanton. It was a fine stick of timber, about fifty feet in length. Its arrival was the signal for a jollification. The cannon was bought and taken to the fort, followed by three barrels of hard cider. The Whigs of Maumee and Perrysburg united in this demonstration, which lasted until the evening, when many of the men and a host of boys gave evidence of familiarity with these barrels of cider. The next day, many of the Whigs visited the fort to see the log, which had met with such a warm reception that the Democrats had gone to the fort in the night and stuck said log into the well. Not only this, but they had bored a hole in the end of the log which projected out of the well about five feet, then had got a hickory bush, shaved the end to fit the hole in the log, and then planted the bush in the log. The bush was removed, but the log could not be lifted out of the well, and it remains there to this day. The parties who did it were Charles F. Wilson; Henry Ewing; Samuel Bucher, who lived in a cabin near the fort; S. D. Westcott, a well-known citizen of Perrysburg, and John Westcott, of Vanlue. Just how so few men could plant so large a log in a well, the reader will be curious to know. A man by the name of Radway lived on the farm later owned by F. R. Miller & Co., about a half mile above the fort. He had a pair of breachy oxen, and was in the habit of turning them upon the commons in their yoke. These cattle were at the fort, and the guerrillas drafted them into the service. Bucher got a log chain, the oxen were hitched to the log, and it was drawn into position, the butt at the well and the other end resting upon the embankment. Thus situated, the men managed to raise the small end and slide the log into "the well. The Whigs were, not discouraged by this little episode, but the logs kept coming in until every township had its representative for the cabin. The logs ranged from forty to sixty feet in length, were straight as an arrow and smooth as a ramrod. The Whigs were proud of their logs, and contemplated the beautiful cabin to be made of them with great satisfaction. It is singular that the fate of the first log did not operate to warn the Whigs against further raids, but they evidently thought the success of the first venture would satisfy their enemies. In this they were deceived, for one dark night men, armed with cross-cut saws, entered the fort and cut those logs into old-fashioned back logs. Like the man who locked his stable door after the horse was stolen, the Whigs now built a bark guard-house and hired a man, armed with a shot-gun, to keep watch. Other logs were procured, and a huge double cabin was erected, George W. Newton, acting in the capacity of master builder, John C. Spink, Julius Blinn, Judge Hollister, J. W. Smith, and other Whigs of Perrysburg, being the leading spirits in this preparatory work for the great convention. WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 87 The Fort Meigs demonstration was worthy of the campaign of1840. In fact, everything considered, it was the most remarkable political gathering ever witnessed in this county. It must be remembered that facilities for travel were very limited at that time, and that Fort Meigs was then a point on the frontier. Notwithstanding these facts, the crowd assembled was estimated at from 40,000 to 60,000 persons. It is safe to say that there were 50,000 people at the fort on the 11th day of June, 1840.. They came from all parts 0f the country, in all manner of conveyances. Capt. Wilkinson, with his "Commodore Perry," escorted sixteen steamboats up the river, all loaded to their utmost capacity. Men are said to have sold their last cow to get the means to take them to that convention. Military companies from various cities were present, and a large number of bands furnished music. The processions on the roads leading to Perrysburg were immense, while thousands upon thousands were streaming in for two or three days before the demonstration, from all parts of the country. A mock siege occurred on the night of the 10th, and the cannonading is described as having been sublimely grand. Every house at Perrysburg and Maumee was crowded with weary men who had rode in buggies and wagons hundreds of miles. Thousands slept upon the ground in the woods adjoining the fort. The wells in. the upper portion of Perrysburg were soon pumped dry in relieving the thirst of the multitude. Gen. Harrison was present and while in Perrysburg was the guest of judge Hollister, who then owned and occupied the residence now owned by H. E. Peck. In the evening, in response to the calls of a great crowd of people, he appeared upon the grounds in front of the residence, and briefly addressed the multitude. The General, Tom Ewing, and a large number of other distinguished Whigs were present, and addressed the people. Gen. Harrison passed a portion of his time in Maumee, the guest of judge Forsyth. Thus was inaugurated and successfully concluded one of the greatest political demonstrations ever witnessed on this continent. The vote, cast in 1840, numbered 549 Whig and 519 Democrat, or 11,068, divided as follows: Perrysburg township, 140 W. and 64 D.; Troy, 44 W and 18 D.; Center, 28 W. and 20 D.; Freedom, 22 W. and 22 D.; Middleton, 16 W. and 95 D.; Portage, 14 W. and 91 D.; Washington, 27 W. and 43 D.; Weston, 58 W. and 32 D.; Henry, 7 W. and 30 D.; Milton, 13 W. and 5 D.; Montgomery, 54 W. and 44 D.; Jackson, 1 W. and 110 D., and Liberty, 21 W. and 20 D. Harrison was then the Whig and Van Buren the Democratic candidate, both receiving about one-tenth of the vote cast in 1892 for a lineal descendant of the first named on the Republican ticket, and a political descendant of the second on the Democratic ticket. In 1848, the county gave 562 votes for Seabury Ford (W.), and 557 for J. B. Waller (D.), candidates for governor; 626 for John C. Spink (W.), and 471 for James Myers (D.), for senator; 575 for Isaac Van Doran (W.), and 526 for the Democratic candidate for representative; 574 for John A. Kelley (W.), and 529 for Whitman (D.), for commissioner, and 565 for J. W. Ross (W.), and 552 for Simmons (D.), for coroner. The Presidential election in November brought out a similar vote; but in April, 1850, the county gave 598 votes to John E. Hunt, and 585 to Charles J. Orton, being 27 and 21, respectively, more than recorded for Spink and Rawson, candidates for delegates to the Constitutional Convention. The elections of 1850 show 475 votes for W. Johnston (W.), and 530 for Reuben Wood (D.), candidates for governor; 452 for John Kelley (W.), and 463 for James Myers (D.), senatorial candidates; 391 for Samuel Treat (W.), and 589 for Eber Wilson (D.), for representative; 418 for William Campbell (W.), and 541 for John Groves (D.), for commissioner; 452 for John Webb (W.), and 524 for Jairus Curtis (D.), for recorder; 408 for J. F. Stubbs (W.), and 571 for John Webb (D.), for coroner. Less than two-thirds of the electors appeared at the polls. In June, 1851, the county gave 487 votes against and 458 for the New Constitution, and 556 for and 335 against the proposed liquor law. The elections of 1851 show 616 votes for S. F. Vinton (W.), and 728 for Reuben Wood (D.), for governor; 683 for J. M. Coffinberry (W.), and 648 for William Mungen (D.), for senator; 604 for Elijah Huntington (W.), and 713 for S. Hollingshead (D.), for representative: 623 for C. K. Watson (W.), and 700 for L. C. Hull (D.), for district judge; 584 for E. Elliott (W.), 660 for Asher Cook (D.), and 43 for M. Sypher (Ind.), for probate judge; 620 for J. W. Ross (W.), and 716 for S. D. Westcott (D.), for auditor; 668 for Shibnah Spink (W.), and 681 for John Bates (D.), for treasurer; 615 for William Ewing (W.), and 671 for Peleg Thomas (D.), for sheriff; 639 for George W. Clark (W.), and 700 for L. O. Simmons (D.), for clerk; 626 for S. Jefferson (W.), 482 for M. Sypher (D.), and 118 for W. V. Way (Ind. ), for prosecuting attorney; 559 for John Russell (D.), 563 for Thomas Gorrill (W.), WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 88 203 for A. G. McClelland (W.), and 500 for R. Bamber (D.), for commissioners. The election of November 10, 1854, resulted as follows: Probate judge-S. W. St. John (D.), 618, J. A. Kelley (W.), 789; clerk-L. O. Simmons (D.), 608, John Webb (W.), 823; sheriff S. S. Bronson (D.), 544, W. L. Cook (W.), 617, and John Elder (K. N.), 238; commissioner Isaac Clay (D.), 551, H. L. Wood (W.), 778, Muir (K. N.), 83; coroner-Gideon Z. Avery (D.), 500, and S. L. Sergeant (Fusion), 883. The Maumee Valley Democrat, noticing this election, said: "The election is over, we have met the enemy and are defeated. But there ain't no use o' crying, and, like the old Kentucky hunter, when his gun missed fire, we'll pick the flint and try 'em again in 1855." The Whig and Know-Nothing tickets were merged into one, known as the "Fusion." The Democrat dealt with the principles of Know-Nothingism without gloves, but the demagogues of the period looked only for votes, regardless of private or party principles, and got them; in October, 1855, a Republican mass meeting was held at Bowling Green, and the same month the party reassembled there to congratulate its atoms on the victory. Salmon P. Chase (R.), received 1,099 votes against 591 cast for William Medill (D.), and 45 for Allen Trimble (K. N.) for governor; Erasmus D. Peck (R.), candidate for the Legislature, received 1, 144 against 598 cast for John Bates (D.); auditor-James W. Ross (R.), 1,160 against 564 for Josiah N. Westcott (D.); treasurer-Shibnah Spink (R.), 1,211 against 518 for Dr. Thomas S. Carman (D.); commissioner Samuel M. Chilcote (R.), 1,138 against 588 for William R. Bryant (D.); attorney-Sylvanus Jefferson (R.) 1, 149 against 57-k for Willard V. Way (D.); and 1,079 for county surveyor-Francis W. Bowe (R.), against 647 for John Clarke (D.). The vote cast in 1858 was 1,328 for Chester W. Norton, 881 for Lorenzo Borden, and 67 for W. A. Prior, for sheriff; 1,356 for Samuel M. Chilcote, and 935 for Daniel Mercer, commissioner; and 1,368 for John Elder, and 918 for Thomas S. Carman, coroner. In 1859, the Republican majority was over 500. During the campaign of 1860, the -Wide-awake" companies were drilled, and special attention paid' to militia matters, so that, though the attack on Fort Sumter was sudden and unexpected, the rank and file of the Republican party in Ohio were prepared to carry arms in defense of party principles and the integrity of the Republic, while the majority of the Democrats of Wood county were equally ready to oppose any attempt at disrupting the union of States. The Union State ticket received a majority vote in October, 1561, John C. Wooster, for treasurer, receiving 1,557 votes; John E. McGowan, for attorney, 1,556 votes; Addison Smith for auditor, 1,554 votes, and Addison Lansdale for commissioner, 1, 420 votes, while Asher Cook, for representative, was elected without opposition. The Jewett or Democratic ticket received only 282 votes. Judge Whiteley received 1, 522 votes in Wood, and 4,001 in the judicial district. The County Union Mass Convention was called to meet at Bowling Green, September 13, 1862. The signers of the call were John Bates, George Knoll, William G. Lamb, W. R. Caruthers, Henry H. Dodge, Eber Wilson, J. J. Parks, N. L. Besanson, John C. Wooster, Sanford Baldwin, A. La Farree, A. Van Camp, Joel Foote, S. D. Westcott, J. R. Tyler, Michael Hayes and Lorenzo Borden-all war Democrats, with Asher Cook, Francis Hollenbeck, George Weddell, T. G. Frisbie, Daniel Newton, E. Quigley, Thomas Taylor, David Gibson, J. W. Ross, Peter Bell, A. E. Jerome, R. Russell, R. Brisbin, De Los Pratt and Thomas Junkins-all Republicans. The convention met on the day named, M. R. Waite and Judge Whiteley addressed the delegates and the election which followed in October, 1862, was simply the voice of that meeting. The returns give the following names and figures: 1,458 votes for G. E. Guyer (U.), 1,250 for Thompson, and 49 for Flower, candidates for sheriff; 1,326 for Alvin Clark, and 1,401 for Hill, for commissioner; 1,421 for Sylvanus Hatch, and 1,328 for Stephen Merry, for recorder; 1,354 for D. D. Ames, and 1, 390 for N. W. Minton, for surveyor, and 1, 388 for S. L. Sergeant, and 1, 366 for John Elder, for coroner. The election of October, 1863, was a contest between the Union party and the Democratic party, in which the latter was worsted, though making a very thorough fight. For governor, John Brough (R), received 2,28o, and O. L. Vallandigham (D.), 1,175 votes; for senator, J. C. Hall received 2,274, and Lemmon, 1,215; for representative, John Ryder, 2,273, and Cole, 1,212; for county auditor, G. N. Parsons (U.), 2,268 and Westcott (D.), 1,217; for treasurer, J. A. Bonnell (U.), 2,277, and Gorton (D.), 1, 206; for clerk, J. W. Knaggs (U.), 2,268, and Besanson (D.), 1,21 I; for probate judge, Edwin Tuller (U.), 2,246, and Lamb (D.), 1,218; for attorney, George Strain (U.), 2,276, and J. R. Tyler (D.), 1, 207; for commissioner, Walter Davidson (U.), 2,252, and Nathan Hatfield (D.), 1,217, and for WOOD COUNTY - OHIO. - 89 coroner, C. C. Baird (U.), 2,272, and McCrory (D.), 1,205. The voters of the county gave more attention to military affairs during the ensuing two years, than to politics. Even when the cloud of civil war was riven, the question of removing the county seat was brought forward, and, for four years, at least, was one of absorbing interest; the candidates for State and county. offices coming next in public calculation. The vote of October, 1869, showed majorities ranging from 142 for Commissioner St. John to 791 for Infirmary-director Bruce. For governor, R. E. Hayes received a majority vote of 756, being 53 below the Republican majority for Secretary of State in 1868. The political contest of 1870 was carried on here by George Kimberlin, candidate for treasurer; Stephen Merry for recorder; John W. Brownsberger for sheriff; R. W. Kelly for commissioner, and Jabez E. Lockhart for infirmary director, all Republicans, against the ablest gladiators of the Democrats. In 1874, Wood county recorded 597 votes for and 3,163 against the New Constitution; 537 for and 2,987 against minority representation; 391 for and 3.324 against railroad aid, and 1,980 for and 1,774 against license. The October elections resulted in Republican majorities ranging from 343 for congressman to 906 for Baird, candidate for sheriff. The majorities recorded from 1872 to 1877, inclusive, for President, Governor and Secretary of State are given as follows: 1872-Grant, 1,098, for President; 1873-Noyes, 274, for Governor; 1874-Wikoff, 452 for Secretary of State; 1875-Hayes, 723 for Governor; 1876-Barnes, 951 for Secretary of State; 1876-Hayes, 834 for President, and 1877-West, 207 for Governor. In 1876 there were 6,827 votes cast, against 6,414 in 1875, the Democratic increase being 125, and the Republican 333. The October elections of 1884 resulted as follows: J. W. Newman (D.), 3,883, and J. S. Robinson (R.). 4,517, for Secretary of State; G. E. Seney (D.). 3,875, and Dan Babst (R.), 4,532 for representative in Congress; G. F. Pendleton (D.), 3,660, and A. Cook (R.), 4.837, for judge of Common Pleas; G. M. Brown (Peo.), 4,543, and Miles (R.), 3,944, for sheriff; J. W. Canary (Peo.), 3,885, and E. W. Poe (R.), 4,570 for auditor; Daniel Mears (Peo.), 4,026, and Fries (R.), for commissioner; Thomas Meehan (Peo.), 3,903, and R. S. Parker (R.) 4,614, for prosecuting attorney; J. D. Halsey (Peo), 3,804, and F. M. Young (R.), 4, 580 for probate judge; C. E. Winchester (Peo.), 3,862, and O. Sterns (R.), 4,541 for infirmary director. The vote in November, 1884, was 3,753 for Cleveland, and 4,549 for Elaine, candidates for President of the United States. In 1892 there were 5,314 votes cast for the Republican candidate for President, or rather for the electors, while 4,784 were cast for the nominee of the Democrats. In 1893 McKinley received 5,714, and Neal 4.395 votes for Governor of Ohio, while 5,233 votes were recorded for S. M. Taylor (R.), 3,436 for M. F. Turner (D.), 589 for M. G. McCaslin, of the P. party, and 388 for C. R. Martin, of the P. P. party, all candidates for Secretary of State. The election for Circuit and Common Pleas judges, representatives in Congress and for sheriff, commissioner, recorder and infirmary director, with the vote cast in 1894, is recorded as follows: E. E. King (R.), 5,170, and T. M. Marshall (D.), 3,415, for judge of Circuit Court; C. M. Melhorn (R.), 5,123, and A. E. Johnson (D.), 3,493, for judge of the Common Pleas Court; J. H. Southard (R.), 5,042, E. F. Ritchie (D.), 3,566, and George Candee (Peo.), 959, for representative in Congress; R. Eiggs (R.). 5,099, F. W. Heald (D.), 3,667; H. Hanna (Pro.), 528, and A. Neifer (Peo.), 314, for sheriff; Samuel Knight (R.), 4,896, F. Freyman (D.), 3,765, H. D. Stouffer (Pro.), 553, and J. H. Whitker (Peo.),, 353, for commissioner; H. L. Hinkley (R.), 5,166; W. A. Esterly (D.), 3,448, J. F. Smith (Pro.), 567, and P. Henderson (Peo.), 366, for recorder; F. J. Schriber (R.), 5,156, Fred. Sealscott (D.), 3,427, Charles Wineland (Pro.), 581, and D. H. Young (Peo.), 380, for infirmary director. The Act extending the term of the recorder left Mr. Finkbeiner in office until September, 1895, when H. L. Hinkley, recorder elect, qualified for office. There were 10,358 votes cast in this county in November, 1895, for gubernatorial candidates, as follows: Eushnell (R.), 5,370; Campbell (D.), 3,814; Coxey (People's party), 654, and Ellis (Prohibition party), 520. The total shows 581 more votes than were cast for the candidates for county treasurer, where the race was supposed to be strongest and swiftest. The official record of the vote for senators, representatives and county officers cast at this election is given as follows: 90 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. OFFICIAL RECORD OF VOTE, NOVEMBER, 1895, ELECTION OF SENATORS, REPRESENTATIVES AND COUNTY OFFICERS. CHART NOT INCLUDED ON THE WEB Since the above was in .type we are enabled t give the results of the November, 1896, election as follows: For the electors for the Republican candidate for President-McKinley (R.), 7,290 Bryan (D.), 6,582; Levering (P.), 81 ; Bentley(N).; 82; Palmer (N. D.), 35. For Secretary of State Kinney (R.), 7,278; White (D.), 6,542; Rockhill (P.), 84; Bates (N.), 107. Circuit Judge-Haynes (R), 7,289; Finefrock (D.), 6,555. Congress Southard (R.), 7,286; Brophy (D.), 6,558. Auditor-Gaghan (R.), 7,375; Esterly (D.), 6,462 Housekeeper (N.), 103. Clerk-Baird (R.), 7,526 Koons (D.), 6,341; Spafford (N.), 102. Probate Judge-Angus (R.), 7,262; Bowers (D.), 6,577;. Wright (N.), 101. Sheriff-Biggs (R.), 7,424;. Rockwell (P.), 6,415; Bachman (N.), 101. Prosecuting Attorney-Murphy (R.), 7,129; Canary (D.), 6,710. Commissioner-Gundy (R.), 7,196; Dunnipace (D.), 6,548; Benschoter (N.), 93. Infirmary Director-Mitchell (R.), 7,295; Mercer (D.), 6,542; Hill (N.), too. The total vote in Wood county was 14,070. The next highest vote was 10,936 in 1892, making an increase of 3,034. WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 91 LISTS OF NATIONAL, STATE AND COUNTY OFFICIALS. The names of the men who have been elected to represent this county, as part of a district, in Congress or in the Legislature, or to serve the county in its various offices, are given in the following lists: Representatives in Congress.-The congressmen elected by the districts of which Wood county formed a part in the past, as well as by the present district, are named as follows: Joseph Vance, 1821-23, District No. 5; Joseph Vance, 1823-33, District No. 4; Joseph H. Crane, 1833-37, District No. 3; Patrick G. Goode, 1837-43 Emery D. Potter, 1843-45, District No. 5; William Sawyer, 1845-49; Emery D. Potter, 1849-51 Alfred P. Edgerton, 1851-55; Richard Mott, 1855-59; James M. Ashley, 1859-63, District No. 5; James M. Ashley, 1863-69, District No. 10; Truman H. Hoag,.'69-71 ; Erastus D. Peck, 1871 73; Isaac R. Sherwood, 1873-75, Distirct No. 6; Frank H. Hurd, 1875-77, District No. 6; Jacob D. Cox, 1877-79, District No. 6;. William D. Hill, 1879-81, from No. 6, and Frank H. Hurd, No. 7; James M. Ritchie, 1881-83; W. D. Hill, 1883-87; M. M. Boothman, 1887-91; Denis D. Donavan and George E. Seney, elected in 1884 by District 10, elected and re-elected in 1890, from the Sixth District. Byron F. Ritchie, elected in 1892. The district, now known as the "Ninth," embraces Wood, Lucas, Fulton and Ottawa counties. In November, 1894, James H. Southard (R.) received 20,715 votes; Byron F. Ritchie (D.), 14,109 votes; George Candee (Pro.), 1,130 votes, and George Candee (Pop.), 1,834 votes in the district. In the above list, district lines are not always observed, for congressmen elected from adjoining districts were as true to Wood county as if they depended on her vote for success. District Senators.-The members of the General Assembly who represented Wood and the district of which it formed a part in the Ohio Senate, from 1820 to the present time, are named as follows: George Fithian, 1820, and James Cooley, 1821, representing Wood, Logan, Champaign and Clark; James Cooley, 1822, and George Fithian, 1823, representing Wood and Logan; Robert Young, 1824-2 5, Wood, Hardin, Logan, Hancock, Miami and Shelby, with Allen added in 1825; Daniel M. Workman, 1826-27, Wood, Miami, Shelby and Logan; David Campbell, 1828-29, Wood, Seneca, Hancock and Sandusky; Samuel M. Lockwood, 1830-31; Daniel J. .Tilden, 1832-33; Joseph Howard, 1834-35, and John E. Hunt, 1835, represented the four counties last named, with Huron added in 1830. John E. Hunt and David E. Owen appear to be senators from that large district in 1835; while, in 1836, John E. Hunt represented Wood, Lucas, Hancock and Henry, and Curtis Bates the same district in 1837 and 1838, when it embraced Wood, Lucas, Henry, Hancock, Van Wert, Allen, Shelby and Hardin. John E. Hunt was Senator in 1839-40, when Williams, Putnam and Paulding, were added. John Goodin, in 1840, and Moses McAnelly in 1840-43, when Wood, Seneca, Sandusky, Hancock and Crawford formed the district ; Charles W. O'Neal in 1844-45, and Jesse Wheeler in 1846-47, when Wood, Lucas, Hancock and Ottawa were embraced in one district ; James Myers in 1848, when Henry and Sandusky were added, and also in 1849-50 and 1851, when Hancock was detached. The Thirty-third District was established in 1851, embracing Wood, Lucas, Putnam, Fulton, Hancock and Henry. William Mungen was elected, took his seat in 1852, Samuel H. Steedman in 1854, W. S. Lunt in 1856, Josiah N. Westcott in 1858, George Laskey in I860, Charles M. Godfrey in 1862, and James C. Hall in 1864. Dual representation was given in 1866, when Parlee Carlin and James C. Hall qualified as senators. Since that time the following citizens have been honored with the senatorship : James C. Hall and Charles A. King, 1868 ; Abel M. Covy, 1870; D. W. H. Howard and Hanks P. Gage, in 1872 ; E. D. Potter and W. A. Tressler, in 1874; D. I. Brown in 1876 ; David Joy and James B. Steedman, in 1878 John A. Wilkins, in 188o ; Joseph H. Brigham and Jonathan D. Norton, in 1882; William H. McLyman (now, 1895, of Bowling Green), and Orlando B. Ramey, 1884; Ezra S. Dodd and H. C. Groschner, 1886; William Geyser and William L. Carlin, 1888 ; John Ryan and William W. Sutton in 1890 ; John C. Rorick and Thomas H. McConical, in 1892, John R. Hankey with Messrs. Harbaugh and Vogt, in 1895. In a work entitled "Ohio Statesmen," the names of Thomas W. Furnas and David F. Heaton are given as senators prior to Robert Young's first term, while those of John G. Jamison, James Johnson, William J. Thomas, John Walters and Alfred P. Edgerton are also given under the head of Wood county senators. The authority under which this is done is unknown to the writer. District Representatives in General Assembly. - The members of the House from the Representative Districts, of which Wood county was a part, down to 1851, are named as follows; WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 92 I. M. Gray, 1819-20, and John Shelby, 1820-22 -Wood and Logan counties; John Shelby, 1823 -Wood, Logan and Hardin; John Shelby, 1824-26-Wood, Logan, Hardin and Hancock; John Shelby, 1827, same district; Samuel M. Lockwood, 1828--Wood, Hancock, Sandusky and Seneca; Josiah Hedges, 183o, Harvey J. Harmon, 1831, James L. Everett, 183'2-33, and Jaques Hulbard, 1834, same district; Stacy Taylor, 1835-Wood, Lucas, Williams, Paulding, Darke, Shelby, Mercer, Allen, Van Wert, Putnam and Henry; John Hollister represented the same district in 1836; Parlee Carlin represented Wood, Hancock and Seneca in 1837; William Taylor-Wood, Lucas, Hancock, Henry and Williams in 1838; Moses McAnelly, the same district in 1839. Between the years 1839 and 1849 the following were elected: Amos E. Wood :and Moses McAnelly represented Wood, Ottawa, Hancock, Sandusky and Seneca; Amos E. Wood and George W. Baird--Wood, Seneca, Hancock and Ottawa; George W. Baird and Henry C. Brish-Wood, Seneca, Sandusky, Hancock and Ottawa; Samuel Waggoner and William B. Craighill; Elijah Huntington-Wood, Lucas, Hancock and Ottawa; Lyman Parcher, John McMahan, and Emery D. Potter; Isaac VanDoren represented Wood, Sandusky and Ottawa; Eber Wilson, in 1849-51, when Wood and Ottawa were established as a Representative District. Of this new district, Samuel Hollingshead was representative in 1852, Addison Smith in 1854, Erasmus D. Peck in 1856-60, William S. Woods in 1860, Asher Cook in 1862, John Ryder in 1864, H. L. Wood in 1866-70, William Park in 1870, John Norris in 1872, Nathan Hatfield in 1874, Edwin R. Sage in 1876-80, W. H. Wetmore in 1880-84, Elijah P. Emerson in 1884-88, George B. Spencer in 1888-92, Benjamin F. James 1892-96, and Omar P. Norris in 1895. In 1873 Wood county was set off as a distinct Representative District, and so remains. In, a work entitled "Ohio Statesmen," it is written that Justin Hamilton, Patrick G. Goode, John M. N. McNutt and John G. Jamison followed Shelby, in the order given; that Horace S. Knapp followed Huntington, and that Nathan Landis, C. P. Edson, S. S. Sprague, W. H. Snook and Morrison R. Waite preceded Hollingshead. In the record by sessions of the General Assembly, the owners of these names do not appear to be associated with Wood county as representatives. Sheriffs.- David Hull, 1820; Jonathan H. Jerome, 1827; Joshua Chappel, 1834; David Ross, 1841; John Webb, 1848; Peleg Thomas, 1851; William L. Cook, 1854; Chester W. Norton, 1856; Gabriel E. Guyer, 1861 ; Charles W. Evers, 1865; John W. Brownsberger, 1869; Charles C. Baird, 1873; Orrin Henry, 1877; Thomas C. Reid, 1881; G. M. Brown, 1883; Milton T. Miles, 1887; W.B.Bryant,1891;Richard T. Biggs, 1895, re-elected November, 1896. Clerks of Court .-Thomas R. McKnight, 1820; John Webb, 1834; Joseph Utley, 1842; James W. Ross, 1849; L. O. Simmons, 185o; John Webb, 1857; William H. Jones, 186o; James W. Knaggs, 1863; Thomas J. Webb, --; George Weddell, 1866; Andrew D. Stewart, 1872; M. S. Eberly, 1878; R. M. Donnelly, 1884; A. W. Rudulph, appointed in 1887; A. L. Muir, 1888, and Joe E. Baird, 1894, re-elected November, 1896. Recorders. -Thomas R. McKnight, 1820; James W. Robinson, 1831; John Webb, 1831; Gilbert Beach, 1841; Pearl Simons, 1844; John Webb, 1847; Jairus Curtis, 185o; Sylvanus Hatch, 1856; Stephen Merry, 1864; John Campbell, 1874; Robert Dunn, 1875; Theodore Alexander, 1883; Christopher Finkbeiner, 1889-95, and H. L. Hinkley, 1895. Treasurers.-William Pratt, 1820; Walter Colton, 1822 ; Aurora Spafford, 1823; Elijah Huntington, 1827-36; Elijah Huntington, 1836 -40; John Bates, 1840; Shilbnah Spink, 1854 John Bates, 1857; Ebenezer Graham, 1858-60; John C. Wooster, 1862; John A. Bonnell, 1864; A. M. Russell, 1868 (as successor of George H. Van Blarcum, who died prior to September, 1868), and elected in 1869; George Kimberlin, 1871; Isaac W. Clayton, 1875; A. M. Russell, 1879 (elected in 1878); Henry P. Shanks, elected in 1880, refused to qualify,* George Kimberlin appointed in 1881; Luther Black, 1882; Albert Froney, 1886; William R. Noyes, 1888; and Frederick Yeager, 1892-96. R. W. McMahan. elected in November, 1895. County Assessors. -Ambrose Rice, 1825; Joshua Chappel, 1834 (real-estate appraiser in 1844); John McBride, 1836, was succeeded in 1837 by Samuel Matthews; Francis Carrothers, 1840-44; John H. McBride, 1844-46. In 1846 the district assessors, named in the " Transactions of the Commissioners," were appointed, and this system of local assessors continues down to the present. Auctioneers.-John Wood, 1835; Daniel H. Wheeler, 1835; William H. Irwin, 1837, 1842 and 1844; and L. C. Lock in 1844. The office was a licensed one rather than a county office. Coroners.-Francis Charters, 1820; A. M. WOOD COUNTY - 93 Thompson, 1839; J. W. Ross, 1848; John Webb, 1850; John Elder, served, and S. L. Sergeant, elected, 1854; John Elder, 1858 (elected); S. L. Sergeant, 1861 (elected in 1862); C. C. Baird, 1864-72; Irving A. Noble, 1873; B. K. Abbott, January, 1874, vice Noble, who did not qualify; Robert W. McMahan, 1874; George Mills, 1878; B. K. Abbott, 1881; Joseph Hess (elected), 1881; A. J. Orme, C. S. St. John, and E. P. Thomas, M. D., who have each served two terms. Superintendents of Infirmary. -Thomas C. Reid, 1872; E. M. Jenkins, 1877; and Edwin Farmer, 1877-95 Infirmary Directors.-John Yeager, R. W. Kelley and Henry Lundy, 1868; J. B. Lockhart, 1870; Jacob Dauterman, Seth Bruce and John Muir, 1872; J. B. Lockhart, 1873; Henry Lundy, 1874; John Muir, 1875; John Bailey, 1876; W. G. Avery, 1877; John A. McKean, 1878-81; E. B. Beverstock, 1879; Harrison Terry, 1881 and 1885; Orrin Stearns, 1882 and 1884; A. S. Ferguson, 1883; Michael Amos, Jr., 1886; Wilson Patterson, 1887; John Isch, 1888-91; Milton Zimmerman, 1892 and 1895; Joseph H. Mitchell, 1893; Frank J. Schriber, 1894; and Joseph H. Mitchell, November, 1896. Surveyors.-From 1820 to 1830 many surveyors are named in the records, such as Wilson Vance and James L. Freeman in 1820. Ambrose Rice is referred to as county surveyor in 1830; Hiram Davis, 1835; Gideon Jones, 1839; Hiram Davis, 1841; Morris Brown, 1841; Hiram Davis, March, 1844, vice Brown, resigned; Samuel H. Bell, 1849; S. H. Bell and Sylvanus Jefferson, ditch surveyors, 1853; Francis W. Bowe, 1855; N. W. Minton, 1857 (R. B. Minton, deputy county surveyor, 1858), (Daniel D. Ames, deputy surveyor, 1886), and (S. Davis, deputy surveyor, October, 1866); (D. D. Ames, deputy surveyor, April, 1868); D. D. Ames, surveyor, 1869; W. H. Wood, surveyor, 1872 (D. D. Ames, deputy surveyor, 1872); D. D. Ames, surveyor, 1876; Ferdinand Wenz, surveyor, 1883 (D. D. Ames, deputy surveyor, 1884); W. H. Wood, surveyor,1890 (E. L. Spafford, deputy surveyor, 1892); and W. H. Wood, surveyor, 1893. L. B. Fraker, elected 1895, taking the office September 6, 1896. Many volumes are filled with records of road and ditch surveys; but the books of the surveyor's office number only five. In the pages of these there are several evidences of the draughtman's art. Auditors.-Daniel Hubbell, clerk to commissioners, April 12, 1820; Seneca Allen, clerk to commissioners, May 3, 1820; Ambrose Rice, auditor, 1820; Thomas W. Powell, March 4, 1820, vice Rice resigned; James W. Robinson, appointed December 6, 1830; John C. Spink, 1831; Willard V. Way, 1835; E. B. Eagle, 1836; W. H. Sloane, 1836; S. C. Sloane, 1837; A. L. Fowler, 1840; Addison Smith, appointed 1,842; Jarius Curtis, 1842; Addison Smith, appointed, 1844; Sardis D. Wescott, 1852; James W. Ross, 1856; Addison Smith, 1860; George N. Parsons, 1864; S. B. Price vice Parsons, de, ceased, 1867; J. B. Newton, 1868; S. Case, 1874; E. W. Poe, 1882; John B. Wilson, 1887; and George W. Gaghan, 1894, re-elected November, 1896. Samuel Smith was deputy auditor from 1866 to 1870, while A. M. Russell has held that office in recent years. Early Notaries.-Henry Reed, Jr., qualified as notary public, March 2, 1836, being the first notary whose name appears on the records. Isaac Stetson, 1837; Edward Hotchkiss, 1846-53; E. Huntington, 1849; W. Hopkins, 1849-52 James Murry, Price, 1856. - 1850; H. H. Dodge, 1853; J. F. Commissioners.- 1820-Samuel H. Ewing, John Pray, Daniel Hubbell. 1821-John E. Hunt, John Pray, Daniel Hubbell. 1822-Samuel Spafford, John E. Hunt, John Pray. 1823-Hiram P. Barlow, Samuel Spafford, John Pray. 1823-24-John E. Hunt, Hiram P. Barlow, Samuel Spafford. 1825-28-Guy Nearing, John E. Hunt, Samuel Spafford. 1828-30-Leander Sackett, John E. Hunt, Guy Nearing. 1830-31-John Hollister, John E. Hunt, Guy Nearing. 1832-Edward Howard, John Hollister, John E. Hunt. 1833-John Pray, John Hollister, Edward Howard. 1834-Guy Nearing, John Pray, Edward Howard. 1835-Guy Nearing, John Pray, James Wilkison. 1836-Horace Hall, Benjamin Olney, Guy Nearing. 1837-John A. Kelley, Horace Hull, Benjamin Olney. 1838-David C. Doan, John A. Kelley, Benjamin Olney., 1839-Morrison McMillan, David C. Doan, John A. Kelley. 1840-Guy Morgan, Morrison McMillan, David C. Doan, 1841-Josiah Miller, Guy Morgan, Morrison McMillan, 1842-John McMahan, Josiah Miller, Guy Morgan. 1843-James Jones, John McMahan, Josiah Miller. 1844-Christian Houtz, John McMahan, James Jones. 1845-John McMahan, Christian Houtz, James Jones. 1846-Benjamin Brown, Christian Houtz, John McMahan, 1847-Edmond Bloomfield, Benjamin Brown, Willia Campbell, vice McMahan resigned. 1848-H. Burritt, Edmond Bloomfield, Benjamin Brown. 1849-John A. Kelley, H. Burritt, Edmond Bloomfield. 1850-Benjamin Brown, John A. Kelley, H. Burritt. 1851-Thomas Gorrill, Benjamin Brown, John Groves. 1852-Robert Bamber, Thomas Gorrill, John Groves. 1853-John Russell, John Groves, Thomas Gorrill. 1854-George Laskey, Thomas Gorrill, John Russell. 1855-Henry L. Wood, George Laskey, John Russell. 1856-59-Samuel M. Chilcote, Henry L. Wood. George Laskey. 1860-Alvin Clark, Samuel M. Chilcote, Henry L. Wood. 1861 -Walter Davidson, Alvin Clark, Samuel M. Chilcote. 1862-Addison Lansdale, Walter Davidson, Alvin Clark. 1863-66-George W. Hill, Addison Lansdale, Walter Davidson. 94 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO 1866-John W. Woodbury (died in September), S. W. St. John, A. Lansdale, W. Davidson. 1867-Stephen W. St. John, Addison Lansdale, Walter Davidson. 1868-John Russell, S. W. St. John. Walter Davidson. 1869-70-John Yeager, S. W. St. John, John Russell. 1871-R. W. Kelly, John Yeager, S. W. St. John. 1872-Rezin Skinner (vice Eber Wilson, deceased), S. W. St. John, R. W. Kelly. 1873-74-E. A. Wilson, J. H. Pierce, R. W. Kelly. 1875-H. Carrel, 1 H. Pierce, R. W. Kelly. In 1874 E. A. Wilson resigned, and Roswell G. Potter was appointed. 1875-On March 18, 1875, Joshua Hoiles was appointed, vice Kelly resigned. 1876-Joshua Hoiles, J. H. Pierce, H. Carrel. 1877-J. B. Newton (appointed, vice Carrel resigned), Joshua Hoiles, J. H. Pierce. 1878-80-N. W. Stafford, Joshua Hoiles, J.. H. Pierce. 1880-Hugh Stewart (appointed, vice Pierce resigned in November, 1880). 1881-Hugh Stewart, Joshua Hoiles, N. W. Stafford. 1882-Solomon Fries, Hugh Stewart, N. W. Stafford. 1883-S. R. Junkins, Solomon Fries, Hugh Stewart. 1884-85-Wm. W. Dunipace, S. R. Junkins (resigned in 1886), Solomon Fries. 1886-E. B. Beverstock, W. W. Dunipace, Solomon Fries. 1887-Frank H. Thompson, E. B. Beverstock, Solomon Fries. 1888-91-Jacob Stahl, F. H. Thompson, E. B. Beverstock. 1892-Samuel Knight, Jacob Stahl, F. H. Thompson. 1893-James Gibson, Samuel Knight, Jacob Stahl. 1894-C. C. Gundy, James Gibson, Samuel Knight. 1895-C. C. Gundy, with Edgar L. Kingsbury, and J. D. Bolles. Samuel Knight qualified as commissioner in September, 1895, and took his place on the board, vice Mr. Kingsbury. 1896-F. J. Brand, C. C. Gundy, Samuel Knight, C. C. Gundy, re-elected November, 1896. Messrs. Kingsbury and Bolles were appointed by the auditor, recorder and probate judge, acting as an appointing board, July 31, 1895. The. vacancies were created by the removal from office of James Gibson and Samuel Knight. Wilson Hamilton was appointed to succeed Knight, but he declined, and the appointment of E. L. Kingsbury was decided upon. In September Commissioner Knight resumed his place; then, in November, Commissioner-Elect Brand was elected for short and long terms, and January 6, 1896, was appointed to succeed himself and to serve until September, 1896. RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE