Wood County, Ohio 1895 History

232 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

BLOOM TOWNSHIP.

INTRODUCTORY-TOPOGRAPHY-POPULATION-PIONEERS AND FIRST SETTLERS-THE STRAY CHILD -FIRST LAND BUYERS-MALE RESIDENTS, 1839-AN OLD CEMETERY-ORGANIZATION, NAMING OF TOWNSHIP, AND FIRST ELECTION-TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS-EARLY SCHOOLS-MILLS, ETC.-BLOOM TOWNSHIP THIRTY YEARS AGO-VILLAGES ; BLOOMDALE-BAIRDSTOWN-CYGNET-JERRY CITY.

THE history of this township begins in 1831, when the first lands were purchased by Henry Copus and James Archer, while yet it formed a part of the Indian hunting ground. Within two years the pioneers came into the wilderness, cleared a few small tracts in the forest, and made the nucleus round which Civilization made her rude beginnings here. The exterior lines were surveyed in 1819, by Alex. and Samuel Holmes, and the sections, in 1821, by S. Bourne.

The Portage river claims two, at least, of its principal feeders in the western half of Bloom, while a third feeder flows north through Perry township, close to and almost parallel with the east township line. The ridge which crosses the southern half of the township, from east to west, though decidedly sandy in composition, forms a most pleasant feature in the landscape, and is today selected by many of the leading agriculturists as the site for their modern homes.

The population, in 1840, was 437, increased to 1,394 by 1870, and to 3, 334 by 1890. Bloom was among the last of the townships

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of Wood county to receive its first contingent of pioneers. To-day it ranks among the first in agricultural wealth. The pioneers found it almost as uninviting as any portion of the Black Swamp, but many of them lived to see it one of the fairest parts of Ohio. Within the last forty years the drainage system has been extended to all its sections, the wild land has been tamed, and a township rich in predial wealth, and richer still in the industrial character of its inhabitants, has grown up to reward the laborers.

The story of the first settlers was written, in 1867 or 1868, by W. S. Richard, and from it the following paragraph is taken, with which to begin the township's history:

In the winter of the year 1833, Jacob Leathers, in company with his brother John, Jonathan Hay, John Kiser and George Swayne, left Wayne county, Ohio, to visit Bloom township for the purpose of selecting a location for future homes. They had one horse, which served as pack-horse for the conveyance of food for themselves and feed for the animal. They traveled west until they succeeded in reaching Fostoria, then called and known as Rome and Risdon, where they employed Dr. Gossage's father as a guide to conduct them on their way. They passed through Perry township, west into Bloom. On the first night after they left Rome and Risdon, they encamped on the east side of a stream in Perry township, near where Samuel Spitler resided, in 1868. They built up a large fire, preparatory to eating their supper, which consisted of corn bread, a little pork and some raw turnip. After the meal for the evening was dispatched, preparation for lodging was commenced. Their bed consisted of a large number of brush thrown down upon the ground, which served as their "chaff-tick." They continued prospecting for land until they reached Sections 32 and 33, Bloom, where they concluded to locate. The sun again approached the meridian, and their appetites again craved something to eat. Each now rifled his pockets for the cooked or roasted potatoes, when, to their astonishment, they found them so completely frozen as to render them unfit for use. They ' were now compelled to do without food until they again emerged from the thick forest into which they had wound themselves. The company now started for Rome, en route to Bucyrus, where the land office was then located, to enter the land which they had selected. They now began to arrange their matters to move to the township in the spring of 1838. They stored some wheat at the Sandusky mills, which was to supply their wants until the forest could be made to yield a crop. On April 3, 1833, Jacob Leathers and his wife, in company with his brother John and his wife and one child, landed on Section 33. They unloaded their goods under a large oak tree, which was standing in 1868, their teams consisting of three horses and two yoke of oxen, all attached to one wagon. They were the only white inhabitants in the township. Indians then infested the woods, who were in pursuit of game. Leathers and brother occupied a small shanty, built by the Indians, for several days, and until a hut could be constructed, similar in shape to the common sugar house, built in this country. William, son of Jacob and Polly Leathers, born March 6, 1834, is said to have been the first Caucasian child born here. On April 9, 1833, Jonathan Hay arrived and settled on the farm now owned by George Black, formerly John Baird's farm.

Soon after the arrival of these settlers, Leathers was considerably alarmed by a number of Indians calling on him one day to accompany them into the woods. The Indians were accustomed to pass through this section of country in traveling from Upper Sandusky to the Maumee river, and on this occasion had lost the trail. They requested Leathers to assist them in again finding the path, but keeping him entirely ignorant of their design. The affair created considerable suspicion, and no small degree of uneasiness, in the mind of Mrs. Leathers. Yet she said nothing against her husband accompanying the red faces. Finally they succeeded in finding the path or trail, when a loud " whoop" from one of the number was given, which was answered, by a general yell. They now began to collect together, until some fifty or more were grouped. They bade adieu to Leathers, thanking him, and again proceeded on their journey.

In October, 1833, Daniel and Matthias Robbins, with their families, appeared in the forest, and the advance guard of Bloom's pioneers began their work.

On May 4, 1834, when Mahlon Whitacre arrived, he found Henry Smart living one and one-half miles west of Bairdstown. Henry Copus, who bought on Sec. 31, and James Archer, who bought his land on Sec. 30, in 1831, settled here in January, 1834, together with the pioneers already named, and Samuel Heller, whose cabin was on Sec. 19. Swayne, it is said, selected land in Perry township, not coming here until about 1836. Shortly after that, Swayne was caught under a falling tree, and his leg so crushed that amputation was necessary. [Vide History of Montgomery township.] Kiser also settled in Perry, and one or two others who came into the township selected lands in other parts of the county.

On May 25, 1834, Frederick Frankfather, wife and seven children set out from Columbiana county to seek a home here. On June 11 the party arrived at Jonathan Hay's house, and the day after the male members began to cut a road from that point to Bloom Center. On the 13th the party moved forward two miles, where a hovel, fourteen feet square, was erected. On the 23d rain set in, and continued for fifteen days, converting the district into a lake.

Ora Baird, wife and two children arrived, in September, 1834, at a point one mile south of Eagleville. There he got out logs for a cabin, which, with the help of the Leathers and others, he raised shortly after.

The Stray Child.-The story of the loss of the Frankfather child is one which has retained its interest for over sixty years. On October 25, 1835, Frederick Frankfather and the older members of the family walked to Jonathan Hay's house to hear preaching, leaving the younger

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children engaged in gathering and cracking hickory nuts near the cabin. One of the children, Mary, then four and a half years old, wandered to a shell-bark hickory in the woods. Toward evening her brother James, then fifteen years old, called the name of the little one, but an older sister answered. A search was at once instituted, which was continued throughout the night, and on the 26th. On the 27th thirty men from Van Buren joined the searchers. The hem of the child's dress was found a mile northwest of Bloom Center. On the eighth day between 500 and 600 searchers were out, marching in regular order. They camped six miles north of the center of Bloom, but the father returned to his home, to seek rest that night and prepare for the morrow. At 9 o'clock, the same evening, Samuel Heller brought the news of a child's track being discovered near Hull's encampment, by a man who was going into Hancock county. The searchers turned next morning in that direction, found the track, but dispersed that night. On the eleventh day a new company of searchers met the father at Ross' tavern, where he learned that Clark and two other men found the child in the woods of Milton Center. They thought she was a little Indian, gave her some cake and told her to go to camp; but she followed the men until she came to a trail, leading to John Dubbs' cabin. Following it she came to a clearing where an employe of Dubbs was chopping, and thinking it was her brother, Jacob, advanced toward him cautiously. Seeing that it was not her brother, she was about returning, when two little girls who were with the chopper perceived the stranger. The workman had heard of the lost child that morning, and told the finders not to give her much food. At 5 o'clock the same evening her father, with Mahlon and Edward Whitacre, arrived at the Dubbs cabin, found the child, and returned that night to Mahlon Whitacre's. On the morning of the twelfth day Frankfather brought the child home. ' °Tip, " the dog which accompanied her, is supposed to have been killed by wolves on the night of the tenth day, when the child remembers seeing a burning log fall and the dog running away. Mary married George Hiser, of Sandusky county, with whom she moved to Texas, where she died in 1861, leaving five female children and her husband to tell the details of her life.

In September, 1885, two of the Swinehart boys left home at Eagleville to search for the cows. The children lost their way in the forest, but were found some days later, thirty miles away, near the Hancock county infirmary. Within the last decade the agriculturist and oil operator have cleared the forest, so that to-day there is scarcely a possibility of even a child becoming lost in the territory traveled by the urchins in r885.

First Land Buyers.-The pioneers of the township, who purchased their lands from the United States, are named in the following list. A few others bought lands from Ohio, while many old settlers purchased from speculators, who entered large tracts in this township. The buyer, description, number of section and date are given:

David Adams, pt. N. E. T 1/4 Sec. 3, July 15, 1836.

Jonathan Stull, pt. of S. W., S. E. of S. W. and N. W. 1/4 Sec. 4, June 16, 1834.

John Soleleather, S. W. of S. W. Sec. 4, Sept. 28, 1840.

Mahlon Whitacre, pt. of N. W. and W. of S. W. 1/4, Sec. 5, Nov. 29, 1833.

Lott Milbourn, E. of S. W. and W. of S. E. 1/4, Sec. 5, May 3, 1834.

Henry Zigler, N. E. and E. of N. W. and E. of S. E. 1/4, Sec. 5, June 16, 1834.

Mahlon Whitacre, E. of N. E. and S. E. 1/4, Sec. 6, Nov. 29, '33.

Abraham Weldy, S. W. 1/4 Sec. 6, Nov. 29, 1833.

Edward Whitacre, N. E. of N. E. 1/4 Sec. 7, Nov. 29, 1833.

Edward Whitacre, N. W. of N. W. 1/4 Sec. 8, Nov. 29, 1833.

John Flickinger, N. of S. E. 1/4 Sec. 8, May 28, 1834.

Jacob Flickinger, S. of S. E. 1/4 Sec. 8, May 28, 1834.

Samuel McCrory, W. of S. E. 1/4 Sec. 9, May 3, 1834.

Daniel Myers, W. of S. W. 1/4, Sec. 9, June 16, 1834.

Samuel A. Studebaker, W. of S. W. 1/4 Sec. 10, July 25, 1836.

Michael Musser, N. W. 1/4 Sec. 10, Sept. 6, 1836.

Moses Hales, N. E. 1/4 Sec. 12. May 19, 1834.

Frederick Frankfather, W. of S. W. 1/4 Sec. 15, June 14, 1834.

Jacob Flickinger, N. E of N. E. 1/4 Sec. 17, May 29, 1834.

Samuel Heller, S. E. of S. W. 1/4 Sec. 18, and N. W. 1/4 Sec. 19, May 1, 1833.

John McWilly, pts. of S. W. and S. E. 1/4 Sec. 19, April 9,'34.

Peter Weaver, S. E. S. W. 1/4 Sec. 22, Feb. 7, 1840.

Henry Warner, S. of S. E. 1/4 Sec. 22, April 15, 1833.

Moses A. Campbell, N. E. of S. E. 1/4 Sec. 23, Nov. 4, 1836.

John Smith, S. W. 1/4 Sec. 23, April 15, 1833.

William Fox, N. of S. E. 1/4 Sec. 24, May 17, 1833.

Julius Easton, S. W. 1/4 Sec. 24, May 10, 1833.

Jonathan Hay, W. S. W. 1/4 Sec. 26, Jan. 18, 1833.

Ora Baird, W. of S. E. and S. E. of S. W. Sec. 26, May 30, '34.

Thomas Loman, S. E. of N W. 1/4 Sec. 26, Sept. 23, 1835.

Philip Helmer, W. N. W. 1/4 Sec. 26, July 13, 1838.

Francis Fast, S. W. of S. E. and S. E. of S. W. 1/4 Sec. 27, and N. W. of S. E. of Sec. 34, March 22, 1839.

Mahlon Whitacre, S. of S. W. 1/4 Sec. 28, Nov. 29, 1833.

Henry Smart, W. S. W. 1/4 Sec. 29 and S. E. 1/4 Sec. 30, April 24, 1833.

Matthias Robbins, E. of S. W. and S. of S. E. 1/4 Sec. 29, Nov. 5, 1833.

James Archer, W. of S. W. 1/4 Sec. 30, Aug. 27, 1831.

Peter Musgrave, W. pt. of N. W. 1/4 Sec. 30, Aug. 30, 1833.

Henry Copus, S. W. 1/4 Sec. 31, Aug. 27, 1831.

John Johnston, E. pt. N. W. 1/4 Sec. 31, Sept. 15, 1834.

Robert and William Black, N. E. and S. E. 1/4 Sec. 31, Sept.15, 1834.

Daniel Eagle, S. of S. E. and S. of S. W. 1/4 Sec. 32, Oct. 23, '34.

Jacob Leathers, Jr., S. W. 1/4 S. 33, Jan. 18, 1833.

John Leathers, S. W. and S. W. of N. E. 1/4 Sec. 33, June 6, 1833, and 1834.

Jonathan Hay, N. of N. E. 1/4 Sec. 34, Feb. 25, 1834.

Daniel Robbins, N. E. of N. E. 1/4 Sec. 35, April 9. 1833.

Francis Redfern, S. W. of S. E. 1/4 Sec. 35, Jan. 21, 1836.

George Defenbaugh, S. of S. W. 1/4 Sec. 35, Dec. 4,1838.

Levi Simon, S. W. of N. E. 1/4 Sec. 35, ret'd for taxes in 1853.

Jonathan W. Myers, S. of S. W. 1/4 Sec. 36, April 29, 1837.

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Male Residents, 2839.-Within six years of the day on which the pioneers located here, there were over 15o inhabitants, including the following named males, who, in April, 1839, were 21 years of age or over: James Archer, Henry Archer, Christopher Apple, Ora Baird, Henry Copus, Alexander Stewart, Henry Smart, Charles C. Smart, Samuel Smart, Jabez House, Matthias Robbins, George A. Swain, James June, William June, Jonathan Hay, Peter Hay, John Leathers, Jacob Leathers, James Slater, Hiram Westcott, William Fox, Eli June, Thomas Loman, Jacob Zigler, Daniel Robbins, Thomas H. Phillips, Edwin Gorton, Joseph Roberts, John Mackerel, Joseph Redfern, Enoc G. England, Jacob Flickinger, Jacob Clevers, John Clevers, Christopher Ensbarger, Lyman Ensminger, Henry Otto, Samuel Heller, James D. McWiley, Frederick Frankfather, John Ross, Reason Whitacre, Michael Shafer, John Snyder, Peter Painter, Harman Hockenberry, Henry Smith, Moses O. Jones, Israel Drake, William Drake, Phillip McManus, Jonathan Stull, Adam Stull, Phillip Wintermaker, Lot Milbourn, Andrew Milbourn, David Milbourn, Abiah Stackhouse, Mahlon Whitacre, Edward M. Whitacre, Isaac Whitacre, Edward T. Whitacre and John Fast, while a few others who came late in 1839 were not noticed by the assessor.

An Old Cemetery. -Among the soldiers buried in the Sugar Grove cemetery are: James McNealy, of the Revolutionary war; Marcus and Lyman Palmertor, and R. Lowe, of the war of 1812; W. Stull, A. Palmertor, T. J. Shinebarger, G.' Hiser, J. Morks and T. H. Phillips, of the Civil war. These veterans lie in the old cemetery on the Reason Whitacre farm, east of Cygnet. The cemetery was opened in 1841, with the burial of Hannah Whitacre, the eldest child of the present owner of the land. In the newer cemeteries of the township many soldiers of the war of the Rebellion find a resting place beside the warriors who entered the forest in the "thirties," and gave battle to the obstacles which they encountered. The Bloom cemetery, referred to in other pages, was opened in 1842. The Weaver cemetery, one-half mile north of Bairdstown, was established about twenty years ago, while one or two other spots are dedicated to the dead.

Organization. -This township, as established March 2, 1835, embraced Congressional Township No. 3, Range 11. The first election was ordered to be held at Frederick Frankfather's dwelling on the first Monday of the following month. Squire Richard, in 1867, gathered the story of the municipal beginnings of Bloom, and from it the following paragraphs are taken: " In the spring of 1835 the settlers concluded to effect an organization of the township.. Daniel Robbins, Jonathan Hay and Samuel Heller, acted as a committee to carry out the resolution. They could not agree upon the name of the township, or rather what the name of the township should be. Heller proposed to call it Green; Hay proposed the name of Amanda, while Robbins proposed and preferred the name of Bloom. They agreed to write the name, proposed by each, on a slip of paper, and carry it to Perrysburg where the matter was to be determined. They also agreed that Hay carry the paper to Perrysburg and return on the third day after leaving home, when Robbins and Heller agreed to meet him and obtain the result of the decision. Hay performed his part of the programme. At the appointed time, Robbins and Heller were on hand, eager to ascertain the result of the mission. On the latter named gentleman's approach to the house, Hay shouted: ' The child is born, and its name is Bloom! ' And from that day to this it continues to wear the name.

"The first election was held in April, 1836, at the residence of Frederick Frankfather, near the center of the township. The following named persons were in attendance on the day appointed for the selection of township officers: Daniel Robbins, Matthias Robbins, Mahlon Whitacre, Samuel Heller, Henry Smart, Ora Baird, Lot Milbourn, A. Stackhouse, Edward Whitacre, Frederick Frankfather, Jacob Leathers, John Leathers, and Jonathan Hay. Daniel Robbins, Matthias Robbins, and Mahlon Whitacre served as judges of the election. They elected the following officers: Trustees, Ora Baird, Mahlon Whitacre, and Henry Smart; treasurer, John Leathers; clerk, Lot Milbourn; constable, Ora Baird. Whether they elected an assessor or not, the writer has been unable to ascertain-the first records of the township having been lost or destroyed, and these old veterans' memory being unable to supply the information.

"In June of the same year, an election was held for justice of the peace. Daniel Robbins and Mahlon Whitacre were selected to fill the positions. The returns of this election were made by Ora Baird, who was compelled to swim his horse several times before reaching Perrysburg. On his rerurn the same scene had to be enacted. The first assessor of the township was Daniel Robbins. He was obliged to pass through the western part of Perry township, in order to reach the inhabitants of the northern part of the township, the central and eastern part of Bloom being

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completely inundated at the time. The fee, or pay for his labor, in making the assessment, and the returns to the county seat, amounted to nearly five dollars. "

The action of Mr. Richard, a fifth of a century ago, in transferring to newspaper print this interesting story, must be appreciated by the people as it is by the writer, who, however fortunate in tracking old record books in this township and documents relating to them in the auditor's office, confesses that, without the effort of 1875, he could not obtain the names of trustees farther back than 1839.

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.

In giving the following list of trustees, clerks, treasurers, and justices of the peace, assurances are also given that the names and dates are taken from all the records which could be found in the township or in the auditor's office:

Trustees. -

1839-Hiram Westcott, Henry Smith.

1843 William Campbell, Henry W. Musser, John Weaver.

1844-Andrew Campbell, Henry W. Musser, John Weaver.

1845-Mahlon Whitacre, Jonathan Myers, George J. Lee.

1846-Edwin Gorton, Jonathan Myers, George J. Lee.

1847-49-Reason Whitacre, Jonathan Myers, George J. Lee.

1850-William Campbell, Ora Baird, Henry W. Musser.

1851-Andrew Campbell, J. M. Bronson, Henry W. Musser.

1852-Andrew Campbell, Jacob Zigler, Henry W. Musser.

1853-Israel Simon, Jacob Zigler, Henry W. Musser.

1854-Israel Simon, Asa Biglow, Henry W. Musser.

1855-Israel Simon, William Campbell, Joseph Redfern.

1856-Israel Simon, Reason Whitacre, H. W. Musser.

1857-Israel Simon, Reason Whitacre, G. J. Lee.

1858-Ora Baird, Reason Whitacre, G. J. Lee.

1859-Ora Baird, Andrew Klingersmith, G. J. Lee.

1860-Reason Whitacre, Jacob Richard, G. J. Lee.

1861-Reason Whitacre, Jacob Richard, David Adams.

1862-John Dunn, Solomon Gilbert, David Adams.

1863-64-John Dunn, Israel Simon, Solomon Gilbert.

1865-Anthony Frederick, Israel Simon, A. Klingersmith.

1866-Alva L. French, Joshua Yeaman, I. Weaver.

1867-Reason Whitacre, Wilber Brown, Martin G. Snyder.

1868-69-Charles Cotant, Joseph Stove, Wilber Brown.

1870-G. Ledyard, F. R. Sherman.

1871-72--Lawrence K. Soule, James W. White.

1873-William McMurray, John Solether, Alfred Simon.

1874-William McMurray, Samuel H. Raub, James W. White.

1875 William McMurray, Martin G. Snyder, James W. White.

1876--Levi Kistler, Martin G. Snyder, M. Milbourn.

1877-Philip Brubaker, Samuel Hamman, Hugh Campbell.

1878-79-Derastus Lee, William Crum, David H. Wirick.

1880-Isaac Feasel, Reason Whitacre, Wesley Leathers.

1881-John Heller, Derastus Lee, A. D. Loe.

1882 John Heller, William Kline, A. D. Loe.

1883-J. R. Redfern, Hugh Campbell, J. Calvin Solether.

1884--J. R. Redfern,_, Hugh Cam bell, Solomon Simon.

1885-T. J. Campbe, J. R. Redfern, Solomon Simon.

1886-T. J. Campbell, C. W. Solether, E. J. Rosendale.

1887-T. J. Campbell, M. Milbourn, E. J. Rosendale.

1888-T. J. Campbell, M. Milbourn, E. J. Rosendale.

1889-E. H.Monasmith, John Russell, M. Milbourn.

1890-Benj. Sutherland, John Russell, E. H. Monasmith.

1891-James W. Smith, Benj. Sutherland, E. H. Monasmith.

1892-Daniel L. Kunkler, W. E. Fries, E. H. Monasmith.

1893-J. A. Bailey, D. L. Kunkler, E. H. Monasmith.

1894-J. A. Bailey, D. L. Kunkler, B. W. Leathers.

1895-J. A. Bailey, J. H. Simon, B. W. Leathers.

1896-James H. Whitacre was elected.

Clerks.--The office of clerk, commencing 1843, has been filled as follows: 1843, Edwin Gorton; 1844, Jacob Flickinger; 1847, Asa Bigelow; 1849, Levi Simon; 1850, John Weaver; 1853, Lewis Butler; 1854, John Weaver; 1856, J. A. Bonnell; 1859, John Whisler; 186o, John A. Bonnell; 1861, James M. Bronson; 1862, John A. Bonnell; 1863, W. S. Richard; 1864, Levi Simon; 1865, Levi Kistler; 1869, Wilber Brown; 1870, Levi Kistler; 1873, T. J. Campbell; 1880, W. H. Dennis; 1884, J. C. Solether; 1886, Nathan Frederick; 1887, W. H. Dennis; and R. B. Fast, 1896.

Treasurers.-The treasurers of the township, as far as records tell, are named as follows: 1844, John Leathers; 1845, E. Gorton; 1847, John Weaver; 1849, Edwin Gorton; 1850, Asa Bigelow; 1852, Jacob Bailey; 1853, Jacob Frankfather; 1857. R. Simon; 186o, John Weaver; 1861, Jacob Bailey; * * 1874, Isaac Feasel; 1878, Henry J. Smith; 1880, Anthony Frederick; 1881--95, W. H. Strock.

Justices.-On June 6, 1835, the first justices were elected, there being eleven voters present, including Adam Stull and Jacob Clever. The justices of Bloom township have been Daniel Robbins and Mahlon Whitacre, who qualified in December, 1835; 1838, John Beeson and Jacob Flickinger; 1838, Daniel Robbins; 1840 and 1843, Henry Smith; 1842, Edward T. Whitacre; 1847, Edwin Gorton; 1846 to 1870, John Russell; 1850, Lot Milbourn; 1855, Jacob Flickinger; 1856-59, Samuel Klingersmith; 1861, John Weaver; 1865, George E. Lee; 1868, Reason Whitacre; 1870 to 1892, William S. Richard; 1871, L. K. Soule; 1874, James Bronson; 1876 to 1885, Theodore Brown; 1879, Abraham Hampshire; 1885, C. A. Risser; 1888, G. C. Weaver, resigned in 1891; 1891, George W. Black; 1892, W. D. Campbell; 1894, A. B. Probert; 1895, H. V. McGivern.

Assessors.-In 1896, William Bishop, Joseph S. Enos, Lewis S. Whitacre and John F. Echelbarger were elected.

School Board.-In 1896, Joshua Weaver, Joshua Walden, T. A. Rosendale, A. M. Plotner, J. H. Whitacre and J. S. Simon were elected members of the school board.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Early Schools.-The first school house at Eagleville was erected on the southeast corner

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of Sec. 26. Round logs, a puncheon floor and large fireplace were the characteristics of the cabin. The house was burned the Sunday night prior to the day set for opening school. A year or two after a similar cabin was built on the same site, in which Hiram Westcott was the firs teacher. In 1856 or 1857 the cabin was razed, and a frame building erected by the district.

The first school house remembered by Reason Whitacre stood on the S. W. 1/4 of Sec. 5. It was built by Mahlon Whitacre, Lot and David Milbourn, Abiah Stackhouse and Edward Whitacre. That was a hewed-log structure, twenty-four feet square. John McCrory was the first teacher and Abraham Loe the second. The children of school age numbered fifteen, of whom Mandeville Milbourn appears to be the only one now living in the township. A new house was built north of the old one in 1861, which was moved a half mile north in 1889, and is now the dwelling of James Whitacre. The third house was built in 1889, one-half mile east of the first Whitacre school, and is now in use. Abigail Bisby was one of the early teachers.

Mills, Etc.--Joshua Yeaman's sawmill was established in the S. W. 1/4 of Sec. 6 in the spring of 1841. He dammed Rocky Ford above the Samuel McCrory cabin, and constructed a race to the undershot wheel used in the mill. In 1850 or 1851 he added a gristmill, using two run of buhrs; but in after years he introduced steam power and new machinery. In 1871 Mr. Yeaman died, and the estate sold the buhrs, old machinery and frame to Henry Zody and John Rees, of Risingsun, before the survey of Cygnet. The Richards steam flouring-mill at Bloomdale may be called the first leading industry of that class in the township.

The ashery of John McCrory and Benjamin Sutherland was located in the N. of N. E. J of Sec. 6. The manufacture of potash was commenced by them in 1855, but when the cloud of war spread over the country the industry was abandoned. The stave factories and lumber mills at Jerry City, Bloomdale, Bairdstown, etc., and the great oil refinery works at Walker are modern industries.

The contrast between Bloom of thirty years ago and Bloom of the present time is a strong one, indeed. In the winter of 1866-7 there was the log school house of District No. 4 standing and in use. Five steam sawmills, owned by J. D. Bronson & Co., at Stulltown; John Weaver & Sons, northwest of the Center; Hammond & Shoemaker's, at the Center (where a circular saw was used); E. Raub & Co.'s, at Eagleville, and French & Rosendale's, one-fourth mile north of Eagleville, with which a shingle machine was used. Joshua Yeaman's gristmill, in the northwest corner of the township, was then in operation; moved to Cygnet, converted into a planingmill and burned. At Eagleville were E. P. Emerson's store, S. H. Raub's grocery, S. Johnson and William Cook's shoe shops, Mork & Richard's carriage shop, Johnson & Fry's tannery, and C. Richard's blacksmith shop. E. P. Emerson was then postmaster. The Methodist Episcopal Society had a building on John Baird's farm, the Protestant Methodists at the Lee meeting house, on the Layard farm, and the Universalists, Disciples and other bodies at the Union church, at Eagleville.

To-day there are four incorporated villages in the township, each with its officials, merchants, tradesmen, physicians, teachers and preachers, while outside their limits are the agriculturalists, a wealthy, intelligent people, possessing large homes as well as the wealth of cattle and fertile lands.

VILLAGES.

Eagleville was surveyed for J. M. Bronson February 18, 1852. The first post office in that part of the township was located about the year 1858 or 1859, with Dr. Ozias Baird postmaster, on what is known as the "Cornelius Simon" farm, in Section 29. About the year 1860 Mr. Baird abandoned the office, and John Weaver, his surety, took charge. In 1861 the office was moved about four miles to the village of Eagleville, with James M. Bronson deputy postmaster. From the first it bore the name of "Bloom," and retained that name until changed to "Bloomdale" in 1878. James M. Bronson acted as deputy postmaster until his death, when Dr. S. B. Emerson was appointed, who served some three years, when James D. Bronson was appointed and served until his removal to Bowling Green, about the year 1868. E. P. Emerson succeeded Bronson by appointment, and he acted as postmaster until the office was transferred to the village of Bloomdale, having been changed from "Bloom " to "Bloomdale," and the office known as "Bloom" was discontinued. In February, 1885, an office was re-established named " Ted, " and E. J. Rosendale confirmed as master. He served until T. A. Rosendale was appointed.

The Union church of Eagleville was built over forty years ago, James Bronson, a Universalist preacher, being the leading spirit in the enterprise. It was dedicated by him and used for worship by the Universalists, United Brethren

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and Christians. The trustees of the last named denomination purchased the building in 1883, refitted the interior, abolished its union character, and made it a meeting-house for the members of their society.

The Christian Church was organized in 1854, with the following members: Asa Baird, Rebecca, Lydia A. and Sarah Baird, John, David, Sarah, Eliza and Nancy Fast, Asa Bigelow, and Lydia and Trial Coon. The pastors, in order of service, were William Dowling, L. Randall, G. W. Cline, F. B. Morris, W. F. Morrison and G. M. Kemp; and the clerks, W. S. Richard, E. L. Stove and T. A. Rosendale. There were ninety members reported in 1895.

Bloom Center and neighborhood is a rich pastoral district, north of the Eagleville ridge. South of it is Bloom cemetery, where Daniel, son of F. and C. Frankfather, was buried April 12, 1842, and where many pioneers of the township have since found a resting place. The church and school are found in the neighborhood. Northward is the town hall, where the township fathers meet at regular intervals, and all round are the fertile farms and comfortable homes of the farmers. On April 1, 1876, a literary society was organized here with N. Frederick, president, and J. D. Halsey, secretary. Its membership embraced twenty males and twenty-two females, who organized with the object of improving their knowledge of history, letters and the sciences. Twenty years have made many changes, not the least being in the personnel of that society.

Welker on the N. W. part of the N. E. 1/4 of S. W. J, Sec. 30, R. 11, was surveyed October 7, 1886, for Henry Byal. In 1887, Stillwell's addition was surveyed. The great oil refinery at that point represents the investment of large capital, while the employment of a number of workmen insures to the district a weekly income. North of the refinery, the company owns fifteen cottages, which are rented to their employes at a nominal sum. The hamlet, at the junction of the B. & O. and T. & O. C. shows very few evidences of advancement.

Trombley, or Blake, on the N. E. 1/4 of N. W. J, Sec. 6, was surveyed in 1885. Trombley's sawmill (built in 1885) was the only industry of the place. The name was subsequently changed to Trombley. Edwin Gorton was the first postmaster; William Downing, the second postmaster, is also the general merchant of the place.

Incorporated Villages. - The villages of Bairdstown, Bloomdale and Cygnet are entirely within the township, while Jerry City is partly in Bloom and partly in Portage township, the division being very nearly equal in the matter of population, for in 1890 there were 251 inhabitants on the Bloom side, and 279 on the Portage side. As the early settlement of the village was more closely identified with Bloom than with Portage, the history finds a place as a part of this chapter.

BLOOMDALE.

This well ordered little capital of Bloom township deserves the pretty and euphonius name it bears. Like her western neighbor, North Baltimore, the construction of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad suggested the building of a town at this point, but the building of the town must be primarily credited to the men of enterprise who settled there, knowing that, if they failed to make it a manufacturing town, they could depend on the rich farming country around it for trade and commerce. The transfer of the old post office, named " Bloom," to the new town, in 1877 or 1878, was a testimonial to its advancement which the people of the flourishing country round it realized, and the local merchants and tradesmen made the most of it. During the ensuing decade inducements were offered to manufacturers to locate works here, and to home seekers to build town houses; but not until the close of the decade did this policy bear fruit. Then Bloomdale entered on her new life, which gave her a compact business center and a few well-built residence streets. The population, in 1880, was 130; in 1890 increased to 519; and in April, 1895, estimated at between 800 and 900.

Municipal Affairs.--The petition for the incorporation of Bloomdale was presented to the commissioners July 30, 1887, signed by fiftyeight inhabitants. A remonstrance followed; but on December 7, 1887, the petition was granted, and the people ordered to organize their village in April following. The officers elected, April 2, 1888, were A. B. Probert, mayor; M. G. Snyder, clerk; D. N. Easley, treasurer; Jackson Loman, marshal; J. L. McKee, sealer; and J. B. Linhart, D. Wineland, E. D. Beam, A. B. Goodyear and F. K. Stacy, councilmen. They qualified on April 4, 1888, before Squire Richard, and the beginnings of municipal life were made.

The mayors have been A. B. Probert, 1888-90; Thomas J. Campbell, 1890-91 ; F. K. Stacy, 1891 (to fill a vacancy, and re-elected in 1892). In April, 1894, Dr. H. H. McClaran was elected; in 1896, Justin L. Easley.

M. G. Snyder served as clerk from April, 1888, to April, 1892, when Charles F. Simon,

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was elected and qualified. In 1896, W. E. VanEman was elected.

In May, 1888, a calaboose was authorized to be built at a cost of $87.00 (sold in January, 1895, for $12). In July an attempt to make a fire department of Edison Fire Extinguishers, and a few similar acts, showed the precocious ideas of the young council. The town hall was begun and finished in 1892, by J. L. Easley, contractor. The total cost, $1,800, was appropriated from the general tax, and a large two-story brick house given for this small sum. The debt of the town is a little over $700, and the income $1,859.33, for the year ending April 1, 1894. There were i o8 votes cast in April, 1888, and 164 in April, ¹895, but the number of voters, on the latter date, was 210.

The municipal election of 1895 resulted in the choice of J. F. Smith (D.), J. L. Van Eman (R.) and R. A. McKee (R.) for councilmen. The first received 99 votes, the second 91, and the third 75. W.. E. Sadler was elected street commissioner, and W. W. Emerson, marshal. The election of 1896 resulted in the choice for councilmen of J. W. Simon, M. T. Urie, and F. R. Stacy, the other members of the council being John L. Van Eman, R. A. McKee, and J. F. Smith; S. A. Linhart was elected treasurer; Joseph Enos, marshal; E. D. Bloom, corporation solicitor. Thomas G. Campbell and Jeremiah Loman were elected members of the school board, the other members being Mrs. Almeda Stouffer, J. W. Smith, S. A. Linhart, and C. F. Simon.

School Affairs.-A petition signed by fiftyeight residents of the newly incorporated town was presented to the township board of education, March 2, 1889, by J. S. Enos, J. H. Simon and T. J. Campbell, asking that certain territory embracing the village be set off as a special school district. The petition was granted, and on March 16, that year, T. J. Campbell, J. H. Simon and J. S. Enos, were elected directors. Old District No. 7 now became the Bloomdale District, with its school house, a two-story brick building, which is now the residence of W. S. Richard. In 1890, R. A. Emerson, C. F. Simon, D. N. Easley and A. B. Probert were chosen directors, Campbell and Enos holding over. J. E. Todd was re-employed in May, with his wife, as teacher of the primary schools, and Emma Ridgley of the intermediate department. J. W. Smith appears to have been a director at this time, while in April, 1891, S. A. Linhart was a member vice Campbell. In June, J. W. Simon was appointed teacher of the grammar school, in April, 1892, A. M. Fasig took Enos' place as director, and in April, 1893, W. E. Sadler took Probert's place. The issue of bonds for $12,000 was authorized in 1893, S. A. Linhart, A. M. Fassig and J. W. Smith were appointed a building committee, while the contract was awarded to George Brake, of Findlay, for $11,400. T. J. Campbell and Jerry Loman became directors in the spring of 1893, vice Sadler (retired) and Easley (killed accidentally). The school affairs were transacted by the old board until April, 1895, when Mrs. Stouffer was elected vice, Capt. Fasig, C. F. Simon, J. W. Smith, S. A. Linhart, Jerry Loman and T. J. Campbell. The numeration is nearly 200.

The Post 0ffice was established September 31, 1877, with R. A. Emerson, master. His successors were: John Kelly, appointed in July, 1885; J. T. Bushong, in October, 1886, and Jeremiah Miller, in August, 1889. J. T. Bushong, the present master, was appointed August 14, 1893. The history of the beginnings of this office is given under the heading ''Eagleville, " in this chapter.

The Exchange Bank was established in July, 1891, by T. J. and O. E. Campbell. The bank building was erected in 1893 (on the corner of Main and Walnut streets), being the first modern business block erected in the town, and the largest brick building erected specially for banking and commercial purposes, south of Bowling Green and east of North Baltimore.

The Merchants' Protective Association was organized in May, 1895, to guard against that class of customers who transfer their patronage, when it is inconvenient to pay the bills presented by the trader with whom they formerly dealt. The original signers of the constitution were Ullery & Shue, Pisel & McKenna, R. A. Emerson, J. A. Cramer and Miller & Purkey.

Industries. -The steam flouring-mill and lumber-mills are the principal manufacturing industries. The Baltimore & Ohio railroad, completed to this point in 1874, with the north and south lines crossing at Welker and Fostoria, offers complete transportation facilities.

A Famous Militia Company.-The Bloomdale Rifles, or Company H, 2d O. N. G., was organized on May 7, 1885, with A. B. Probert, captain; W. W. Emerson and J. J. Ullery, lieutenants; J. Loman, first sergeant; Joseph Enos, J. B. Frey, Stephen Davis and Joseph Linhart, sergeants; G. W. Elliott, Samuel Linhart, Charles Overholt, James Smith, Joseph Cramer, C. G. Bronson, J. Strawbridge and F. Slaughterback, corporals; and M. Probert

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and Charles Shafer, musicians. The privates of the command at that time were Willard Baird, James Beam, John Beam, Warren O. Bryant, J. D. Baldwin, W. H. Cramer, D. L. Cramer, J. M. Davis, C. W. Eckman, R. A. Emerson, M. H. Elliott, H. M. Hasler, John Kelly, H. M. Krieger, Jackson Loman, O. McMurray, James Mason, Robert McKee, Jonathan Myers, A. Overholt, Landis Robbins, Edward Robbins, Allen Robbins, George Rice, James Rosendale, Wilson Richard, Oscar Sheats, Willis Simon, Charles Simon, John Simon, Delton Simon, Moses Simon, D. Strawbridge, W. Sadler, A. J. Shue, Ed. Stillwell, W. Slotterback, Samuel Singer, F. Swinehart, Henry Shell, Charles Shirk, M. C. Thompson, John Taylor, George Urie, Ed. Vickers, Emar Wineland, Frank Wineland, John Wineland, W. Wineland and W. S. Wagner. Capt. Probert was promoted to lieutenantcolonel of the 2d Regiment, March 17, 1887, and E. S. Bryant was elected captain in April following, and served until April 24, 1893, when he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel, vice Probert, retired, and A. M. Fasig, who was elected captain May 2, 1893, had been an honorary member before that time. In June, 1894, the scattered members were called together within two hours and en route to Wheeling Creek to join other commands in protecting property.

The armory was built in 1887-88 at a cost of $1,500, and dedicated in May of that year.

In 1893 the company won the first prize offered by the regiment. The score of the company in the sharp-shooting competition of 1894 was 385 out of a possible score of 500 at 200 and 300 yards. Four of this company are members of the regimental team. The silver trophy is an elaborate one.

Churches.-The Methodist Episcopal Church was established October 3, 1885, when E. D. Beam was chosen leader of the class. The members were: C. E. Beam, D. N. Easley, R. Easley, Dr. W. A. Dickey, Josephine Dickey, Ellinda Urie, J. W. Myers, Elmira Myers, J. A. Myers, Matilda Myers, Thomas Campell, Susan Campell, Catherine Wineland, L. S. Hamilton, Joseph Enos, M. Enos, B. Z. Cotant, S. E. Cotant, N. Cotant, Samuel Hyter, R. Hyter, Prudence Fisher and Maria Shue. The presiding elders of the district, since 1885, have been L. C. Webster and A. C. Barnes. L. A. Belt is the present elder. The preachers-in-charge have been: Rev. Isaac N. Kalb, Peter Biggs and Jason Young, who preceded Rev. Frank E. Higbie, the present pastor. The office of secretary has been filled by William Werner, J. N. Jamison and J. R. Purkey; G. W. Hill being the present secretary.. The church of this denomination, begun in 1887, was completed early in 1888, at a cost of $3,300 for land and building, and dedicated March 4, 1888, by the late Rev. William H. Gibson, of Tiffin.

The Lutheran Church, of which Rev. A. C. Martin is the present pastor, is also a new organization at this point.

The United Brethren Church, presided over by Rev. J. E. Hill, is also a modern organization, claiming a small membership.

The Radical United Brethren Church was organized March 27, 1892, with the following members: A. S. and Maggie Brown, Elizabeth Duffield, Cora Brewer, J. F. Smith, David George, J. N., R. A. and Ellen Emerson, E. and Hattie Wineland. The church was built in 1893, at a cost, for land and house, of $2,000. Rev. H. C. De Rodes was the first pastor, Rev. J. A. Ferguson the second, while Rev. J. A. Witham and Rev. Anna Witham are now enjoying a joint pastorate.

Societies. -Urie Post, 110, G. A. R., was chartered September 9, 1881, with the following named members: J. Loman, M. G. Snyder, D. Wineland, W. S. Richard, J. R. Deihl, R. R. Strawbridge, M. Shafer, F. Bley, G. Browneller, Charles Richard, A. A. Fulmer, A. J. Collins, E. P. Emerson, G. Brandeberry, W. W. Emerson, J. Andress, J. C. Brandeberry, G. W. Slotterback, J. F. Linhart and J. Hiller. The commanders for the fifteen years ending December 31, 1895, were M. Shafer (1881), John Hiller, 1882, 1884 and 1890; A. B. Probert, 1883, 1885; Jerry Loman, 1886; Joseph Eckles, 1887 and 1888; W. S. Richard, 1889; J. P. Redfern, 1891; T. J. Campbell, 1892; R. Strawbridge, 1893; John Wagner, 1894; and A, B, Probert, 1895. The adjutant's office has been filled by Jerry Loman 1881, to January, 1885, 1893 and 1895; J. Enos, 1885; M. G. Snyder, 1886; C. E. Simon, 1887; A. B. Probert, 1888, 1892 and 1894; T. J. Campbell, 1889 and 1891; R. Strawbridge, 1890.

Urie Women's Relief Corps, No. 168, was instituted by Sarah Schuyler. It was chartered November 11, 1887, with Chastine Probert (1), president; Fannie J. Redfern (5), S. V. P.; Debbie Eckles, J. V. P.; Elvira Barnes, chaplain; Rosa Loman (2), treasurer; Frankie Bennett, secretary; Harriet Miller, conductor; and Ann Kelly, guard. The other members were Elinda Urie, Catherine, Amanda, Mary and Hettie Wineland, Eva E. (6), and Effie Bryant, Amanda Campbell, Eliza and Mary Pisel, Ruth

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Chilcote, Elsie Beam, Christina Snyder, Belle McKee, Loraine Horn (4), and Jennie Swinehart. The presidents in order of service are numbered above, except Nettie L. Redfern, who was the third incumbent. The office of secretary has been filled by Frankie Bennett, Nettie Redfern, Chastine Probert, Ella McKenna, and the present secretary, Mrs. Nettie L. Redfern.

T. J. Campbell Camp was chartered November 13, 1889, with thirteen members.

General Steedman Council No. 66, O. U. A. M., was chartered October 12, 1892, with thirty members. As organized on June 24, that year, it claimed the following named officers: J. E. Wineland, C.; D. C. Strawbridge, V. C.; J. C. Easley, recorder; and W. A. Hurrell, assistant secretary. The councillors elected since the beginning of 1893 are: J. L. McLachan and L. A. Chilcote, 1893; W. E. Sadler and T. J. Loman, 1894; S. M. Cramer, 1895. In June, 1893, W. A. Hurrell was elected recording secretary; J. D. Alexander, in January, 1894; and J. H. Bushong, in January, 1895. The membership showed an increase of four, or a total of thirty-four in June, 1895

Bloomdale Lodge, No. 278, K. of P., was chartered February 22, 1888, with the following named members: I. F. Hartsell, N. E. Davis, F. K. Stacy, Z. T. Housman, Daniel Wineland, erry Loman, J. R. Redfern. A. M. Fasig, E. R. Bryant, A. B. Goodyear, W. T. Thomas, S. A. Linhart, J. S. Viers, Frank Swinehart, J. P. Beam, J. E. Wineland, Dan McKinna, C. S. Shafer, W. P. Miller, Charles Ullery, George W. Fries, C. G. Bronson, Wm. Wineland, J. S. Schoonover, R. A. McKee, L. V. Robbins, Silas Swindler, H. S. McKee, A. J. Shue, A. W. Adams, W. H. Mork, E. B. Rosendale and G. E. Rice. The past chancellors are named as follows: I. T. Hartsell, E. R. Bryant, N. E. Davis, A. M. Fasig, W. P. Miller, J. P. Beam, D. T. McKinna, J. E. Wineland, S. A. Linhart, J. M. McLochen, W. G. Elliott, W. B. Sweet and H. H. McClaran, while the office of keeper of records and seal has been filled by S. A. Linhart, C. S. Shafer, H. S. McKee and R. A. McKee. 'There were seventy members reported June, 1895

Bloom Lodge, No. 406, I. O. O. F., was chartered May 15, 1868, with S. B. Emerson, E. J. Rosendale, R. B. Robins, J. J. Ullery, William McMurray, Israel Simon, William Leathers, oel Weaver and Chancey Beach. The old lodge building at Eagleville, two miles north of Bloomdale, is now owned by Rolla Keeran.

Bloomdale Lodge, No. 309, D. of R., was chartered May 23, 1890, with the following members: E. S. Bryant, Effie Bryant, Andrew Shue, Maria Shue, H. G. Horn, Loraine Horn, W. C. Bryant, Ella Bryant, Frank and Amanda Wineland, Ed S. Beam, Elsie Beam, Daniel and. Maria Wineland, T. J. Campbell, Emeline Campbell and George H. Riley.

Bloomdale Lodge, 46, I. O. G. T., was chartered December 9, 1893, with Dr. G. H. Riley and twenty-seven other members.BAIRDSTOWN.

This place was platted for Josiah Baird, and the plat recorded in October, 1874. From April, 1876, to February, 1877, thirty-eight frame and two brick houses were erected in the village. O. H. Gibson's sawmill, hardware and measure factory, Dr. Colter's drug store, G. W. Ogden's general store and gristmill (leased from Baird), John Baird's hotel Wm. Koon's blacksmith shop, Fay Bros.' carriage and wagon shop, Lewis Heaton's saloon, George Mureatz's shoe shop, M. Limbar's tinshop, Myers & Co., and E. Simon's sawmills, W. H. Gibson & Co. (Rev. Gen. Gibson who died in 1895 at Tiffin), shingle, heading, and stave mills, grain warehouse, stone quarry and limekiln, and smaller works. In 1877, Dewey, Lane & Co's heading, hoop and stave factory, brick kilns, and kindred industries were established. The Simon mill was opened in 1872.

The village was incorporated August 16, 1881, on petition of sixty-one inhabitants filed on June 8, that year. The officers elected to serve until April, 1882, were Levi Kistler, mayor; E. A. Ogden, treasurer; A. B. Frankfather, marshal; M. C. Briggs, clerk; Z. T. Housman, M. A. Culver, William Kline, James Thompson, W. A. Herst and John Wagner, councilmen. The first meeting was held December 29, 1881. At that time, it was resolved that Dr. Housman, M. A. Culver and William Kline be appointed a committee to " investigate the Blazing Stump, and report in regard to its being a suitable place for a mayor's office." The mayors subsequently elected are named as follows: Levi Kistler, 1881-84; Z. T. Housman, 1884-86; George G. Grimes, 1886-90; David Nusbaum, 1890; R. M. Frey, 1891 ; Levi Kistler, 1894; and Frank H. Crawford, 1896. The clerks have been G. G. Grimes, who succeeded to the office of clerk in 1883; in May, 1884, A. Hampshire; in 1886, D. A. Bowman; in 1887, G. G. Crawford; in 1888, W. H. Bonnell; in 1891, Harry M. Snyder; in 1894, E. Knodle; and in 1896, J. W. Pennell, Jr. The

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election of April, 1895, for members of council resulted as follows: C. W. August, Leander Eckman, Christ Beckley, and Ed. Briggs; the election of spring of 1896 returned John Good erham, George Houser, and John Haley, for councilmen. Treasurer, Harry M. Snyder; marshal, George Wagner. The members of the school board elected in 1895 were: Delton Simon, J. H. Wagner, R. M. Frey, Mrs. J. J. Baird, Mrs. Dr. Bell, and Mrs. Bloomfield; in 1896 election: Frank H. Crawford (clerk), M. C. Briggs (president), and R. M. Frey.

The Post Office was established in 1873, with M. G. Heaton, or Benton Leathers, master. M. C. Briggs was appointed in 1881, Abraham Hampshire in 1885, Capt. Adams in 1887, George G. Grimes in 1889, Edgar Knodle in 189o, when it was created a money-order office, and Frank H. Crawford in 1893. The receipts from stamps, money orders and registered letters amount to about $30o annually. In the Press chapter, the' newspaper enterprises of George G. Grimes are noticed.

Fires.-The first fire occurred on July 8, 1890, and destroyed Herst's saloon and dwelling, and the Briggs & Jones store, which occupied the site of their present buildings. The next took place July 17, 1890, destroying Hearson & Grimes' drug store, where E. Knodle's store now stands. On July 26, the Ogden brick block was destroyed, the postmaster saving the papers, etc., of his office. On July 28, four barns were burned, and the last of the series of fires was recorded. The ruins of the Ogden Block are yet to be seen.

Railroad Incidents.-The wreck on the Baltimore & Ohio road, at Bairdstown, February 14, 1890, resulted in the death of a few human beings and the destruction of much property. The Baltimore & Ohio railroad ' ° hold-up " of December 7, 1894, resulted in the instant death of Arthur Brown and Henry Rees, and the serious wounding of Henry Harris, all of Auburn, Ind., who were traveling eastward in search of work. Harris stated that, just as the train left Deshler, four men entered the car, demanded their money and then opened fire with the result described.

Churches. -United Brethren Sharon Church adopted articles of association November 17, 1877, and elected Elias Simon, Elias Monasmith and Isaac Crouse, trustees. The society's church was then completed and offered for use, as a union building, to sister societies, who would bear a proportion of the building expenses. The church was dedicated July 22, 1877. The subscription paper was drafted by Elias Simon, John Kline and J. F. Harper, in June, 1875, Elias Simon and John Rhoad giving $200 each. Building cost $3, 500. Elias and Margaret Simon, John and Catherine Rhoad, Benjamin and Mary Wiley, David Elliott and wife, Joseph C. and Mary Beck, Mr. Black and wife, Elizabeth Long, Thomas Lumbar, and William Kline. There are thirty-five members. Pastors: Revs. Beaver, Isaac Crouse (1877), G. French (1880), A. B. Leonard, L. Sharp, N. S. Long, J. W. Powell, J. G. Hofacre, R. French, G. E. Hill, S. H. Roudebaugh, H. L. Snyder, and W. Barbour, the present pastor.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in January, 1889, and Rev. A. C. Barnes, presiding elder, sent Rev. W. D. Thomas hither as preacher-in-charge. The members were Alexander Long, W. J. McIntire, William Archer, Etta Archer, A. G. Baird, Estella Rhinehart, George and Mrs. Swinehart, Mary Walker, Amanda Briggs and Jane Koons. A. R. Long was appointed leader, and W. Leathers, M. C. Briggs, A. R. Long, A. G. Baird and W. H. Archer, trustees. Eliphas and Alice Ellinwood were subsequently admitted. Rev. F. M. Houser came in September, 1889. In February, 1890, the Sunday-school was organized with F. H. Crawford, superintendent. In July, 1890, Ogden's Hall, in which services were held, was burned, and in September the erection of the church building was commenced. It was dedicated March 8, 1891. The society embraces sixty-five members, who own a clear church property. F. E. Higby is pastor and Mr. Crawford, superintendent.

Bloom Church. The sale, on August 17, 1857, of a small parcel of land in Section 27 was made by John Baird to the Methodist Episcopal Church trustees-Jacob Leathers, Alexander Albright, Robert Smith, Solomon Whisler, John Whisler, William Leathers and John Baird.

CYGNET.

This village was surveyed on the northeast corner of the west half of northwest quarter of Sec. 7, T. 3, R. 11, for Ephraim and Sarah J. Shinabarger, in February, 1883, by D. D. Ames, and named Pleasant View. In May and June, 1885, J. Winans surveyed for Horace S. Walbridge, on the old Joshua Yeaman tract, an addition to the village, which he named " Cygnet." Prior to the incorporation of the village it was a busy oil town.

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The bursting of an oil tank, one of the first accidents, took place in September, 1888. It resulted in the death of Wyrick and Mulnix, as well as in the loss of $10,000 worth of property. This was the first case of the kind in the Ohio oil field, and the second in America.

Fires.-In 1887 or thereabouts, the old Yeaman mill, which was moved to Cygnet and converted into a planing-mill two years before, was burned, and with it two men. The destruction of the railroad depot was another serious loss. A few destructive fires occurred since. That of January 30, 1891, swept away all the buildings, on the north side of Front street to the T. & O. C. railroad, including the Buckeye Supply Co.'s store, Belknap's confectionery, Myers' drug store, J. A. McCrory's livery, Fenberg's clothing store, and V. Hahn's grocery. The total damage was estimated at $50,000, but the lives of Mr. Maloney, his boy and Francis Slattery, more valuable than the village, were sacrificed. The fire of March 10, 1894, destroyed the business part of the village, east of the T. & O. C., entailing a loss estimated at over $25,000. This tract was soon rebuilt, in some cases, brick taking the place of wood in the construction of the houses. The Fenberg brick block, 40 x 50 feet, erected in 1894, is one of the improvements; James Walsh's boiler and repair shop, and other manufacturing and mercantile buildings were also erected. The Hughes brick block was erected simultaneously with the Fenberg building.

The First Post Office was established, with Reuben Carey, postmaster, in 1885. G. A. Southwick was succeeded in April, 1893, by S. A. Smith, who is now the incumbent.

The Cygnet School District was established April 15, 1895, when the school board of Bloom township set off Sections 6 and 7, in the N. of the township, as a special district.

The first house on the town plat was built by Reuben Carey, who established a sawmill there in 1883, while James Kelly built on Lot 17, now owned by Reuben Messenger. The first building was sold to George A. Southwick, who, like the first owner, rents it. Judson Thompson built on Lot 18, but the house was moved and an oil well drilled on its site; George R. Goodwin built a house on Lot 1, which is yet standing; Jacob Hendricks built on Lot 2 ; Edward Bennett purchased Lots 3, 4 and 5 ; Martin Collins built on Lot 5, while the old opera house on Lot 4 was cut into two parts, and one part placed on Lot 3. Today the main street of Cygnet extends from a point a few blocks west of the railroad to the Whitacre farm. It shows two lines of business and dwelling houses, while the parallel and lateral streets are not wanting in manufacturing and dwelling houses.

During the year 1895, many residence buildings were added to the village, and necessary public improvements made, the most important of which is the main sewer in Main street. Sanitary laws suggested this long ago, but not until April, 1895, did the friends of progress prove strong enough to elect a council and a set of officers who would carry out such improvements.

The Corporation Officials.-The first officials of Cygnet were: E. A. Guy, mayor; Martin Moran, clerk and treasurer; and A. L. Mercer, a trustee. Jacob Deckman was appointed marshal, and authority was given to build a calaboose. The first meeting was held July 29, 1889. In April, 1890, the hamlet government was changed to a village government. Arthur Campbell was chosen mayor, A. L. Mercer, L. Bowser, Louis Martin, James R. Craun, M. E. O'Connor, and Hugh B. McGivern, councilmen, Charles Struble, clerk, M. J. Grogan, treasurer. A. A. Heltman succeeded Struble as clerk, in May, 1890; E. N. McCoy was appointed street commissioner in May, and B. M. Van Der Veer, clerk in November, 1890. In April, 1891, Hugh B. McGivern was elected mayor, W. H. Hawkins and J. F. June, councilmen, and D. S. Vandersall, marshal. L. Bowser, councilman, and the marshal resigned in February, 1892, and Geo. A. Southwick was appointed vice Bowser. At that time a fire department was organized and a fire engine purchased. The election of April, 1892, resulted in the choice of D. W. Sultz for mayor; C. B. Miller, clerk; M. J. Grogan, treasurer; S. A. Smith, marshal; M. E. O'Connor and L. J. Hart, councilmen, with Messrs. Hartigan, Mackey, Mercer, and June, associates. In 1893, D. NV. Sultz was elected mayor; W. M. Haley, clerk; and D. C. Tobin, marshal; while the councilmen were Messrs. O'Connor, Hart, Mercer, Hughes and Hartigan. D. C. Tobin was appointed, vice Grant, in August. In January, 1894, E. Swazey was appointed marshal, vice C. L. Wiley; and, in April, H. V. McGivern was elected mayor; F. W. Hollopeter, marshal; Alva Raymond and A. L. Mercer, councilmen; W. M. Haley, clerk; and M. J. Grogan, treasurer. Messrs. Hughes, Falls, Bowman and Hartigan, with the councilmen-elect, formed the board, while, in 1895, James Carmack, James Curtin and S. A. Smith were elected members. Mr. Haley resigned the office of clerk in August, 1895, when Joseph Martin was appointed. On his resignation in December, 1895, John D. Tennant was appointed.

244 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.

The public improvements for 1895 included a main sewer, built at a cost of $2,160. The proposition to macadamize this street has been well received. The elections of 1896 resulted as follows: Hugh McGivern, mayor; J. D. Tennant, clerk; J. H. Ferguson, marshal; Geo. R. Goodwin, treasurer; D. Bowman, J. S. Curtin, J. S. Carmack, M. J. Walsh, Geo. Grant, and J. A. McCrory, councilmen; J. B. Ferguson, Abe Loe, Joseph Curtin (clerk), and L. S. Whitacre (treasurer), while the old members are H. V. McGivern and I. F. June.

Churches.-The Catholic church, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, was completed in 1892, as a mission building of the parish of St. Aloysius, or Bowling Green. The congregation embraces about 200 Catholics. The Church is attended by Father Schreiner, of St. Aloysius parish.

The Methodist Episcopal Society was organized, in 1889, by Rev. Charles Hoag, of Toledo. It claims a fair membership. In 1894 or 1895, Mrs. Brands was elected superintendent of the Sunday-school, and Rev. W. W. Winters appointed preacher-in-charge.

The Radical United Brethren Society was organized, in 1891, by Rev. De Rhodes. In March, 1892, Mrs. Millie Williams began collecting a building fund. Madames Ella Henning, Ferney, Surverson and Williams, were appointed trustees. A building was purchased from Reuben Carey, which was fitted up as a house of worship, and is still used for that purpose. Mr. Ferguson, of Six Points, was the pastor until September, 1895, when Mr. De Rhodes came. Mrs. C. Henning is the Sunday-school superintendent, and Mrs. M. A. Thomas is secretary. The membership in September, 1895, was limited to a few persons.

The Christian Church was established here in 1840, or about the time that the class at Rudolph was organized. After the village was platted, a meeting-house was built on the east side of the Reason Whitacre farm, which stood until the fall of 1894, when the building was moved to Jerry City.

Societies. -White Swan Lodge, No. 384, K. of P., was instituted, with eighteen members, in 1888. Chancellor Commander Kerr presided in 1895, with C. E. Wolf, K. of R. S.

Cygnet Tent, No. 94, K. O. T. M., was organized in 1890. In 1895, J. A. Raymond was commander, and James White, record-keeper. The tent has a large membership, made up of the male members of the families represented in Evergreen Hive, whose names are given in the sketch of the hive.

Evergreen Hive, No. 48, L. O. T. M., was instituted October 30, 1893, with twenty-five members, namely: Ollie D. Miller, Cora V. Snyder, M. S. O'Connor, M. K. Foster, M. B. Murphy, M. C. Fields, Annie L. Miller, Etta Campbell, Mamettie Whitacre, Jennie Hart, Sarah M. Jackson, Alice L. Kidd, Mary Fitzgerald, Mary T. Donley, Ellen G. Titus, Amelia Hodson, Nora M. Owens, Lenora Shuey, Della Magill, Lina E. Newton, Isadore E. Miller, Ella Donohoe, Henrietta Goodwin, Mary E. Parmalee, and Mary A. Brown. In 1895, Cora V. Snyder was lady commander, and Annie L. Miller, lady record-keeper.

Base Ball and Race Track Association is presided over by D. C. Tobin, with Fred. Roe, sec.; M. J. Grogan, treas.; R. A. Hughes, Dr. A. L. Mercer, M. J. Walsh and T. D. Tighe, directors.

Railroad Agency.-The first agent was Reuben Carey. George A. Southwick came next, during whose administration the sign board with the word CYGNET was raised; Reuben Carey was again appointed, then W. M. Haley, next J. R. Craun, and then the present agent, J. W. Shaffer, who was appointed in January, 1891.

JERRY CITY.

This lively and pretty village, which lies partly in Bloom township, and partly in Portage, was not always the busy, thriving place which the visitor of to-day finds it. Amos Dewese, of Weston township, who was there during the hard winter of 1842-43, gives his reminiscences and introduces Jonathan Stull, who was the pioneer of this particular spot in the wilderness. His statement is valuable as a reference to that terrible winter in this county, and the ' " Jerry City " of fifty-three years ago.

I began work for one Solether April 1, 1843, snow and ice on the ground and sleighing. He gave me a watch. While working there a Jonathan Stull came in the clearing. He had a bag on his shoulder with a peck of ears of corn, that he got from Daniel Milbourn. Stull was much depressed and discouraged on account of the terrible hard winter. We talked of Adventism, as the Millerites said the end of the world was at hand. Mr. Stull said he prayed for it every day, as he had seen all the trouble he wanted to see. He said he had eight head of horses, and all had died; twentyeight head of cattle and 260 head of hogs, and all were dead. I had to pass Mr. Stull's cabin often. He told me that he had been married twelve years; they had ten children, all of whom were almost nude. Not one of them had a full suit. They hadn't a bed nor a window in the house. He was the owner of a three-quarter section of good land. " There," said Stull, " I have one peck of ears of corn in this sack, and when I take it home and grind it in the hand-mill, and mix

WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 245

it with water, bake and eat it with my wife and ten children, God knows where the next will come from. They must starve." He wept like a child. During my stay with Buisey I had to go to and from Shelia's. I had to pass a number of cabins, forsaken and uninhabited. They looked gloomy enough, surrounded by ice and water and the dismal swamp. One of which had belonged to a John Ford, was new. A number of wild hogs had taken possession. They had piled in on top of each other, and there perished with cold and hunger. When out hunting for coon and mink, whenever we found hogs they were invariably. dead. Taylor lost about forty-five. head of cattle; Mr. Keeler seventy-five heat}, while the Sargents, Ellsworth, Salsbury and Green lost about the same proportion, during that terrible winter, never to be forgotten by the old setters. Many had to move out of the Black Swamp before spring.

Jerry City was surveyed November 6, 1861, by J. Hastings for John Smith. The location was formerly called "Stulltown," in honor of Stull, who was one of the first and best of pioneers; next '° Shiloh," and ultimately given its present name, in honor of Jerry Nestlerode, of Fostoria, who had been in business here and left his impress on the locality. On January 18, 1872, a new plat of the village was recorded.

Jerry City was incorporated September 8, 1875, on a petition presented by forty-three residents on June 8, of that year. The proposal was fought at every point, but the majority won, and the villagers of Jerry City became a municipal body.

The mayors of the village have been as follows: 1876-T. C. McEwen; 1877-Theodore Brown; 1878-T. C. McEwen; 1879-S. S. Bronson; 1881-84-C. C. Soule; 1884-Theo. Brown; 1887 -Nicholas Holt; 1887-W. S. Solether; 1888F. W. Heald, resigned; 1888-J. F. Wilsey; 1889 -Benjamin Sutherland; 1891-Volney Jones; 1895-96-C. E. Thompson.

The clerks have been as follows: 1876 - L. D. Milbourn; 1877-A. W. Lefler; 1878O. N. Bryant; 1879-A. D. Newcomb; 1881A. W. Lefler; 1883-C. A. Risser; 1885- L. J. Lefler; 1887-H. H. McClelland; 1889-Luther Girton; 1890-Harry L. Spencer; 1892-C. E. Thompson; 1894-96-A. T. Hickerson.

The office of treasurer has been filled by S. S. Gobbel, W. B. Bryant, and C. W. Solether, the present incumbent. A. Swartz is the present marshal (1896).

The trustees or councilmen are named in the following list:

1876-D. S. Boyd, Theo. Brown, G. Hampshire, J. Gobbel, A. Stevens, S. S. Bronson.

1877-J. Gobbel, Peter Gobbel, W. B. Bryant, L. J. Lefler, J. Eyrle, A. Stevens.

1878-George Hampshire, W. B. Bryant, B. Sutherland, A. D. Newcomb.

1879-C. C. Nestlerode, George Baker, Theodore Brown.

1880-Benj. Sutherland, J. Eyrle, J. A. Haight, Henry Myers.

1881-G. Baker, I. Hunsicker, L. J. Lefler, C. C. Nestlerode.

1882-F. Vosburg, S. S. Gobbel, W. B. Bryant.

1883-John Eyrle, M. J. Turner, L. J. Lefler, A. B. Miller.

1884-W. B. Bryant, J. Wilsey, Peter Gobbel, Jacob Gobbel, resigned in 1885 or 1886.

1885-W. B. Bryant, C. C. Nestlerode, L. Loe, S. S. Gobbel, J. Wilsey.

1886-C. Frey, L. Loe, Solomon S. Gobbel, W. E. Frank father, G. Hampshire.

1887-G. Rearick, George W. Cupp, F. Vosburg, J. H. Hampshire.

1888-J. H. Hampshire, Wm. Frankfather, Amos Frederick.

1889-J. H. Thompson, L. J. Lefler, James Teatsworth.

1890-Perry Heald, J. H: Hampshire, Amos M. Frederick.

1891-G. C. Weaver, S. S. Dilley, A. Brand, A. T. Hickerson, A. VanBlarcum, C. W. Solether.

1892--W. V. Redman, Aaron H. Brand, Benjamin Sutherland, James Teatsworth, J. C. Thompson.

1893-Geo. N. Shatzel, D. C. Whitehead, H. H. McClelland, A. VanBlarcum.

1894-E. E. Redman, H. H. McClelland, James Teatsworth, A. Van Blarcum, D. C. Whitehead.

1895-James Teatsworth, A. A. Brand, H. H. McClelland, A. VanBlarcum, W. H. Frederick, and U. Shasteen, appointed with E. E. Redman and D. C. Whitehead.

1896--Aaron Brand, B. Odell, Perry Heald, S. Mullen, Jas. Teatsworth, Francis Weirick.

The Post Office may be said to date back a quarter of a century, when I. W. Nestlerode was given a key by the department and permitted to open the mail sack for Mungen. In 1878 R. M. Cellars was appointed postmaster, but for many reasons a commission was issued to A. Van Blarcum that year. He did not serve, however, as a new petition, asking for the appointment of O. N. Bryant, was presented and granted. Mr. Bryant served until 1885, when W. B. Bryant took his place, and held the position until September, 1889. J. F. Wollam served from that time until July, 1892, when G. W. Fries, the present postmaster, took charge.

Churches.-The German Evangelical Lutheran Church is the senior religious society of the village. Jacob Gobbel, Elizabeth Gobbel, Peter Gobbel, George Weaver and wife, John and Caroline Apple and J. H. Hampshire were among the first members. The society was organized in 1882 by Rev. John Snyder, and worshiped in the old McEwen store, which the Methodists had refitted as a house of worship. In 1883 a $1,400 building was erected on a lot donated by Jacob Gobbel.

The Methodist Episcopal Society, now claiming forty members and a Sunday-school attendance of seventy-five, is presided over by Rev. W. A. Winters.

The Radical United Brethren Society, of which Rev. John Ferguson is pastor, dedicated a house of worship on January 13, 1895, the cost of the building being $1,400.

The Christian Church Society was established here in 1894, most of the seventy members being formerly members of the Sugar Grove society. The house of worship was erected shortly after,

246 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.

during the pastorate of Mr. Wolfley. The first trustees were A. Van Blarcum, F. Sutton and John W. Bolts, who were also members of the building committee; A. Van Blarcum, James and Rezin Whitacre and M. L. Milbourn, elders; F. Sutton, Ed. Whitacre and Benjamin McLaughlin, deacons. There are thirty-two members, who own the building on Bronson street, which cost $1, 600.

Secret Societies.-Vitus Lodge, No. 602, I. O. O. F., was instituted November 6, 1874, with S. S. Bronson, G. B. Gorton, H. J. Smith, R. M. Cellers, George Hampshire, W. S. Baker, Edwin Miller, Daniel Kunkler and John Eyrle. The original name was Boyd Lodge, named in honor of D. S. Boyd, one of the original members and first noble grand. His successors have been S. S. Bronson, 1875; G. B. Gorton and R. M. Cellars, 1876; Theo. Brown and G. B. Gorton, 1877; A. D. Newcomb and Philip Spackey, 1878; D. L. Kunkler and O. N. Bryant, 1879; W. B. Bryant and John Eyrle, 188o; J. W. Coy and John Otterbacher, 1881; W. Robison and M. Weiland, 1882; W. Weiland and J. F. Wollam, 1883; James Teatsworth, 1884; H. Smith and W. B. Bryant, 1885; A. Frederick and W. B. Bryant, 1886; A. Frederick and H. D. Hahn, 1887; F. W. Heald and J. H. Chapman, 1888; J. F. Wilsey and James Thompson, 1889; John Bailey and C. A. Patterson, 189o; H. L. Spencer and S. C. Rearick, 1891; N. Whistler and B. Frederick, 1892; George Shatzel and J. M. Church, 1893; Charles Weirick and S. K. Derier, 1894; M. J. Turner and Henry Hiser, 1895. The secretaries have been G. B. Gorton and R. M. Cellars, 1875; Thomas Brown and D. Kunkler, 1876; W. D. Newcomb and William Spackey, 1877; J. W. Coy and O. N. Bryant, 1878; W. B. Bryant and John Eyrle, 1879; J. Otterbacher, 1880; W. Robison and Michael Weiland, 1881; D. L. Kunkler and J. F. Wolman, .1882; John Eyrle and Theodore Brown, 1883; E. A. Hubbard, 1884; Amos Frederick and W. S. Loe, 1885; James Teetsworth, 1886; J. Barnhart and J. H. Chapman, 1887; L. Loe and J. H. Thompson, 1888; J. A. Bailey and C. A. Patterson, 1889; H. L. Spencer and S. C. Rearick, 1890; N. Whistler and B. Frederick, 1891; J. H. Thompson, 1892-95; and S. C. Rearick, 1895-96. There were seventy-four members in July, 1895.

Rescue Lodge, Knights of Pythias, was instituted May 29, 1889, with the following named members: George W. Fries, W. B. Bryant, George W. Cupp, Jr., C. A. McGill, Levi Whitman, Aaron Weaver, Gus McCrory, Sylvester Collins, John Rubar, Henry McKenna, A. L: Mercer, Lewis Milbourn, Marcus Stackhouse, E. W. Heltman, W. D. Baker, Alex. Vincent, A. G. Carter, F. J. Smith, Henry Myers, Jacob B. Apple, Thomas Milbourn, William Russell, L. D. Shafer, Samuel Dennis, Robert McLaughlin, George Wollam and Jacob Miller.

Jerry City Tent, No. 104, K. O. T. M., was organized August 29, 1891.

The Daughters of Rebekah, chartered here a few years ago, surrendered the charter in 1892.

Bronson Post, G. A. R., No. 85, was chartered June 6, 1881, and named in honor of Dr. Samuel Bronson, of the 57th O. V. I., who died at Jerry City, May 8, 1881. The original members of this Post were Theo. Brown, E. Rice, Samuel Hebron, Samuel Stackhouse, William A. Russell, James Frederick, John Whitacre, -E. A. Hubbard, Daniel McCrory, W. H.. Frederick, H. Myers, A. A. Phillips, B. F. Palmerton, C. Soleather, Nicholas Ireland, Barney Poorman, Morris Sweet, John Otterbacher, E. M. De Wolf and W. E. Nudels. The commanders, in order of service, are named as follows: Theo. Brown, 1881 and 1882; E. A. Hubbard, 1883; J. J. Whitacre, 1884; A. T. Hickerson, 1885, 1890, 1891, 1893 and 1894; James Teatsworth, 1886; A. A. Phillips, 1887; Uriah Shasteen, 1888; J. C. Thompson, 1889; H. H. McClelland, 1892, and E. W. Mullen, 1895-96. The adjutants were: Nat. Frederick, 1881; John Otterbacher, 1882; W. M. Yates, 1883; A. T. Hickerson, 1884, 1887, 1888, 1892; A. A. Phillips, 1885; Uriah Shasteen, 1886, 1889, 189o, 1891, 1894 and 1895, and H. H. McClelland, 1893.

The societies and churches embrace in their membership residents of Bloom and Portage townships. The members take a lively interest in the work of their churches and lodges, and, as a result, both are advancing steadily.

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