344 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. CHAPTER. XXXIX. PERRY TOWNSHIP. SURVEY -POPULATION-TOPOGRAPHY-A PIONEER WEATHER BUREAU - ORGANIZATION-EARLY OFFICERS -TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS-FIRST LAW-SUIT-PIONEERS-EARLY LAND BUYERS EARLY MILLS-MEN OF 1839-COUNTERFEITERS-THE STONE HOUSE-SCHOOLS-CHURCHES; WEST MILL GROVE-HATTON, FOSTORIA AND LONGLEY-SURVEYS-VILLAGE HISTORIES POST OFFICES-VILLAGE OFFICERS-TRADERS, ETC.-CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, CEMETERIES, SOCIETIES, ETC. THE survey of the exterior lines of this township was made by Alexander and Samuel Holmes, in 1819, and that of the interior or sectional lines, in 1821, by S. Bourne. The population in 1840 was 559; in 1850, 888; and in 1860, 1,292. The increase during the thirty years, ending in 1890, cannot compare with that of the tri-cennial period, ending in 1860. In 1870 the population was 1,323; in 1880, 1,474; and in 1890, 1,449, or a fraction over forty persons to each square mile. The decrease in the last Census period must be ascribed to the fact that the oil fields of the neighboring townships won many of the young men of Perry, while Fostoria, Bowling Green and other thriving towns WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. -345 won over a large contingent of both young and old, who preferred urban to agricultural life. The village of West Millgrove, near the northwest corner, was credited with 207 inhabitants in 18g0, while the northwestern addition to Fostoria, in this township, was left unnoticed, though surveyed as early as 1887, and built up within a few years. The soil, derived from the drift and from the decomposition of geologic conformations, is rich in everything that constitutes good land. It is a durable soil, which has made large returns to its cultivators, and is still capable of yielding greater rewards to the laborers. A Pioneer Weather Bureau.-The weather of pioneer days is well described in a record kept by John Crocker, of Fostoria, from January, 1826, to January, 1838. The little book, as summarized in 1884 by the writer, gives the following data January 26, 1826-Twenty-one degrees below. April 10, 1826-Five inches of snow. April 23,1826-Maple buds green. January 20, 1827-Thirty-one degrees below; squirrels destroyed wheat and corn in 1827. October 30, 1827-Snow fell six inches. March 29, 1828--Great flood. April 25,1829--Two inches of snow. February 2, 1830-Snow thirteen inches deep. December 22, 1830-Forty-one degrees below. February 7, 1831-Forty-two degrees below. April 8, 1831--Two inches of snow fell. May 3, 1831 Apple trees in bloom. July 25, 1831-Portage high; wet summer. October 10, 1831-High flood. November 21,1831-Winter commenced. January -, 1832-Great thaw. February 14, 1832 -High water; price of corn, 3 shillings; wheat, 6, and rye, 4 shillings. May 8, 1832-Apple trees in bloom; some planted corn three times. June 1, 1832-Cold summer; corn barely ripened. January 25, 1833-Wild geese going toward lake; forward spring. April 11 to 26, 1834-Heavy frosts. February, 1835-Coldest weather ever known here; hay $10 a ton. February 24, 1836-Snow eleven inches deep. May, 1836-High water. February, 1837--Fifteen inches of snow fell; great production of sugar. May 11, 1837--Corn rotted in ground. January 2, 1838-Very warm weather. January 6 and 7, 1838--John Morrison plowed two days. This reminder of early days is not the least valuable of the Crocker papers in possession of Mr. Foster, for it is certainly a history of the weather of pioneer days-a sketch of atmospheric conditions not often obtainable. Organization. -This extreme southeastern division of the county, as set off from the older township of Portage, March 4, 1833, included Townships 3 and 4, in Range 12, and Township 3, in Range 11, or, in municipal language, the townships of Perry, Montgomery and Bloom. Early Officers.-The first election was held at Isaac Kelly's house on April 1, 1833, when the following-named officers were elected: Trustees, William Shawhan, Samuel P. Cory and Isaac Kelly; clerk, Uzal M. Cory; overseers of the poor, James K. Atkinson and A. Weaver; fence viewers, James K. Atkinson, A. Weaver and Israel Nestlerode; treasurer, Samuel P. Cory; constable, Gideon Jones; supervisor, William Shawhan. On March 3, the trustees divided the township into three road districts, and in December, 1835, into four school districts. At the first general election, held October 8, 1833, twenty votes were cast. The names of the persons voting, as appear by the poll-book, were: Frederick Shawhan, John A. Kelly, Charles Smith, Isaac Kelly, John Cameron, Samuel S. Palmer, Uzal M. Cory, Moses Kelly, Samuel P. Cory, James McCormick, James Jones, Gideon Jones, William Shawhan, William Moore, Abraham Weaver, Henry Sapp, John Johnston, Laban Radway, M. J. Wilkinson, Israel Nestlerode. The judges of election were Samuel P. Cory, James McCormick and Isaac Kelly; and clerks, Uzal M. Cory and Samuel S. Palmer. In 1834, Isaac Kelly, James Jones and Asa England were elected trustees; Uzal M. Cory, clerk; John Y. Fish, William Shaw and John Clark, Jr., supervisors; Samuel S. Palmer, George Wilson and Charles Kelly, Jr., fence viewers; Moses Kelly and Israel Nestlerode, overseers of the poor, and Moses Warner, treasurer. The amount of the treasurer's bond was $200,- with Samuel P. Cory as surety. On April 6, 1835, the township election was held at the house of Samuel M. Chilcote. The officers elected were: Trustees, Asa England, Samuel S. Palmer and Rufus D. Keeney: treasurer, Israel Nestlerode; constables, John Y. Fish and John F. Kiser; overseers of the poor, James Jones and Harvey McCormick; fence viewers, Samuel P. Cory, Samuel Solomon and Jacob Baker; supervisors, William Shawhan, . James K. Atkinson and George Swain. No clerk seems to have been elected at that time; but a few days after the trustees appointed Uzal M. Cory. As there were not so many aspirants for office then, probably the clerkship was forgotten at the election. In 1836 and 1837 the elections were held at the house of George Wilson. TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. Trustees.-The trustees' journals, except these of modern times, are things of shreds and patches. Township Clerk Smith made a thorough WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 346 effort to learn the whereabouts of the old books, and did succeed in a few instances. The following list of trustees and clerks, down to the close of the war, is, however, based on documents in Auditor Gahan's office.. The names and dates were compared with the township records, as found at West Millgrove: 1833-William Shawhan, Samuel P. Cory, Isaac Kelly. 1834-Asa England, James Jones, Isaac Kelly. 1835-Asa England, Rufus D. Keeney, Samuel S. Palmer. 1836-Asa England, Rufus D. Keeney, James Jones. 1837-John Bradner, Samuel S. Palmer, James Jones. 1838-William Shawhan, Samuel E. Burns, John Best. 1839-Joseph Chilcote, John Chilcote, George Boyer. 1840-Samuel M. Chilcote, Samuel P. Cory, Norman Russell. 1841-Samuel M. Chilcote; Samuel P. Cory, Samuel T. Palmer. 1842-George Wilson, Ozra Baldwin, Ezekiel Kelly. 1843-George Wilson, Norman Russell, Ezekiel Kelly. 1844-Jacob Kinnaman, Fred Febbe, Hosea Hudson. 1845-Jacob Kinnaman, James Jones, John Clark. 1846--A. G. McClellan, James Jones, Alfred Brown. 1847-A. G. McClellan, James Jones, James Cuthbertson. 1848-A. G. McClellan, S. M. Chilcote, John Norris. 1849-51-John Norris, Samuel E. Burns, W. B. Ketcham. 1852-D. E. Coe, Samuel E. Burns, I. H Bucher. 1853-A. Keefer, William Rees, D. E. Coe. 1854-A. Keefer, A. G. McClellan, D. E. Coe. 1855-A. Keefer, W. B. Ketcham, D. E. Coe. 1856-Isaac Brandeberry, Josiah Richardson, Jr., W. B. Ketcham. 1857-Isaac Brandeberry, Josiah Richardson, Jr., A. G. McClellan. 1858-Isaac Brandeberry, George McCormick, J. S. Hatfield. 1859-J. W. Nestlerode, George McCormick, A. J. Baird. 1860-J. W. Nestlerode, R. Swinehart, A. J. Baird. 1861-A. Keefer, S. A. Bishop, Israel Everett. 1862-A. Keefer, S. A. Bishop, Tobias Bossier. 1863-64-S. A. Bishop, Josiah Kiger, John Richard. 1865-Henry Padgham, Josiah Kiger, John Richard. 1866-D. J. Daly, Josiah Kiger, H. Padgham. 1867-W. B. Ketcham, Thomas Johnston, H. S. Williams. 1868-W. B. Ketcham, David E. Coe, W. McCormick. 1869-Wm. McCormick. D. E. Coe, Sam Hyter. 1870--Wm. McCormick, John Norris, J. S. Hatfield. 1871-R. Swinehart, John Norris, A. Keefer. 1872-R. Swinehart, Justus Stearns, A. Keefer. 1873-R. Swinehart, Justus Stearns, H. Lambright. 1874-75-C. F. Munger, G. L. Ketcham, Thomas Johnston. 1876-Edward Risser, Samson Switzer, Taylor Hale. 1877-David Baird. W. McEwen, Edward Risser. 1878-David Baird, Daniel Yates, D. E. Coe. 1879-John Foreman, Daniel Yates, D. E. Coe. 1880-Levi Wirt, W. E. Smith, D. E. Coe. 1881-Levi Wirt, W. E. Smith, Orrin Stearns. 1882-83-T. J. Henry, C. Keefer, A. P. Cory. 1884-T. J. Henry, David Baird, F. Culbertson. 1886-E. R. Risser, David Baird, J. W. Brandeberry. The trustees, elected since 1887, are named as follows: W. Johnston, 1887; C. Keefer, 1888; James Daum and T. J. Henry, 1889; J. D. Stearns, 1890; Messrs. Stearns, Daum and Henry, in 1891; James Dindore, 1892; Alexander S. Brown, 1893; Luther Stewart, 1894; James Dindore and A. P. Cory, 1895; and Moses W. Simons, 1896. In 1837, J. Chapman was elected trustee, but John Bradner took his place. In 1838, John Best was appointed, vice Bradner, and in 1840 . James Hays took the place of Samuel M. Chilcote. In April, 1843, the people voted a school tax of two mills, the majority, however, being very small, and the minority very determined. First Lawsuit-The election of justices of the peace did not take place until 1834. Immediately after the election, two of the pioneers determined to supply work to one or both justices. A writer in the Sentinel of April 26, 1877, whose nom-de-guerre was "Eph," gives the following description of the cause and effect: "It appears that John Miller and Asa England, who came in the settlement about that time, traded horses. As a natural result, some one in a horse trade will get the better bargain. Horses were horses in those days, and as Miller rather beat England in the trade, the latter must needs have a lawsuit. Miller employed Kinney, a pettifogger, to see him through, while England stated his own case. The trial carne off in due time, and Miller was beaten because his witnesses, before giving their evidence, became disgusted with the affair, and went out in the woods to bring in a lot of deer that had been shot that morning. Beef was a scarce commodity, hogs unknown, and the prospects of a juicy steak of venison proved Miller's defeat." Justices- The justices elected were: Samuel P. Cory and Jacob Rine, 1834; John G. Willard and James Jones, 1837; Benjamin Brown, 1840; John G. Willard, 1840; James Jones, 1842; Norman Russell, 1847, 1850 and 1852; S. M. Chilcote, 1846, 1849 and 1855; Reason W. Kelly, 1855; A. G. McClellan, 1857 and 1860; W. H. Jones, 1858; John Norris, 1863; Daniel Hall, 1861 to 1870; Alfred Everett, 1867; J. R. Phillips, 1870 to 1877; Orrin Henry, 1873, 1876; John McMahan, 1876; David burns, 1879; Lewis Whitman, 1880; O. P. Norris, 1882-85; C. C. Kelly, 1888, resigned in 1890; S. F. Lambright, 1891 to 1892, and 1894, and T. J. Henry, 1895. Clerks. ---The office of clerk has been filled by the following named citizens: Uzal M. Cory, 1833; George Wilson, 1836; Benjamin Brown, 1838; U. M. Cory, 1841; John Norris, 1845; Ezra Brown, 1848; S. M. Chilcote, 1850; S. Jones, 1851; W. H. Jones, 1855; S. D. Stearns, 1858; James F. Chilcote, 1860; O. J. Cory, 1862; Henry S. Williams, 1864; Simpson Jones, appointed 1865; A. D. Stewart, 1865; Simpson Jones, 1866; R. J. Jackson, 1868; Orrin Henry, 1871; W. Werner, 1873; Moses Legron, 1875; J. S. Enos, 1879; J. W. Smith, 1882; W. T. Kelly, 1883; S. L. Shanks, 1884 and 1890; J. S. Harman, 1887; M. Legron, 1888; William Werner WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 347 and J. W. Smith, 1893-96; J. W. Smith, reelected in 1896. Treasurers.-The list of treasurers embraces the names of Samuel P. Cory, 1833; Moses Warner, 1834; Rufus D. Kennedy, apptd. January 17, 1834; Israel Nestlerode, 1835; Uzal M. Cory, 1838; Gideon Jones, 1840; Israel Nestlerode, 1841; S. P. Cory, 1842; Joseph Chilcote, 1845 James Cuthbertson, 1848; John Norris, 1854; Simpson Jones, 1856; Ambrose Cory, 1858; I. Bernard, 1859; James Brandeberry, 1861; Simpson Yant, 1863; Dr. C. R. Rosendale, 1867; G. L. Ketcham, 1870; A. Keefer, John Foreman, Daniel Hall, O. P. Norris, I. Phillips, 1887, died, when J. R. Phillips was appointed, and served a short time; J. H. Stearns, 1892; L. Whitman, who would not qualify, J. H. Stearns appointed, and W. L. Ketcham (elected), 1894-95 Assessors.-The office of assessor has been filled by many of the officials named. Charles D. Stearnes and F. C. Burdick were elected assessors in 1895; F. D. Burdick and Howard Cory, in 1896. School Board.-In 1896 Moses W. Simons, Charles H. Stearns and George Brandeberry were elected members of the school board. Pioneers.- * The first land entered in Perry township was the east half of the S. E. 1/4 of Sec. 36. Henry C. Brish, of Seneca county, an Indian agent, received a patent for it March 7, 1831, and on September 30, 1831, sold it to John Gorsuch. This tract is now owned by the heirs of M. P. Skinner, and a part is in the town of Fostoria. The first actual settlers were Oliver Day and his brother-in-law, John Johnson, who, with their families, moved into the township in November, 1831. They cut a road from the Gorsuch settlement (now Fostoria) wide enough to pass with their oxen and wagons, down along the east branch of the Portage river to a point opposite a tract of land which Day had previously entered in Sec. 25, what is now known as the Alvah Thomas farm. They lived in their wagons and cooked beside a log until a cabin was built. The women and girls slept in the wagon, and the men and boys on the ground. The cabin was built, and ready for occupancy in about a week after their arrival. This was the first house in the township. In that cabin the first sermon was preached, the first prayer-meeting was held, and the first marriage performed in the township. Day remained until the following spring or sum- * From paper by Mr. Robert Dunn. mer, when he left the county. Johnson stayed a while longer. In September, 1831, Israel Nestlerode bought the E. of S. E. Sec. 24, from Gorsuch, whom he met at the land office in Tiffin, where Gorsuch had probably entered the land that day or the day before. Gorsuch was a land speculator, and acted as a pilot in showing land hunters the best tracts of land in the country which were subject to entry. Nestlerode built a cabin on his land, which was completed, except as to doors and windows, on the 31st day of December, 1831, and on the 27th day of February, 1832, the owner arrived with his family. Both Day and Nestlerode used sheets for doors, and table-cloths for sash and glass until the wolves and porcupines became so bold that they were compelled to make doors, which Day made out of clapboards, and Nestlerode out of his wagon-box. Porcupines were very plentiful and troublesome. Their quills were in every dog's mouth, and in every cabin loft where the chinking didn't shut them out. The Wyandotte Indians made the settlement a stopping place on their trail to Tiffin and back, where they went to trade. The Indians were in the habit of taking in a plentiful supply of "firewater " at Tiffin, and taking well-filled flasks with them on their journey home. At times Mrs. Nestlerode could hear them coming for a distance of two miles, whooping and yelling. Some of the Indians got so drunk that they would fall from their ponies to the ground, and, being unable to rise and remount, the less drunken ones would build a fire near them and leave them in the forest to sober. One night shortly after dark, a party of Indians rode up to Nestlerode's cabin (the remainder of the party being scattered along the route to Tiffin, drunk and lying by their little fires). Some of the braves were too drunk to get off their ponies, and Mrs. Nestlerode had to go out and help them. After getting into the house they began to brandish their tomahawks and knives, and kick the tables and chairs over, whooping and yelling, when Nestlerode and an Indian went and disarmed them. They finally settled down on the floor and slept till nearly daylight, when they silently stole away, leaving their parcels and packages, which they had purchased at Tiffin, in the house. Within the next few days they returned, one at a time, each selecting his own package and taking it away. Nestlerode and his wife lived on their farm about twenty-five years, when they removed to Fostoria. Mr. Nestlerode died in the '' seventies," and Mrs. Nestlerode WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 348 died early in the " eighties," at the advanced age of eighty-three. In November, 1831, William Shawhan entered the S. W. 1/4, Sec. 25, and in April following moved with his family to this new land. In September, 1831, Isaac Kelly entered the S. W. 1/4 of Sec. 14, and moved into the township at the same time as Shawhan. Shortly afterward Rev. Elam Day and Abraham Weaver became residents, and from that time Perry settled up very rapidly. In June, 1832, John A. Kelly cut a road along the east side of the east branch of Portage river, through the land on which the town of West Millgrove now stands, and settled on land just across the township line, in what is now Montgomery. This was the first road cut through Perry township, and soon after what is known as the McCutchenville road was located on or very near that cut by Kelly. Abraham Weaver located on the farm later owned by Orrin Stearns, in April, 1835, and on April 1, 1833, the first white child born in the township saw the light of day in his cabin. Her name was Nancy Weaver, who married Nathaniel Hiestand, of Fostoria. In June, 1832, William Moore settled on the farm now owned by Mrs. Girton, in Section 10, but having committed a flagrant crime against the laws of the land, fled to Canada, leaving his wife, who had been stricken with paralysis, and his children, a township charge. Under the law at that time they were yearly sold at public auction by the overseers of the poor to the party who would keep them for the least money. Some time during the year 1832, John Fletcher, who had been educated for a doctor, and lost his fortune in England, found his way into the wilds of Wood county and entered eighty acres in Section 36, the farm now owned and occupied by Myron Fletcher. Being unaccustomed to clearing land, he hired hands and had about forty acres deadened the same year. Going back to Licking county, Ohio, he married Emeline Newcomb. In the spring of 1833, he returned with his wife, and built a small log cabin of one room, on his land, within a few feet of where the brick residence of Mrs. Fletcher now stands. Uzal M. and Samuel P. Cory, whose names appear among the first township officers, were brothers. Uzal M. emigrated from Greene county, N. Y., bought a tract of land from Wm. Shawhan, in Section 23, and soon after entered another piece adjoining it. In August, 1832, he built his cabin on the tract purchased from Shawhan, and the following month, with his wife, located here. Mrs. Cory says at that time she thought their new home in the woods was one of the most beautiful places she had ever seen. No windows, door or chimney were in the cabin when first occupied, and for some time the young wife was afraid of bears and wolves becoming inmates of the cabin with herself and husband. Samuel P. Cory joined his brother, and bought and entered land adjoining that of Uzal M. He became a permanent resident of the township in October, 1832. Abel M. Cory, son of Uzal M. and Eliza Cory, was born July 23, 1833, and was the first white male child born in the township. James Jones made entry of the E. 1/2, N. E. ., Sec. 25, where the late Isaac Brandeberry lived. The entry was made in November, 1831, but Jones did not become a resident until 1833. He was the wolf hunter of that part of the country. He bought all the old worn-out horses in the country for wolf bait. The number killed by him within a small territory is stated upon good authority to be seventy-two. John Y. Fish settled in the township on the McCutchenville road near what is known as Stearns' Corners, in 1833. His sons, John, Daniel, James, Henry and William, are all now living in Freedom township; while the daughter, Mrs. Brandeberry, died a few years ago. Samuel E. Burns moved from Ashland county, Ohio, and settled in the township in February, 1833. He lived to see the wilderness " blossom as the rose," and October 4, 1874, died on the land which he had entered. The first settlers in the west part of the township were Asa England, .Richard Loman, Sr., John F. Keyser, Geo. A. Swain, George Clark, Jacob Rine, Francis Rummel and Henry Hays. England, Loman, Keyser, Swain, Rine, Rummel and Clark, all came in the spring and summer of 1833; Hays on what is now the Eagleville ridge road. In the central portion of the township, George Wilson and Samuel M. Chilcote were among the pioneers. George Wilson located on what is known as the T. D. Stewart farm, in Section 22, later owned by Drs. Edwin and Allen Chilcote. In their cabins town meetings were held for many years. Levi England, a son of Asa England, died a few years ago. During his fifty-years' residence in the township, he was never compelled by sickness or any other cause to stay in the house all of any day. Swain, who entered the land where Asa Baird now lives, remained on it three or four years, sold it to John Slaughterback, and moved into WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 349 Bloom township, on the Weaver farm. While engaged in clearing land, a tree fell on him breaking his leg, which had to be amputated. This accident discouraged him from any more attempts at clearing land, so he moved to Illinois, out of the reach of falling timber. John F. Keyser went with him. Richard Loman, Sr., died more than forty years ago. His son, Richard, Jr., lived on the old homestead ever since the entry, until about 1882, when he moved to Iowa, where he died. George Clark died in February, 1837, this being the first death among the pioneers in the western part of the township. Asa England and Henry Hays were neighbors and intimate friends. In April, 1837, England went to the Maumee river for fish, and learning on his return that his friend Hays was sick, hastened to visit him. The only greeting Hays was able to give him was, "you are too late," and died about half an hour afterward. Henry Hays came from Beaver county, Penn., with his wife and six boys, a wagon containing all his earthly goods. On April 1, 1834, he started toward the setting sun to look for a new home, and to give the boys a chance to grow up with the country. Leaving his family a week in Richland county, the father went to the land office at Bucyrus, and entered three eighty-acre tracts; one where his son Andrew now lives; one where Edon Wells lives, and the other lying south of them. Samuel S. Palmer came into the township about a month before the McCormicks did, and entered the land on which R. W. Kelly now lives. James McCormick settled in the township in April, 1833. He was anxious to enter a piece of land with a mill site on it, and the S. W. 1/2, Sec. 4, was duly entered by him. In the spring of 1832, he sent two of his sons and a mulatto, named James Brock, to clear up a patch and build a cabin. This they did on a spot where the Indians previously had a camp known as "Snobbletown. " John Gorsuch, one of the early land-buyers here, and one of the founders of Fostoria (Risdon ), shot and killed himself, three miles north of Longley Station. Rev. Wesley Brock preached the funeral sermon of that enterprising pioneer and land speculator. Early Land Buyers.--The early land purchasers, such as Oliver Day and a few others, have already been named. In the following list of entries the names of many of the pioneers will be found: Jacob Baker, S. of S. W. S. 1, Nov. 18, 1833. John Bradner, S. W. of N. W. S. 3, Dec. 14, 1836. James McCormick, S. W. 1/4 S. 4, Nov. 3, 1831. Robert McCormick, N. W. of N. E. S. 4, Aug. 19, 1835. James Connelly, pt. of N. E. 1/4 S. 5, June 22, 1832. Archibald Wollam, N. W. of N. W. S. 5, Nov. 24, 1835. John Vosburg, W. N. E. S. 5, April 5, 1836. Andrew Donaldson, S. S. E. S. 5, March 24, 1835. Osman Diver, S. W. 1/4 S 5, Dec. 5, 1835. William Kiger, S. W. S. 6, Dec. 13, 1833. Jacob Kinnaman, N. N. E. S. 6, July 3, 1834. John Swinehart, N. S. W. S. 8, May 7, 1834. Norman Russell, S. W. S. E. S. 8, Jan. 11, 1835. William Moore, E. S. W. S. 10, Nov. 4, 1831. James Atkinson, N. E. N. W. S. 10, Oct. 29, 1832. Israel Nestlerode, S. W. S. W. S. 12, Oct. 22, 1834. Isaac Kelley, S. W. 1/4 S. 14, Sept. 13, 1831. Joshua Kelley, W. S. E. 1/4 S. 14, Oct. 29, 1831. Justus Stearns, E. N. E. 1/4 S. 14 (no date). Fred Zepernick, pt. of N. W. 1/4 S. 15, Oct. 17, 1831. Moses Kelley, E. S. E. 1/4 S. 15, Oct. 29, 1831. George Free, W. S. W. 1/4 S. 15, June 13, 1832. Alexander Weaver, N. E. 1/4 S. 20, April 22, 1836. Thomas Shawhan, N. of N. E. 1/4 S. 21, Dec. 13, 1833. Mordecai Chilcote, N. W. of S. E. S. 21, Dec. 8, 1836. Samuel M. Chilcote, S. E. S. W. S. 22, July 19, 1836. Samuel P. Cory, W. S. W. 1/4 S. 24, Aug. 18, 1835. Daniel Zepernick, E. N. W. S. 27 and W. N. E. S. 28, Oct. 7, 1831. Sam. E. Burns, W. S. W. S. 27, Jan. 11, 1833. Samuel Sheets, N. S. W. S. 29, Oct. 26, 1836. John Carr, S. E. S. E. S. 33, Jan. 30, 1835. John Norris, S. E. of S. E. S. 35, Oct. 28, 1833. Samuel Younker, W. N. W. S. 36, Oct. 25, 1833. The John Norris, named above, is not the old trustee of Perry now residing at Fostoria, but a settler of 1833. Early Mills.-James McCormick had been engaged in milling near Gallipolis, Ohio. He brought his raccoon buhr with him, and immediately went to work to build a gristmill, in the fall of 1834. It was a hewn-log structure, and Robert, who was a blacksmith by trade, under the instruction of Benjamin Brown, a mill-wright, made the iron work. In the year 1835, the mill was completed, being the first gristmill erected in the south part of the county. It is said that every able-bodied man in the township, besides a good many from other townships, was present at the raising. John A. Kelly bossed the job at the raising, and Isaac brought the first grist (corn) to the mill. Previous to that time, the settlers had to go either to Lower Sandusky or Fort Ball to mill. The time occupied in the trip was anywhere from two days to a week, according to the condition of the roads and character of the team. Even after the building of this mill, when the water was low, the settlers had frequently to go to Tiffin or Fremont. He built a sawmill shortly after, using logs in the construction. William Reis built a frame mill on the site, which, later, was converted into a steam sawmill, and, later still, into the woolen factory. Robert McCormick, a hale, hearty man of seventy-two years, in 1884 was a resident of 350 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. West Millgrove. From the time he came into the township until 1854, he worked at his trade, and was justly entitled to the distinction of being the pioneer blacksmith of Perry township. It fell to his lot to make the hoes for the early settlers, and he was very handy at repairing guns for hunters. James McCormick died August 28, 1839. The raccoon buhr, previously mentioned, is still doing service as a door step to a house in the village. Men of 1839.-The names of the ninety-nine male inhabitants in 1839, who were then twentyone years of age or older, are given as follows: James Atkinson, Amanda Baldwin, Luther England, Samuel M. Chilcote, John Chilcote, James Conley, John Conley, James Conley, Jr., John G. Fish, George Wilson, Nathan Hatfield, James Worley, Jeremiah Smith, Samuel E. Burns, Samuel Solomon, John Shrader, James Solomon, Daniel Heaton, James Wilson, James Jones, Gideon Jones, Beryamire Brown, Moses Kelly, Jacob Atbert, John Fletcher, William B. Welch, John Becker, John Donaldson, George Walter, John McCrory, Bela Evitts, Robert Watson, John G. Willard, Jacob Foreman, Thomas Hofstater, John Best, Obit Harvey, Isaac Kelly, Samuel P. Cory, Jonathan Wells, Joseph Chilcote, David Wells, John Welch, James Welch, John W. Welch, Onissimus Lawrence, Israel Nestlerode, Josiah B. Wells, Abraham Weaver, Z. M. Cory, Peter Losa, Samuel Palmer, Hosea Henry, Abraham Cross, Norman Russell, Thomas Dysinger, Daniel Dysinger, Chrystopher Dysinger, Samuel Bear, Joseph Rickard, Joseph Tyler, James McCormick, Robert McCormick, George Swinehart, George McCormick, John Bradner, Nicholas Rumbaugh, Jacob Kinnaman, Robert Leavitt, Thomas Beach, Moses Freese, William McCuen, Peter Weaver, John M. Hoover, Enoch Henry, George Henry, John Collar, Jeptha Brown, Richard Loman, Richard Loman, Jr., James Loman, Adam Clark, Richard Clark, James Hays, John Wade, Alexander Weaver, John Clark, Joseph Drake, Jacob Rine, John Slaughterback, George Boyer, John T. Kiser, John Swinehart, Thomas Armstrong, Thomas Wisner, Joseph Davis, Nicholas Hiles, Abraham Hiles and William Shawhan. Counterfeiters.-Among the money founders and engravers who located in the Fostoria neighborhood, prior to 1837, was John Brooks, who, it is said, moved out of Perry that year, and built a frame house at Fostoria. Other men of that class found temporary homes in this township, but, as the clearings grew in number and area, they sought newer fields. The Stone House was erected in the " forties " by Benjamin Brown, who sold it many years ago to Justus Stearns, the postmaster at Brown's Corners. Prior to 1877, it was disintenanted, as the owner built a modern brick mansion at that point, a little south, into which he moved. Schools.-The history of the first schools, written by Robert Dunn (1884), tells, very clearly, of the humble beginnings of the common-school system, and, incidentally, of the social and industrial systems. Mrs. Fletcher taught the first school in the township, in the spring of 1833. She had about fifteen regular scholars, whose tuition was paid by subscription. Her pay was about two dollars a week. Among her scholars, as she now remembers them, were Bia Johnson, Lotta Caples (mother of Mrs. Dr. Longfellow), Junius V. Jones, Wm. H. Jones, Virginia Jones, Simpson Jones (on wet days), Orrin J. Cory (occasionally), George and Ambrose Cory, most of whom are now living in Fostoria and vicinity. Mr. Fletcher was a great lover of fine horses, and brought a full-blooded imported mare with him to Wood county. During severe storms or when it rained he would lead this mare into the school house, which caused quite a commotion among the scholars until they became accustomed to the practice. On such occasions, with teacher, fifteen scholars, stove, bed, other household furniture, Fletcher and his mare, the space in the little cabin was pretty well occupied. The old teacher died in August, 1861. On December 17, 1834, the township was divided into four school districts, the boundaries of which seem not to have been very well defined, and at that time money from the public funds for school purposes was rather scarce. Consequently the schools had to be sustained by private subscription. In District No. 1, the school house was built on the land of Uzal M. Cory. Of course it was a log building with a big fireplace in one end of it, and was built in a day by the residents of the district, with probably some help from outside. There seems to be some disagreement among the old residents now living there as to who taught the first school in this building, some contending that the first teacher was Henry Welsh, and some, Lucy Brown. I am inclined to the opinion that Welsh taught first, but before the division and numbering of the district above referred to, and Lucy Brown was the first teacher after the district was numbered. Her home was near Melmore, Seneca county. It fell to the lot of Simpson Jones to go after her, which he did on horseback, that is, he rode the horse there, and she rode it back, and Simpson walked. It was WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 351 about sixteen miles. Mrs. Samuel P. Cory, Mary L. Avery, sister of Mrs. Uzal M. Cory, and Gideon Jones. were among the first teachers in this district. District No. 2 was in the Atkinson settlement, and Elizabeth Becker taught the first school in the spring of 1835. The school house in District No. 3 was a small log building, and stood where the cemetery now is at West Millgrove. Emeline Palmer, a daughter of S. S. Palmer, was the first teacher. It was at this school that R. W. Kelly first learned his letters. He was then a lad nine years old. He says he soon forgot them, however, and didn't learn them again until he was thirteen. Between the school house and road was the creek, which was crossed by a foot log. One evening after school, as Miss Palmer and Henry Vosburg, one of her scholars, were crossing, they fell into the creek, and would have drowned but for the timely assistance of some men in the gristmill near by, who saw them fall in. Reason Kelly, who stood on the bank and witnessed the scene, says it was the worst scare of his life. Miss Palmer married Mark Curtis, of Perrysburg, and moved to that old town to make her future home. The school house in District No. 4 was built on the farm now owned by Mrs. Baird. Jacob Rine, justice of the peace, was duly installed as teacher. James Hays, then about nineteen years old, was one of his scholars. They commenced at the beginning of the arithmetic, and got along well enough until "long division " was reached. The teacher and James wrestled two or three days with an example, but with rather poor success. Rine was at the end of his string in arithmetic, and so politely informed young Hays that he had better quit, as it was a waste of time for him to attend school any longer there, as he (Rine) had taken him as far as he could in "'rithmetic." For over half a century James Hays has taught school at Fostoria and in the vicinity, and it is safe to say that, by this time, he has mastered the intricacies of '' long division." Moses O. Jones was the second teacher in District No. 4. He had a big "nigger head" stone placed in one corner for a dunce block. When a scholar violated any rule of the school, he had to take his seat on this stone, and watch until he noticed some one else out of order, when he was permitted to rise and report, and miscreant No. 2 had to take his place. One day Alex. Weaver, who had been sitting on this stone so long that he was very tired, and had been unsuccessful in detecting his successor, suddenly startled the school by calling out: " Say, Mr. Jones, I wish you would get a goose to sit on this egg, for it will never hatch out with a gander." An item in the records shows that " January 12," 1842, the trustees agreed to excuse the township clerk from the duty of visiting the several schools in the township. In that year there were seven school districts, and the enumeration of youth, between the ages of four and twenty-one, showed 144 males and 138 females. At the annual settlement of the treasurer, in the spring of 1842, a balance of one dollar and twelve cents was found in his hands. In 1843 a two-mill tax was authorized for school purposes. In 1844 there were ninety-eight white males subject to military duty, and in 1845 there were eighty-seven. The Old Red School House, the Tom Kelly school house on the Ridge, the Kiser school house, and the Island school house were the Meccas of the pioneer school children of Rome and Risdon. James Pillars, many years later a judge of common pleas, taught the "Island School" for $10 a month, payable one-half in cash and one-half in provisions. Freeman Luce, Dr. Lockwood, Mr. Noble and Tom Kerning were the early teachers, the first presiding in 1833-34, in consideration of a salary of $10 a month. In the Old Red School House, Emily Foster, a sister of ex-Governor Foster, was accustomed to carry off the prize for spelling. The school records, which have been found, deal with affairs of the board of education back to April 18, 1853, when Nathan Hatfield, Richard Clark, O. C. Henry, Tobias Bossier, Isaac Brandeberry, A. G. McClellan, P. J. Pelton and J. H. Bucher voted to reorganize the school districts, and to sell the houses belonging to original Districts No. 8 and No. 10. A building was ordered for District No. 6, and the house of District No. 1 was ordered to be moved to a new site. In April, 1854, the names of John Norris, A. G. McClellan, Justus Stearns and Simpson Jones appear as members of the board; in 1855, a house was erected in District No. 3; in 1857, one in District No. 1, built by John Norris, and one in District No. 2, in 1858. During the war, little or nothing was done toward improving school houses. In 1864, John Norris, William Ketcham, Randal Swinehart, S. Baird, D. E. Coe, John McMahan, Andrew Patterson, S. M. Chilcote, J. Stearns and David Ferrell represented the nine districts, and reported in September of that year that there were 266 male and 248 female children of school age in the township. In 1867, the board authorized the building of a school house in District No. 4, then 352 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. credited with fifty-seven pupils, and, during the ensuing four years, authorized the repair of all the school buildings. In 188o, a new era of school houses was introduced by the erection of buildings in Districts No. 1 and No. 4, and in 1885, in No. 3. In 1886, Isaac Brandeberry, Daniel Yates, H. J. Pelton, J. D. Stearnes, C. F. Redfern, C. B. Elerton, I. C. Conley and W. E. Smith were members of the board. In September, 1887, there were 401 children of school age in the township. The chapter devoted to school affairs contains statistics and names relating to the schools of this division of the county. Churches. -The Methodists were undoubtedly the first to enter the wilderness in the southeastern corner of the county, and the preachers of that denomination were the first to follow them. Mr. Robert Dunn, speaking of their attempts to inculcate Christian lessons, gives Mrs. Cory as an authority. The first sermon she remembers hearing in the township was at the house of Wm. Shawhan, by Andrew Hollopeter, a Methodist preacher. His text was: "Except your righteousness exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter the kingdom of heaven." He was a plain, outspoken man, and commenced his discourse by saying that in his opinion the righteousness of some of the settlers in that community, not only did not exceed, but fell far short of even that of the Scribes and Pharisees, for that Sunday, in coming to fill his appointment, he could hear the crack of guns in every direction. As early as April, 1832, Methodist meetings were held at the house of Oliver Day, on ''Nestlerode's Island" (southeast of West Millgrove), Elam Day officiating as pastor. In 1836 a church was erected on the farm of Israel Nestlerode, being the first church building in the township. The first resident preacher was Rev. Henry Witman. The first Sunday-school in this part of the township was organized in the Cory school house. Religious services were held by the Baptists and Methodists, the Baptist preachers being Messrs. Thorpe, Thompson and Kating. Sabbath-school was held at the house of George Wilson. In this school some of the classes studied their Testaments, and some used spelling books. A peculiar feature of this school was that the closing exercises consisted in spelling, all the attendants ranging themselves in a circle around the room, the superintendent standing in the middle and pronouncing the words. This exercise usually lasted about fifteen minutes, old and young all participating. There were no "lesson leaves "or'' helps " in those days, but the teachers' and scholars met and read the unadulterated word, and put their own construction on it. The first Methodist Society in the township was that known as Chilcote's Class, organized in the fall of 1837 on the spot where the widow of Levi England now resides. Wesley Brock and John O. Conaway were the first preachers. Elizabeth Chilcote (in whose house the meeting was held), James Worley and wife, Thomas Armstrong and wife, George Wilson, wife and daughter, Samuel M. Chilcote, and Sarah, wife of Nathan Hatfield, formed the class, and, for many years, were the only practical representatives of Methodism within the Chilcote settlement or district. The Sunday-school assembled periodically at Mrs. Wilson's cabin, and so continued until the class was able to build its first church. The Methodist Episcopal Union Church purchased land in Sec. 28, July 10, 1855, at a cost of $25, on which a little meeting house was erected. Three or four years ago that structure was sold, and a new building was erected, just west of its site, which is still known as the Union church. The United Brethren church, a mile and one-half northeast of Bloomdale, a building on the McCutchenville road, a mile and one-half from Fostoria, the Evangelical building, and the German Baptist or Dunkard building, in the Whitmore neighborhood, with the church buildings at West Millgrove, make up the monuments to Christian zeal in this township. It must be remembered, however, that the Christian Church of Eagleville, and the Churches of Bloomdale and Fostoria claim supporters within the boundaries of Perry township. WEST MILLGROVE. This pretty village, carved out of the wilderness in 1835, represents sixty years of progress. With its few stores, societies and churches, undisturbed by the turmoil of the oilfields, or by the rumble of railroad trains, it resembles some quiet hamlet in western New York much more closely than it does any other settlement in this county. There are but few reminders of its pioneer homes left standing; but some of the pioneers of the vicinity survive to tell of its early days, and of the virtues of its founders and inhabitants. The country, tributary to the village, is exceptionally fine. Northeast, about one mile distant, is the WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 353 railroad hamlet, now called Hatton, which is the shipping point of West Millgrove, and has become its manufacturing suburb. Survey.-Millgrove, its original name, was surveyed by Hiram Davis, in November, 1835, for James and Rachel McCormick, on the S. W.1/4 , of Sec. 4, T. 3, R. 12. On February 24, 1874, a petition for incorporation was signed by forty-nine residents of the hamlet, but others, believing that the township officials were capable of looking after the welfare of the little community, objected, and signed a remonstrance. Village. -The petition was re-presented March 3, 1874, asking that the S. 1/2, Sec. 4, the S. ½ of N. E. 1/4, Sec. 4, and so much of the N. W. 1/4, of Sec. 4, as lies within the town plat of Millgrove, in T. 3, N., R. 12 E., be established as a village. The order to incorporate was made September 4, 1874, though it was not recorded until September 30, of that year. The survey for the various owners was made in April, 1881, by D. D. Ames, who, on March 16, 1872, surveyed East Millgrove Station for William McCormick. In 1836 or 1837, John G. Willard, who, in September, 1835, had moved from, Ashtabula county and settled on the Stanley Morgan farm, in Montgomery township, became a resident of Millgrove. He built a one-story-and-a-half log house on the corner lot across the street, north from where the "Chilcote House " now stands, and soon after engaged in the mercantile business, opening the first store in the town or in the township. He purchased most of his goods at Buffalo, and hauled them by wagon from Lower Sandusky. In the course of time a mail route from Perrysburg to Bucyrus was established, Millgrove becoming one of the post offices on the route, and Willard was appointed postmaster. The mail carrier made the trip once a week. At this time the postage on a letter for a distance less than 300 miles was twenty-five cents. Willard continued his residence here until his death, in 1859. Mrs. Willard, seventy-nine years of age, in 1884 lived with her daughter, Mrs. W. C. Burdick, in the village. John Bradner is said to have built the first house in the town, after it was laid out, out of little round logs, and in this building he worked at his trade of shoe making, keeping bachelor's hall. Some say he was the first postmaster in the village, but this arises from the fact that before the post office was established, it was the custom to leave the mail matter brought from Fort Ball at his house, or shop, for distribution. Dr. Patterson, who moved to Fostoria in 1840, and thence to Texas, may be said to have kept store about the time Bradner was here. Ephraim Moffett states that Willard built a hotel, and also that William Bradner followed Willard, building a store on the opposite corner. The hotel was built by Justus Stearns, and in 1849 William Bradner opened a store here with his son, john A., in charge. Post Office.-West Millgrove post office, known as recently as 1895, as West Mill Grove, dates back to the time when John Bradner was wont to send for the mail to Tiffin and distribute it to his neighbors. There are no records to show that he was appointed, but the recollection of old settlers leads to the opinion that he was. It is known that J. G. Willard was appointed postmaster, when the mail route between Perrysburg and Bucyrus was opened, or while Bill Lowry was mail carrier. Dr. Ranger held the office in 1851; A. G. McClellan, from 1857 to 1862 (in R. W. Kelly's store) ; Mrs. Vosburg was the incumbent during the Civil war; James H. Moffett was appointed in February, 1868; Orren Henry, in 1869 (J. H. Moffett, deputy); G. L. Ketcham followed, then came Josiah Kiger, Dr. Warren and J. W. Smith, the last named commissioned in September, 1878. W. T. Kelly's name appears as postmaster in February, 1883; W. J. Moffett's in March, 1885 (having been appointed in 1884); J. H. Moffett's in November, 1885, and B. F. Simon's in August, 1889. I. C. Conley was appointed in 1891; Thomas E. Yates, in August, 1892; J. R. Phillips, in October, 1892; G. K. Tyson, in May, 1893; N. S. Hatfield, in November, 1893; and William Dunlap, April 20, 1895. The old records of this office, like the village records, were destroyed in the fire of 1882, so that the names and dates given, prior to 1883, are based on the recollections of the old settlers, and on notices of appointments found in the Perrysburg Journal and Bowling Green newspapers. Brown's Corners, a post office of the olden time, was presided over by Justus Stearns in 1862. Village Officers.-The destruction of the record books, in the fire of 1882, cuts off the possibility of giving an authentic list of councilmen from 1874 to 1879, inclusive. The first council comprised C. W. Linhart, R. L. Knapp, Seneca Leonard, Abram Foster, B. C. Harman and Councillor Kephart. The first- mayor, J. H. Moffett, served from 1874 to 1885, when J. R. Phillips was elected, and he served until 1893, when Levi Wirt succeeded him. The councilmen chosen from April, 1880, to April, 1896, are named as follows: 354 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. 1880-J. W. Smith, Seneca Leonard, C. W. Linhart, J. McCormick, T. Bossier, W. J. Moffett. 1881-H. D. Hahn, P. C. Chilcote, J. S. Harman, R. L. Knapp, Charles Irons, vice McCormick, with Smith and Leonard. 1882-S. Leonard, J. C. Thompson, J. S. Harman, J. C. Ort (new councilmen). 1883-N. S. Hatfield, Henry Yates and I. Phillips. 1884-C. W. Linhart, J. C. Ort, William Simons, N. S. Hatfield, D. Hall, T. Hill. 1885-Thomas Hill, S. Shanks, J. S. Harman, W. L. Yates, C. W. Linhart, J. C. Ort. 1886-R. L. Knapp, A. Davidson, with Shanks, Yates, Harman and Hill. 1887-S. L. Shanks, W. L. Yates, J. H. Moffett, appointed to fill vacancies. 1888-A. C. McCrill, W. L. Yates, Thomas Hill, S. Leonard, A. Davidson, M. Sweet, elected. 1889-A. Davidson, L. Whitman, William Lee, C. Baldwin, M. Sweet, S. Leonard. 1890-91-M. Sweet, George Castret, Philo Hellen, with Lee, Baldwin and Davidson. 1891-M. Sweet, George Castret, Philo Hellen, L. Wirt, C. Baldwin, A. Davidson. 1892-John C. Purdy, P. Helm, W. J. Moffett, A. Davidson, C. Baldwin, L. Wirt. 1893-L. Wirt, J. I. Zepernick, W. J. Moffett, A. Davidson, W. Faylor, J. C. Purdy. 1894-C. S. Linhart, A. Davidson, W. Faylor, P. C. Chilcote, J. I. Zepernick and D. Yates, who took I. C. Conley's place. 1895-E. A. Davis, George Baird, William Duffield, W. Dunlap, with Chilcote and Lenhart. 1896-P. C. Chilcote, William Faylor and John Feasel were elected. The office of clerk was held by Charles Hollopeter from 1874 to 188o, when Samuel Hennings succeeded him. In 1887, W. J. Moffett was elected, but J. S. Harman succeeded him the same year; W. A. Harman was elected in 1889; J. W. Miller in 1890; J. W. Smith in 1892, and re-elected since that time. The first treasurer was C. A. Risser, who, in 1875, was succeeded by Lewis Whitman. The office was held by several citizens down to April, 1894, when B. F. Simons succeeded S. L. Shanks. In 1896, B. F. Simons was re-elected treasurer. In 1896, B. F. Simons, James Dindore and William Lee were elected members of the Special School District Board. J. T. Hill was elected marshal in 1896. Fires.-A few small fires are recorded prior to 1882, such as that which destroyed the church school house. The fire of 1882 destroyed Hahn's store and Adams' dwelling. In the store building were the council room, mayor's office, post office, together with many of the village records. A few books were saved, but the Council journal and other important books were burned. Traders.-The Willard store was carried on here by its founder until 1859. From 1849 to 1858 or 1859, William Bradner did a large trade here. By 1860, old-time trade methods and traders made way for modern methods and men, and the business houses and dealers, as known now, began to appear. In March, 1884, J. R. & I. Phillips carried on a general store; John Miller and George S. Ketcham, hardware stores; Benjamin Simons, a drug store; B. H. Saxby, a grocery; and M. F. Miles and C. W. Linhart, a gristmill. W. J. Moffett was then postmaster; Dr. Rosendale had practiced medicine there for a quarter of a century; Dr. Hatfield, who came later, was also a recognized physician of the district; Perry C. Chilcote kept the hotel. Tragedies.-On November 23, 1889, Lafayette Frontz was stabbed to death here by one Gardner. The tragedy is one of the very few chargeable to this village. Schools.-The new school building stands a testimonial to the villagers. It is their monument to a half-century's progress in education. Churches.-The beginnings of church organizations and church buildings are related in the history of the township. Here the first house for worship was built in 1843 or 1844, where the Lewis Whitman mill was subsequently constructed. It was a two-story house, the second floor of which was used by various Church societies, while the first floor was used for school purposes. Rev. John McCutcheon, a Presbyterian preacher, who was also teacher of the common school, presided above and below. The house was sold and converted into a sawmill, for which purpose it was used until 188o or 1881, when fire reduced it to ashes. The Methodist Episcopal Society erected a building in 1871, which was dedicated September 17, that year. The United Brethren, the Disciples, the Presbyterians, the German Baptists and other denominations are represented in the village. In the history of Montgomery township reference is made to the Methodist Circuit of 1839, and to the early preachers who appeared in this district. Cemetery.-The West Millgrove Cemetery Association was organized March 29, 1865, with Joseph Chilcote, Israel Everett, Tobias Bossier, Rev. Samuel Kelso, W. C. Burdick, C. R. Rosendale, J. H. Moffett, Randall Swinehart, Jacob Fisher, Seneca Leonard and Joseph Bishop, members. The association acquired the ownership of the old cemetery, made additions to it, and to-day owns the ground. W. C. Burdick, James Dindore and James A. Yates are trustees; J. W. Miller, treasurer, and J. W. Smith, secretary. Societies.-West Millgrove Lodge, I. O. O. F., was instituted July 20, 1876, with T. C. Reid, noble grand; H. N. Rush, vice grand, and Henry Phillips, secretary. In 1886 the charter was WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. - 355 conveyed to Freeport, as told in the history of that village. The Independent Order of Good Templars attained prominence here years ago, and the influence of the society is yet powerful. Yates Post, No. 476, G. A. R., was chartered September 1, 1888, as successor of the older Post, No. 5o, organized under the same name. The title was changed to W. C. Conley Post on February 20, 1891. The original members were B. F. Simons, Ira C. Conley, Thomas Henry, A. Davidson, Jerry Baker, Izetus Phillips, M. H. Jones, Lewis Whitman, Morris Sweet, Perry C. Chilcote, W. C. Yates, David Baird, A. K. Wein, Ed. Burton, M. D. Chilcote, L. A. England, C. Keefer, R. B. Chilcote, William Taylor, Dan M. Yates and M. T. Sweetland. Of the old Post of 1869, J. W. Smith and the majority of the members named above were members. In later years Capt. Omar P. Norris changed his membership from Fostoria to this Post. The commanders have been L. Whitman, 1888; John W. Smith, 189o; P. C. Chilcote, 1892, and J. W. Smith, 1894-96. The adjutants have been Izetus Phillips; I. C. Conley, 1891; J. W. Smith, 1892; A. K. Wein, 1894-96. There are twenty-four members. Other secret, benevolent, political and literary societies appeared and disappeared, few of them living more than a few years. HATTON, FOSTORIA AND LONGLEY. Hatton post office was established March 14, 1882, with Samuel H. Cassiday, postmaster. In 1883, John Wininger was appointed master, and has held the office down to the present time. The hamlet was platted by William McCormick, in 1880, on a part of his farm, and, when the office was established, the name was changed from East Millgrove Station to Hatton, in honor of the postmaster-general. Alexander Adams and Benjamin F. Lindsley built the first houses; Samuel Carrick built the third house; Z. Osman built the first store. The second store was built by John Wininger, who completed the house on the West Millgrove road about thirteen years ago, having moved his stock from the house where W. L. Knowles now resides. The large elevator, south of the depot, was built in 1881. Osman sold his store to Jesse Miller, who on removing to Risingsun sold his stock to Mr. Wininger, but still owns the building. The new tile factory of Wood & Co., established in the fall of 1895, employs ten hands. The hamlet is a suburb of West Millgrove. Fostoria now claims a small part of Wood county. Hart's subdivision of part of S. E. of Section 36, Perry township (south and east of W. M. Skinner's land to the east line of Wood county, adjoing the lands of J. A. Bradner and Mrs. D. P. Lloyd, and the south county line and lands of Abraham Overholt) was surveyed by Homer C. White in April and May, 1887, for John O. Hart. Skinner's allotment was surveyed in July, 1888, by G. D. Hersey for William M. Skinner. The first notice of the locality, other than that by United States surveyors, was made September 20, 1825, when Neal McGuffey and others from Fort Ball camped there while searching for Elijah Brayton's lost child. The survey of Rome was made in August, 1832, and of Risdon in September, 1832. The first town was the property of Crocker & Foster; the second, of John Gorsuch. Henry Welch, Jeremiah Mickey and John P. Gordon were the pioneers of Risdon, while Gorsuch located there in 1832, and invested in lands in its vicinity. In October, 1832, Crocker & Foster opened a store at Rome, selling coffee at. 20 cents, tobacco at 25, tea at $1.24, sugar at 7 cents a pound, sheeting at 13 cents a yard, cotton at 10 cents and calico at 14 cents a yard, whisky at 12 cents a quart, while Nehemiah Hadley paid the firm 28 shillings for one pair of boots. In 1836, the Crocker sawmill was erected; Samuel Laird opened a tavern opposite Foster's store; while Randall Hale's tavern was in operation prior to that time. Dr. Cossage was here as early as 1829. Dr. Dana and Dr. Lockwood came in 1834; Dr. Kirkham, in 1836 or 1837; George Patterson, in 1840; Simon Bricker, in 1843; and Drs. Cole, Snyder and Russell, early in the forties." In 1834, David Ferrier established a horse-power gristmill near the head of Wolf creek. The sawmills, gristmill and distillery were built within a few years. The first Church society was organized in 1833 by Rev. Chase, but the class did not show many signs of life until the following winter, when Elam Day urged the Methodists to build a log-house for worship. The cabin stood on Summit street, near the creek, until 1852, when a frame house took its place. In 1849, the Catholic congregation erected a church building. In 1852, a Close Communion Baptist Society was formed; in 1856, the Presbyterians organized; in 1868, the Evangelical Lutherans; and, in 1879, the Reformed Society. The Methodist Protestants; the Seventh Day Adventists; the Disciples; the Dunkards; the Spiritualists; the Mormons; and a dozen of other denominations had organi- 356 - WOOD COUNTY, OHIO. zations here, so that Fostoria was as busy in religious matters as it was and is in commercial affairs. In 1833-34 Freeman Luce opened a subscription school. "Barring" the master was a custom of the time, and once in a while Luce had to treat his pupils to candy, raisins, apples or whisky. Dr. Alonzo Lockwood, later a member of Congress, succeeded Luce. Times have . changed. Now there are three or four large school buildings, an academy, and one or two denominational schools. The town is an important business and railroad center. How far the future may extend its limits into Wood county cannot be stated, but it is reasonable to suppose that the same enterprise, which did so much, may do more in the direction of expansion. Blinn post office was established at Norris Station in 1883, with Omar P. Norris in charge. Frank Cory was acting postmaster until 1885, when the office was discontinued. Longley postoffice was established a few years ago, with T. J. Edgerton postmaster. Thomas Peterson, who was run down by a train in 1895 and killed, was the second incumbent. In September, 1895, the present postmaster was commissioned. Conclusion.-The majority of the pioneers were successful in their mission. They came to seek and make homes in the wilderness, and leave to their children a rich inheritance. To them a great deal of the present worth of the township is due; but it would not be fair to credit them with all progress. They prepared the way for the modernizer. Their children and the immigrants of later days, having at their disposal machinery of which the old settlers knew nothing, accomplished more in a decade than their father's did in thirty years, and raised the township to its present high standard. RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE