USA > Ohio > Hancock County > Findlay > Twentieth Century History of Findlay and Hancock County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens > Part 1
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JE 2 91919 INV. 3323 Frucht
1
PREFACE
The aim of the publishers of this volume and of the author of the history has been to secure for the historical portion thereof full and accurate data re- specting the history of the county from the time of its early settlement, and to condense it into a clear and interesting narrative. All topics and occurrences have been included that were essential to this object.
We take pleasure here in acknowledging our indebtedness to the late D. B. Beardsley and to Mr. Jacob A. Spaythe, whose carefully prepared histories of Hancock County, published respectively in 1881 and 1903, have been found valu- able for reference and other purposes in the compilation of the present work.
The reviews of resolute and strenuous lives that make up the biographical part of the volume are admirably calculated to foster local ties, to inculcate patriotism, and to emphasize the rewards of industry dominated by intelligent purpose. They constitute a most appropriate medium for perpetuating per- sonal annals, and will be of incalculable value to the descendants of those com- memorated. These sketches are replete with stirring incidents and intense expe- riences, and are flavored with a strong human interest that will naturally prove to a large portion of the readers of the book its most attractive feature. In the ag- gregate of personal memoirs thus collated will be found a vivid epitome of the growth of Hancock County, which will fitly supplement the historical statement, for its development is identified with that of the men and women to whom it is attributable. Sketches unrevised by subscribers are marked by a small asterisk (*) placed after the name of the subscriber.
The publishers have endeavored to avoid slighting any part of the work, and to fittingly supplement the editor's labors by exercising care over the minutest details of publication, and to give to the volume the three-fold value of a readable narrative, a useful work of reference and a tasteful ornament to the library. We believe the result has justified the care thus exercised.
Special prominence has been given to the portraits of representative citizens which appear throughout the volume and we believe that they will prove not its least interesting feature. We have sought in this department to illustrate the different spheres of industrial and professional achievement as conspicuously as possible. To all who have kindly interested themselves in the successful prep- aration of this work, and who have voluntarily contributed most useful informa- tion and data, or rendered other assistance, we hereby tender our grateful ac- knowledgments.
THE PUBLISHERS.
CHICAGO, ILL., October, 1910.
5
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER I
SETTLEMENT OF THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY AND ORGANIZATION OF THE STATE OF OHIO 19 Introductory-Derivation of Title and Early Explorations-Achieve- ments of George Rogers Clark-State Cessions and Indian Treaties-Set- tlement-Indian Wars-St. Clair's Defeat-Wayne's Campaign and Battle of Fallen Timber-Organization of the Northwest Territory-Organiza- tion of the State of Ohio.
CHAPTER II
THE ABORIGINES 41 Prehistoric Races-Pre-glacial Man-The Mound Builders-The Red Race.
CHAPTER III
FIRST ORGANIZATION OF HANCOCK COUNTY 46 The County Organized-Findlay Township Organized-First Elections -First Officials-Erection of the Township.
CHAPTER IV
INDEPENDENT ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY 50 First White Settlers-Hull's March-Fort Findlay-Murder of the Thomases-A Pioneer's Letter-Observance of the Golden Rule Among the Pioneers-Mrs. Ebberly's Narrative-First Election Under Independ- ent County Organization-Poll Book of Election and County Officers.
CHAPTER V
TOPOGRAPHICAL
59 Acreage of the County-Its Boundaries and Surface-The Soil-The River-Jean Jacques Blanchard-"Wild Cat Thicket"-Timber-Marshes- Sand Ridges-Crops-Springs-Benefit of the Limestone Formation- Under Drainage-Fish and Game.
7
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER VI
PIONEER DAYS 63
Early Records-Population-Settlements-Missionaries and Meeting Houses-Camp-Meetings-First Sermon-Early Schools and Schoolmas- ters-The Country Schoolmaker-Log Rolling-Shooting-Corn-husking -House-raisings-Threshing-Quilting Bees-Racing and Other Sports- Stores and Taverns-Necessaries of Pioneer Existence-Description of Old Time Tavern-General Muster-Malaria and Milk Sickness-Taxable Property in 1824-Tax Levies-Findlay Selected as the County Seat-The First Marriage-A Contested Election-County Printing-Road-Building -Administration of Estates-A Foul Murder-Simon Girty-Johnny Ap- pleseeds-J. N. Free.
CHAPTER VII
TRANSPORTATION 87 First Roads and Bridges-Steam Railroads-Electric Roads.
CHAPTER VIII
THE COUNTY'S MILITARY RECORD 94 The War of 1812-The Mexican War-The Civil War-Spanish- American War.
CHAPTER IX
THE BENCH AND BAR
105
Early History-Famous Judges and Lawyers-Hancock County Bar
Association-First Jail and Court-House.
CHAPTER X
THE PRESS 132 Early News Conditions-Presses in Use-The Old Time Compositor- Leading Newspapers of the County-Their Proprietors and Editors- Value of the Daily Press.
CHAPTER XI
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION . 140 Hancock County Medical Men of the Past and of the Present.
CHAPTER XII
HANCOCK COUNTY SOCIETIES .150 The Fraternal Lodges-The Odd Fellows-Masons-Elks-Tribe of Ben Hur-Daughters of America-Grand Army of the Republic-The W. C. T. U .- The Hancock County Agricultural Society.
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CONTENTS CHAPTER XIII
CHURCH HISTORY 163 The Pioneer Preacher-Hardships Endured-Small Salaries-Progress of the Various Denominations in Hancock County-Churches of Findlay and Hancock County. CHAPTER XIV
ALLEN, AMANDA AND BLANCHARD TOWNSHIPS
174
CHAPTER XV
BIG LICK, CASS, AND DELAWARE TOWNSHIPS
187
CHAPTER XVI
EAGLE, JACKSON AND LIBERTY TOWNSHIPS
. 197
CHAPTER XVII
MADISON, MARION AND ORANGE TOWNSHIPS
.. 209
CHAPTER XVIII
PLEASANT, PORTAGE, UNION, VAN BUREN AND WASHINGTON TOWNSHIPS,
AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS
.219
CHAPTER XIX
TOWNS AND VILLAGES .239 Sketches of Arcadia, Arlington, Benton Ridge, Cannonsburg, Dewey- ville, Findlay (including Gas and Oil Industry and Findlay College), Fos- toria, Houcktown, Jenera, McComb, Mt. Blanchard, Mt. Cory, Rawson, Shawtown, Van Buren, Vanlue, West Independence, Williamstown, Etc.
CHAPTER XX.
MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES .271 The Hancock Brick and Tile Co .- Buckeye Traction Ditcher Co .- U. S. Electric Porcelain Co .- Findlay Clay Pot Co .- Boss Manufacturing Co. -D. Kirk Sons & Co .- Findlay Table Manufacturing Co .- Hollerback Piano Co .- The H. H. Fassett Planing Mill-Tarbox and McCall-Find- lay Casket Co .- Hayward & Young-Findlay Carriage Co.
CHAPTER XXI
BANKS AND BANKING 276
Commercial Bank and Savings Co .- The American National Bank- The First National Bank-The City Banking Co .- The Buckeye National Bank.
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER XXII
RECAPITULATION AND STATISTICS. .281 Comparison of Early and Present Conditions-Road Building-Sewer- age-Timber-Land Values-Agricultural Prosperity-Public Buildings- Water Supply-Manufacturing Industries-Some First Things-Roster Public Officials.
REPRESENTATIVE MEN
. 297
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1
1
INDEX
Adams, James T.
615
Bensinger, William .358
Adams, Mnason A.
538
Betts, John E. .547
Adelsperger, John
599
Bibler, David A. .432
Adelsperger, William H.
.599
Bibler, John .432
Agin, A. M. .387
Bibler, Samuel M. 472
Alexander, Eli 634
Bickelhaupt, Frederick J. 375
Alge, Charles .585
Alge, Joseph
.411
Anderson, Fred E., V. S.
533
Anderson, Isaiah J.
. 533
Biglow, Aaron H. 116
Blackford, Aaron . 117
Bloom, William F. 569
. 647
Bolton, Samuel H.
. 437
Bope, Col. James A.
.327
Bope, Edward V.
328
Boutwell, Edward
.532
Boutwell, Edwin
.532
Bower, Adam
.531
Baker, Dr. Joseph P.
356
Bower, Jacob
.531
Bowersox, Benjamin
.421
Bowersox, Robert
.423
Bame, John
554
Barnd, John D.
457
Brenner, Mathias .507
.417
Barr, James H.
616
Bright, Hon. Charles
.331
Barr, James M.
616
Bright, David .331
Battles, Asa
.579
Brinkman, Henry .586
.586
Battles, William
578
Brinkman, Henry W.
569
Beach, Dr. J. W. H. .471
Brown, Ezra
114
Beagle, Alva 546
546
Brown, Rev. Charles I.
304
Beardsley, Daniel B. 119, 323
Brown, Henry
116
Beardsley, Dr. Herbert V.
323
Bunn, W. C. .498
Beck, C. E. 507
Bunts, William C. .119
Benington, Ozias E. .573
Burket, E. W. .473
Bensinger, Reuben
.358 Burnette, C. R.
.509
11
Digitized by
Baker, Alexander
.430
Baker, John . 430
Baker, John W. .392
83
Appleseeds, Johnny Archer, Frank
.328
Arras, John
539
Arras, Nicholas .539
Auten, Elbert B. . 433
Baldwin, Dr. William H. .141
Balsley, Dr. Alfred W.
464
Brenner, John .507
Barnhill, Dr. Tobias G.
. 144
Brickman, Lewis F.
Battles, Edward
631
Brinkman, Henry C.
Brown, Frank
.360
Beagle, John S.
Bicknell, J. E. 549
Biggs, Dr. Don B. .507
Biggs, Rev. Peter .507
Boger, Jacob H., D. D. S.
12
INDEX
Bushong, Isaac
.563
Deming, Richard B. .332
Byal, John M.
.622
Dennis, Charles 633
Byall, Absolom P.
.120
De Rodes, Rev. Henry C. 447
Deter, Charles .607
Canfield, Cyrus W. .376
Caples, John F. .118
Dick, David
396
Dick, George
. 396
Carr, Charles W. 407
Dicus, A. C.
638
Carr, Cyrus H. .407
Diebley, William
300
Carrothers, Dr. M. M. .442
. 637
Dorsey, Hon. Homer O.
367
Champion, George K.
.422
Dorsey, Wallace
338
Champion, William J. 422
Dreisbach, D. M.
355
Child, Daniel E. 555
Dukes, Charles C.
301
Clark, Charles
.466
Dukes, Jasper
601
Clark, James R.
349
Dukes, John 301
Duncan, William F. 646
Dunn, Elijah T. 122
Cloud, Robert W.
.394
Coates, Everett H.
.577
Edwards, Luke .530
Elsea, Harley C.
303
Coffinberry, Andrew
118
Entrikin, Dr. Franklin W. 144
Ewing, Alvin C. 540
Ewing, Erwin E.
380
Cole, John W.
574
Cole, William W.
.574
Ewing, Jacob 403
380
Conine, Lyman M.
.304
Cookson, Franklin
421
Falk, William H.
532
Cooper, Allen
. 602
Ferguson, Jeremiah
575
Cooper, Hon. Willis E.
. 602
Fetters, Irvin .340
Fetters, Peter 340
Findlay, Col. James 646
Firmin, Dr. Francis W.
353
Crist, E. E.
Firmin, John C.
530
Crist, John M.
.482
Firmin, Dr. Lorenzo . 495
391
Crothers, Dr. M. M.
148
Folk Bros.
335
Cusac, James S.
417
Folk, John C.
335
Folk, Samuel S.
335
Dailey, Baker .346
Foreman, John F.
608
Foreman, Richard M.
544
Darbyshire, Dr. Morris A.
.307
Foreman, Rufus
608
David, Harry G. 395
Fox, Elias
406
Davis, Charles 592
Fox, Nicholas
456
Davis, Isaac 344
Fox, William
456
Davis, N. D. .337
Franks, Jasper
614
Davis, William .344
Franks, Samuel S.
614
Decker, James
418
Free, Jacob Newman
84
Decker, Leonard B.
418
Frick, Daniel W. 610
Deeds, Charles W.
450
Fry, Benjamin F.
424
Deeds, Henry
605 Fry, Henry
424
Digitized by
Coffin, M. L.
.608
Coffinberry, Charles S.
116
Coffinberry, Hon. James M.
Ewing, Hiram C. 403
Conine, James H.
.304
Ewing, Jacob
Corthell, Clinton S.
. 612
Crawford, Jackson H.
531
Crawford, Lawrence J.
479
482
Crites, Jacob T.
449
Fiscus, William J.
Clark, Wesley . 466
Clayton, Joseph B.
.319
Diller, E. L. .443
Casterline, Cyrus L.
Detwiler, Dr. William D. .143
Carlin, Dr. William D.
.142
Dailey, Samuel C. .346
115
13
INDEX
Fuller, Andrew G.
.655
Horn, John B.
.475
Hosler, Peter
.556
Garber, Christian
.302
Hosler, William F. .556
Garber, Leroy E.
302
Houck, William
.587
Geisey, Ulysses G.
.489
Houck. W. E. .587
George, Dr. Edward
.526
Houck, William H. . 623
Gibson, John W. 330
Huff, Judge Abraham .108
Glathart, Aaron J. 428
Huffman, Norman 526
Glathart, Harry A.
456
Huffman, Oliver
606
Glessner, Leonard C.
343
Hughes, Dr. Don C. .427
Gohlke, Richard J.
423
Goit, Edson
111
Good, A. H.
. 468
Hurin, Hon. Silas E.
320
Gorby, Levi
396
Green, Chester L.
548
Iler, Jackson .465
Gressly, Jacob
Iler, Lemuel C.
. 465
Gressly, P. J.
459
Gribben, William
117
Groves, Hon. E. Lincoln
353
Guise, Dr. J. M.
147
Guise, Dr. P. O.
147
Jackson, C. F.
.415
Jackson, Edward E. .415
Jelly, John H. .506
Johns, James S.
.359
Hammond, George F.
545
Jones, Elijah P.
. 648
Hammond, Thomas
524
Hammond, William P.
.524
Jordan, Charles E. . 643
Harry, Jasper F. .411
Jordan, William
.401
Hart, Abraham .473
Kagey, William M. .432
Hart, John
.472
Kagy, David B. .517
Hartman, Dr. John V.
580
Kagy, Hon. Joseph R. 521
Hay, Edwin R.
476
Karg, Albert E. .589
Hay, Peter 476
Karg Bros. .589
Hayward, Collin D.
467
Karg, Charles A. .589
.589
Heldman, John
. 451
Karn, Ezra .613
-
Hickle, George J.
.513
Keeran, George W.
.413
Higbie, Dr. J. L.
375
Keeran, Dr. Rueben B.
.523
Hillshafer, Conrad .515
Kelley, Charles A.
.639
Hilty, Elmer .465
Kennedy, Mrs. Cornelius, M. D.
. 147
Hilty, John H.
629
Kilgour, Charles 474
.459
Kimmell, Dr. Jacob A. .501
Hirscher, William G.
.459
Kinder, Hon. W. H. 297
Hofmaster, Alphens . 637
Kinder, Hon. William R. . 608
Hofmaster, Jonas 637
584
King, John
.412
Hopper, Ernest W.
.437
King, Robert L.
.560
Hopper, William
.437
Kirkbride, James W. .564
Horn, George J.
.475 Kirsten, Oscar .450
Digitized by
1.
.-
Hirscher, Martin
.509
Karg, Fred J.
Hennings, William J. . 441
Karn, Theodore .613
Hersh, Dr. Edward G. 529
Karst, Frank
.618
Hagerty, Hon. D. P. 502
611
Hamlin, John M.
459
Inebit, Peter .368
Insley, Martin
. 458
Jackson Company, C. F. . 415
Humphrey, Jarvis .495
Hurd, Dr. Anson .142
Jones, George P. .335
Hart, Isaac 543
Heimhofer, John B.
King, Dr. Cyrus F. . 412
Hogrefe, Conrad H.
14
INDEX
Kramer, N. J.
383
Metzler, Jacob L. .584
Krichbaum, William
.329
Miller, Frank L. .404
Kobe, Carl
.439
Miller, Jones R. .404
Kyser, Dr. Abraham M. 373
Mitchell, George A. .395
Kyser, Cornelius
.373
Molder, Allen .320
Molder, Frank .320
Lang, Thomas W.
.402
Molder & Sons, H. .320
Lanning, J. N. . 487
.558
Montgomery, George C.
.577
Leeper, William O.
.339
Montgomery, George W. .577
Lehr, Dr. William F.
.576
Montgomery, Jesse W. .386
535
Lightfoot, Henry
.536
Moore, Andrew J.
.338
Linaweaver, Dr. Albert H.
. 147
Moore, Hon. Charles I.
442
Line, Jacob
.592
Moore, Ralph W. . 652
Line, James O.
.643
Moorehead, John E. . 431
Linger, Thomas C. 623
Moorehead, Samuel Edgar . 431
.581
Long, Hon. John M. K.
.513
Moorhead, Samuel Edwin
.581
Long, John W.
.405
Moorhead, Thaddeus E. .581
Long, R. J. . 405
Morehart, Harry J.
.427
Lowe, Hon. S. E. . 488
Luden, Frederick
.379
Morrison, John H.
.113
Mosier, Cory E.
.310
Mosier, John P. . 630
Mowery, George W. 365
Mumma, E. Leslie E. .320
Mungen, Hon. William
118
McCall, James A. .418
Neeley, O. E. .582
Neff, M. D.
. 618
Neiswander, Joshua .596
Neuman, August 621
McLeod, Dr. Joseph R.
. 651
Niles, Charles E. .603
Nonnamaker, Rev. John J. 496
Norris, Alexander M. . 499
McNeal, John P. .398
Mackey, Robert I.
. 645
Mackey, William
. 645
Nusser, John A. 652
MacLachlan, Dr. Norman L.
.317
Manecke, Henry
.393
Manecke, William
.393
Oehlschlager, Joseph .521
.433 Oesterlin, Dr. Charles .141
Martin, Jerome M.
.313
Oller, Clarence J. .537
Martin, Dr. John C. F.
.145
O'Neal, Hon. Charles W. .113
Marvin, Isaac W.
.347
Opp, A. L. . 606
Marvin, Stephen .347
Mathewson, Peter A. .523
Mathewson, Dr. W. R. .523
Matter, Daniel
.566
Palmer, Hon. John M. .122
Parker, Abel F.
114
Parker, Harry J.
.343
Digitized by
Merriam, Arnold F. .112
Metzler, Dr. Willis M. . 650
.490
Lyon, Henry L.
Lyon, Edward S. .311
McAnelly, Moses . 605
McCaughey, William D. .544
McDowell, P.
.522
McKelvy, Samuel L. .379
McKinnis, Judge Robert .107
McManness, Lemuel .309
McNeal, Arthur N. .398
Norris, D. L. . 499
Norris, George W. .628
Nusser, William C. .484
Marquart, J. P.
Opp, Benjamin F. .347
Opp, John .348
Montgomery, George . 621
Lee, Dr. Richard N.
Lightfoot, Daniel F.
.536
Montgomery, John T.
Long, James . 405
Moorhead, Andrew
Morehart, Jesse D. . 427
Lyon, Albert B.
440
INDEX
15
Patterson, Charles W.
601
Rutledge, Abraham
640
Patterson, Frank T.
. 601
Rutledge, H. J.
640
Patterson, Joseph S.
.600
Patterson, William M.
115
Sampson, Albert .337
Pendleton, Hon. George F.
.298
Saunders, Dr. O. H.
525
Pepple, David E.
. 640
Saunders, Thomas J.
.525
Pletcher, Samuel S.
. 466
Schaller, Christian
403
Poe, John
.492
Schaller, Philip
403
Poe, Merle N.
.492
Scothorn, A. W.
312
Powell, Bateman B.
.302
Scothorn, W. W.
312
Powell, Daniel
.302
Searfoss, Jacob
385
Powell, Dr. H. J.
.655
Searfoss, Levi
385
Powell, Dr. Jacob E.
.364
Shafer, M. C.
627
Powell, Dr. J. E.
147
Shafer, Solomon
500
Powell, Oliver
. 626
Shank, Albert
501
Priddy, Hon. S. N. E.
.567
Shank, Frank C.
.500
Sharninghouse, George F.
505
Sharninghouse, William
.505
Rader, Henry B.
. 452
Rader, John
.452
Rausch, Peter
.549
Rawson, Dr. Bass
.140
Shoop, Daniel
460
Redick, Adam
627
Shoop, Joseph E.
481
Redick, Benjamin
. 627
Shuler, Charles H.
463
Reimund, John
.348
Shuler, Henry
463
Reimund, William
.349
Sink, J. J.
.455
Renninger, Samuel E.
.573
Slupe, Jacob
587
Renshler, John D.
.553
Smith, Augustus M.
.483
Rettig, Adam
Smith, Charles F.
369
Reycraft, Dr. Albert J.
Smith, Henry W.
632
Rhinehammer, Daniel
.318
Smith, John W.
.510
Rhinehammer, Sylvester
.318
Smith, McConnell B.
311
Riddlebaugh, Henry
.345
Smith, Peter J.
413
Riddlebaugh, John H.
.345
Rieck, Charles
.489
Snider, Samuel
309
Robinson, Frank S.
.443
Snider, Solomon
309
Robinson, Jacob M.
.. 570
Snively, Samuel
407
Robinson, Samuel H.
.570
Snyder, William E.
.580
Solt, Herbert S.
534
Solt, Peter
534
Roller, Michael
.574
Rose, Rev. Alvan
.363
Stall, George W.
448
Rosenberg, Jacob
.133
Steiner, J. L.
583
Rosette, John E.
.116
Steiner, P. D.
.583
Roth, Charles P.
.358
Steiner, Rev. T. R.
467
Roth, George
.358
Stoker, Harrison W.
388
Ruckman, Dr. J. M.
.568
Stoker, Tunis
388
Ruhl, John S.
.448
Stouffer, Joseph
.439
Rummell, William R.
.559
Stouffer, Samuel
. 439
Russell, Alfred L.
.369 Stough, Christopher
.525
1
Digitized by
.590
Spitler, Eli
449
Rose, John S. .363
Stall, John F.
448
Smith, William F.
632
Robinson, S. G. .497
. 622
.515
Shaw, Hon. O. P.
299
Sheldon, J. C.
.378
Sheppard, Clark L.
.370
Pugh, Joseph
.550
Roller, Henry S. 574
Spitler, Douglas
16
INDEX
Stough, George 518
Stough, George S. .536
Stough, Henry . 518
.558
Waggoner, William G .: 610
Swab, George
. 416
Swab, John W.
354
Walker, S. C. .516
Swab, Samuel
416
Wanamaker, Eliphes 543
Swab, Solomon
.355
Swartz, Marion
565
Swinehart, Andrew .553
Swinehart, P. P.
553
Wertenberger, George H. .557
Tarbox, Harry L.
609
Taylor, Charles
638
Taylor, Edmund C.
625
Taylor, Homer L.
.638
Taylor, John W. .350
Taylor, Rufus E. . 330
350
Williamson, Dr. Milton S. 148
Thomas, Dr. Earl J.
. 148
Williamson, W. A. .556
Thomas, Henry B.
597
Thomas, Jacob
.597
Thomas, J. Curtis
378
Thomas, John D.
487
Thomas, Levi M.
378
Thompson, George R.
516
Thompson, L. F.
516
Todd, Dr. Calvin D.
391
Todd, Elisha
593
Todd, William H.
391
Totten, Hon. Theodore
340
Tritch, Dr. John C.
.314
Tritch, Parlee C.
314
Worst, Joseph 560
Trout, George F.
498
Wortman, John 474
Trout, Len
499
Wyer, Henry .363
Trovinger, Dr. J. R.
624
Wyer, Henry 324
Twining, Robert P.
563
Wyer, J. N. .360
Wyer, William W.
324
Van Eman, George F.
534
Yates, Darius W.
.650
Van Horn, Dr. Allison M. . 147
Yost, Dr. William N. .384
Vanhorn, Charles E. 568
Van Horn, Dr. W. S.
.482
Zeller, John W.
. . 616
Varnum, Dr. J. H.
. 459
Zophi, Dr. J. W. . 148
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Warfel, Ephraim M. .471
Wells, Harvey H.
633
Wentz, Ross .329
Wertenberger, John 557
Westfall, Dewitt C., D. O.
490
Wetherald, Ross J. 497
Wetherald, Sylvester R. 497
Wheland, Clyde 365
Whiteley, Hon. Machias C. 114
Williams, Elijah 114
Williamson, W. M. 556
Wilson, Judge Ebenezer 108
Wilson, Dr. Huron S.
148
Wise, Oscar
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Wisely, Martin L.
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Wisely, William P. 644
Todd, Benjamin
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Wittenmyer, W. H. 484
Wolf, Levi 491
Wolf, Mrs. Mary .491
Woods, James .386
Woods, Dr. L. S. . 385
Worden, A. L.
.590
Worden, A. C. .590
Urban, Ernest E. 479
Vickers, Dr. Hilton A. 565
Waaland, Jens J. 480
Stover, Samuel S.
Walker, Hon. James B. .596
Taylor, Washington
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J. A. KIMMELL. M. D.
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History of Hancock County
CHAPTER I.
SETTLEMENT OF THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY AND ORGANIZATION OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
Introductory-Derivation of Title and Early Explorations-Achievement of George Rogers Clark-State Cessions and Indian Treaties-Settlement-Indian Wars-St. Clair's Defeat -Wayne's Campaign and Battle of Fallen Timber-Organization of the Northwest Ter- ritory-Organization of the State of Ohio.
Hancock County constitutes a small portion of that vast domain known as the Northwest Territory, which embraced within its limits all of the present States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. Yet the history of the county cannot be properly written without some account of the more important events that concern the exploration, development and organization of the territory as a whole. Long before the first white man had set foot on the soil of what is now Hancock County, her des- tiny was being shaped by events of even greater importance than any that have trans- pired within her own borders; and long prior to her organization as a county, wars were being fought, treaties made, and laws enacted through which alone her very existence was made a possibility. While the present work contemplates particularly an account of those events which are peculiar to Hancock County as a separate civil subdivision of the State, and while the reader must be referred to the larger and more pretentious histories of the North-
west Territory and Ohio for fuller information regarding them as a whole, yet it is deemed necessary to a proper understanding of the his- tory of the county to review some of the lead- ing events that characterized the development of the entire domain, and to present, in out- line, some of the chief circumstances that have contributed to the present condition of pros- perity and power occupied by this widely ex- tended area.
DERIVATION OF TITLE.
The claims first asserted to lands in the Western Hemisphere by European monarchs were based on discoveries made by their sub- jects. Accordingly we find all that vast region between the Allegheny and the Rocky Moun- tains, originally known by the general name of Louisiana, claimed by France, in consequence of the explorations, chiefly, of Father Mar- quette, a Jesuit missionary, and La Salle. In 1673 Marquette, accompanied by M. Joliet, starting from Mackinac, traced their way
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY
southward from there to the Wisconsin River, which they followed to its junction with the Mississippi. They then descended the Missis- sippi for a 1,000 miles, and, on their return to Canada, urged in the strongest terms the im- mediate occupation of this vast and fertile re- gion watered by the Mississippi and its tribu- taries. There are other accounts of the discov- ery of the Mississippi, but the one ascribing it to Marquette seems to be the first that is au- thentic.
Between the years 1678 and 1682 La Salle with Father Hennepin, conducted a series of explorations around the great lakes and along the Mississippi, going as far south as Peoria Lake, Illinois. Here they erected a fort, after which La Salle returned to Canada. Father Hennepin explored the region now embraced within the limits of Ohio and is said to have published a volume containing an account of his discoveries "in the country between New Mexico and the frozen ocean," together with maps of Lake Erie, Huron and Michigan, and a plat of the larger streams of Ohio. In 1683 La Salle went to France and induced the French Government to fit out an expedition for the purpose of planting a colony at the mouth of the Mississippi. The expedition failed completely, however, La Salle being murdered by one of his own men.
The French still persisted in their efforts to gain possession of this vast region, west of the Alleghenies and the English colonies. Under the command of M. D'Iberville a second expe- dition sailed from France, entered the mouth of the Mississippi (March 2, 1699), and ex- plored the river for several hundred miles. A chain of trading, missionary and military posts was ultimately established extending from New Orleans to Quebec by way of the Mississippi
and Illinois Rivers, and thence, by way of Mackinaw and Detroit, to Lakes Erie and On- tario. This route was afterward shortened by following the Ohio River to the Wabash, and then following the latter upward and down the Maumee to Lake Erie. The French colonies, in- creasing steadily in numbers and strength, aroused the jealousy of the English, who, to check their advancement, formed what was known as the Ohio Company. This company made some attempts to establish trading houses among the Indians. The French, however, established a chain of fortifications back of the English settlements and thus secured to them- selves the entire control of the Mississippi Val- ยท ley.
Inasmuch as this same territory was claimed by the English Crown, it is necessary to con- sider the basis of the rights which she asserted. Her chief ground for claiming title to the terri- tory west of the Alleghenies, was a treaty made with the Six Nations (otherwise known as the Iroquois) in the Ohio Valley. It was claimed that these nations had placed their lands under the protection of the British Crown. It was further asserted that in 1744 the British had purchased lands of these Six Nations by treaty at Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In 1748 the Ohio Company, organized by a number of Virginians and Londoners, ob- tained a charter from the British Government with a grant of 6,000 acres of land on the Ohio. The English, reverting to the times of the Ca- bots, claimed that by right they held the entire country from the Atlantic to the Pacific, bounded by the parallels of latitude defining their Atlantic Coast settlements. Inasmuch as France claimed the region drained by the Mis- sissippi and its tributaries, together with the Great Lakes and their tributaries, Ohio was
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