A standard history of Fulton County, Ohio, an authentic narrative of the past, with an extended survey of modern developments in the progress of town and county, Vol. I, Part 58

Author: Reighard, Frank H., 1867-
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Chicago, New York, The Lewis Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 546


USA > Ohio > Fulton County > A standard history of Fulton County, Ohio, an authentic narrative of the past, with an extended survey of modern developments in the progress of town and county, Vol. I > Part 58


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L. K. Carpenter was the pioneer in German Township. He was of the Thompsonian school. Then came Blaker, Winterstein, Schuet- zler, and Murbach. Two sons of Doctor Murbach are now in practice in German Township. Doctor Hubbard, who was a Civil war veteran practiced for many years in German Township, and Dr. G. W. Hart- man, now of Wauseon, was for thirteen years in successful practice in that township, removing to Wauseon in 1892. Doctor Coy has been in Archbold a few years, as has Doctor Preston.


Franklin Township records accord the place as pioneer physician to Dr. Ira Smith, who was in the township a year or so before the coming of Dr. John Kendall, in 1840; but just as the pioneer place in Gorham might well be given to Dr. Amos Kendall, because Dr. John Kendall only practiced there for a year or so, so might the premier place in Franklin be accredited to Dr. John Kendall, for he made that township his home, whereas Doctor Smith passed out of the record in a year or so. Doctor Schmidt is of record in the '60s, and later Doctor Wilson came from Stryker, and developed a remarkably wide practice. He died in Archbold.


In Pike Township history must come the record of Dr. William Holland, who settled there in 1843. He was then seventy-six years old, and had practiced in Massachusetts for almost fifty years; yet, it is said that he to some extent practiced in Pike Township, where he settled with his daughter, and son-in-law, Alfred A. Shute. J. W. Roseborough, an observing man, wrote of Doctor Holland as follows:


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"Dr. William Holland, a man whom, in his old age, about 1856 or 1857, we saw and connected with, was a large nian, not too fleshy ; rather tall, dignified; of classical impression ; much beyond the aver- age in genial manners and address. He impressed us as a very supe- rior man in point of culture, and knowledge, natural and acquired. We oft, when passing his quiet secluded home, wondered why, and how, it was that he lived in such a retired isolated country."


Another carly physician of Pike was Robert A. Moore, and Dr. James S. Richards, known as the "Indian Doctor." Dr. S. B. Fin- ncy also had extraordinary success with his medieal preparations. His patent medicines sold "at home and abroad, among all nations;" and he became wealthy.


Dover Township was a field in which Dr. Wm. Ramsey was busy in his early years of residence; and others from Delta and Wauseon travelled the trails, or waded through the mud, travelling the roads that seemed to have no bottom. Doctor Blaker was the first physician to take up residence, closely followed by Doctor Herreman, who was in residence as early as 1844. One of the most able physicians of the county was Dr. William Hyde, who practiced for very many years in Dover, centering from Spring Hill. Later he was of Pettisville and Wauseon, where he retired from professional work, finally going to Goshen, Indiana, to live with his son. Dr. Hyde was a remarkable man. He was a graduate of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, of London, England, the graduating requirements of which medical college were, probably, at that time very much more rigid than were those of this country, where medical colleges were few, and in their infancy. And he was a man of strong, bright, yet unusual character. It is said that he would practice medicine for a period, then would concentrate himself upon inventions, which he thought would bring him financial suecess. Invariably, he would be forced to take up medicine again, because of exhaustion of funds. His inven- tions brought him no profit, but his practice of medicine brought him an enviable reputation. He, upon his old pony, was a famliar sight in the early settlements and on the highways and byways of Dover Township. It is believed that Doctor Hyde, at least, slept while he rode. He was riding day and night. One of his sons belonged to the bodyguard of Abraham Lincoln, during the President's last days.


Other physicians of Dover were McCann, Gurley, Worden, Delano, Robinson, Schaffer, and Ely. Dr. Estell H. Rorick practiced in Ted- row for some time; Doctor Borden is now a specialist, ophthalmological and otological; and Doctor Campbell, of Wauseon, is a son of Dr. G. P. Campbell who used to practice in Tedrow, and earlier in Ridgeville. Doctor Jewell was a student with Dr. Win. Hyde, and profited by that association.


The names of physicians prominent in Swan Creek, and that part of the county are: Bassett, Cosgrove, Lathrop, Brailey, Odell, Bishop, Wilkins, and Ramsey.


The doctors of Wauseon, the county seat, have been many. Doc- tor Hollister was the pionecr. He took up residence in Wauseon dur- ing its first years, when it was literally not much more than "a wagon road through the woods." Dr. N. W. Jewell, who was the first treasurer and second mayor of Wauseon, settled soon after; and Doctor Hyde


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was also in practice in Wauseon in the '60s; while many of the physi- cians now practicing in the town have been practitioners for several decades. Doctor Bennett has been in practice for more than forty years in Wauscon; Doctor Miller has made it his centre for twenty- five years, and formerly was in practice in Pettisville, and earlier in Texas; Doctor Lenhart, who is the oldest practitioner of Wauseon, has had an office in the town for more than forty years; and Dr. G. W. Hartman has been in the town for almost thirty years, formerly prac- ticing in Archbold. His son, Maj. C. F. Hartman, commander of the American Legion post at Wauseon, graduated in 1909, and practiced in Wauseon until the war came in 1917, when he was one of the first to leave. He saw overseas service, and was recommended for a lieu- tenant-colonelcy. Returning to civil life, he has resumed practice in Wauseon, and now is president of the Medical Society of Fulton county. Another capable Wauseon physician of meritorious overseas service is Captain Maddox, county chairman of the American Legion. He was in practice in Wauseon for many years prior to the war, and he is again in good practice in the county seat, where he is much respected. The Fulton County Medical Society was organized on February 15, 1868, with nine charter members, namely: De Witt Hollister, N. W. Jewell, William Ramsey, S. P. Bishop, S. Hubbard, A. J. Mur- bach, S. F. Worden, William Hyde, and Josiah H. Bennett. There has since always been a medical socicty in the county, although it was inactive for many years. Fifteen or eighteen years ago its func- tioning became more active, and as at present constituted, it is an alert organization. Dr. S. P. Bishop was at one time president, and Dr. G. W. Hartman has been president. Their sons, Drs. C. F. Hart- man. and Park Bishop, are now president and secretary, respectively.


There is an up-to-date public hospital in Wauseon. It was organ- ized in 1903, by the physicians of Fulton county, and is controlled by the Wauseon Hospital Association. It occupies a commodious brick building, although at times its capacity has been sorely taxed. The first president was Dr. P. J. Lenhart, with Dr. A. J. Murbach, as secre- tary.


CHAPTER XXV


CHURCH HISTORY


The church history of Fulton county has been extensively reviewed in the appropriate township chapters; indeed, so much of the data gathered has been embodied in those chapters that very little remains that could, without tautology, be included in this general chapter, which will therefore take the character more of a gleaning of miscel- laneous unrecorded data than of a comprehensive review, which is un- necessary, and for which there is now no available space.


METHODISM. The Rev. N. B. C. Love, who will be remembered by many in Wauseon, and throughout the county, contributed an in- teresting paper to one of the local papers. It was entitled "Methodist Memories," with a sub-head, "Old-time Camp Meetings, and Old-time Christian Workers." It refers to many of the pioneer itinerant mini- sters of the Maumee Valley, and should be placed in permanent record. The article begins:


"An old-time camp-meeting was a good institution, in its day. The first Methodist Church in northwestern Ohio was erected in Mau- mee City in 1837, during the pastorate of the Rev. Orrin Mitchell. This destitution of churches, of sufficient capacity to accommodate the people at the quarterly and other special meetings, was sufficient reason for holding camp meetings.


"Several circuits would unite under a presiding elder, and the cir- cuit preachers. A central and desirable location would be selected. On the day appointed, preachers and laymen for thirty or forty miles around would assemble to prepare the grove, build tents of logs- the largest for the accommodation of the preachers included. This was built shed-fashion, the highest part of the roof next to the audi- torium, which was composed of logs laid lengthwise, and 'slabs,' or split logs crosswise. The tents were built to enclose this auditorium. Sometimes an acre of ground would be thus enclosed.


"The rostrum, or speaker's stand was in front of, and attached to, the preacher's tent. This stand was a place of honor, and the first time the young circuit preacher found himself seated on the same long bench, with the great men of the church alongside of him, while he looked into the faces of hundreds, and sometimes thousands of people, he experienced, in spite of his humility, a 'swelling of the heart he never would fcel again.' This seat of honor was occupied often by the great lights of Methodism.


"Inside the preacher's tent, occupying about one-half of it, was an elevated platform, composed of poles and slabs, which were covered with straw, and on this were clean and comfortable beds. Prominent was the home-made coverlette, woven in odd patterns of red, purple, blue, and white. This style of bedspread was very popular among the pioneer mothers. A few other comforts were furnished, such as look-


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ing glass, comb, bucket of water, and towels. Here the preachers, not tenting on the ground, domiciled.


"Each preacher carried his own wardrobe in his saddle-bags, which were made of leather, and united together, so that they could be car- ried crosswise on saddle. This old-style double grip-sack often con- tained a few books for sale, such as the Discipline, Wesley's Christian Perfection and Sermons, Fletcher's Checks, and Baxter's Call. The Bible and Hymn Book were always in there when not in use.


"Many of the pioneer preachers were models of neatness in costume. They never suffered themselves to appear shabby, or unshaven. They wore no beards. Some of them wore their hair somewhat long, on the sides and back of the head, while in front it was cut square, just as the young ladies now wear 'bangs.'


"In all the tents there was morning and evening prayer, not of a perfunctory character, but 'they came from the heart and reached the heart.'


"The camp meeting was not only an opportunity for religious im- provement, but social enjoyment. Conversation around the burdened dinner or supper table was sometimes grave and pious; at other times it took on a more lively character. The older preachers charmed the company with narration of incident and anecdote.


"The writer witnessed scenes of this character, when a boy attend- ing with his parents camp meetings in Fairfield county, Ohio, on Rush Creek, and in Allen county, on Hog Creek. At the latter meet- ing, a few miles from Lima, Ohio, among the other prominent men was Wesley Brock and James B. Findley. The latter was an excellent conversationalist, and, like most old men whose lives were full of inci- dents, he was fond of relating them.


"The singing was grand and melodious. Judged of, from the French or Italian standpoint, it may have been defective, but there was har- mony, sweetness and power in it which, once heard, can never be for- gotten. There was generally a precentor, who led, and was chosen because of his knowledge of music, and his power of song of the hymns sung to 'China' and 'Coronation' still linger, and the recollec- tion of them is sweet.


"Sometimes religious fervor ran high, and ecstasy took hold of many of the worshippers. The preachers, as a rule, were careful to guard the people against 'wild-fire,' yet some would go into trances, catalepsy, and for a time apparently lose all consciousness. This was thought to be the result of the special bestowment of Divine Power. ...


"Many careless and hardened sinners, suddenly, awakened to a sense of guilt, were often stricken down, and 'powerfully converted,' and, returning to their homes subdued and believing, were as ready to work for the Master as they had been to oppose Him, when they went to the meeting. .


"Boarding tents at these primitive camp meetings were not needed, as each family brought large quantities of provisions, and 'were given to hospitality.' John Boughman, John Janes, and such men, would have ejected the boarding tent kept for mere gain. Peanut taffy candy, citric acid lemonade stands, would not have been tolerated for a mo- ment bv our pious pioneer fathers and mothers, on a camp ground. " 'Fire stands' were built of poles and slabs, and were about four


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or five feet square, and the same in height. These were placed in various parts of the encampment. Large fires were kept burning in them at night, until 10 to 12 o'clock. The light, at first bright and illuminating, would settle down to a glow of coals before morning ... .


"Rowdyism was not tolerated. The best order, as a rule, prevailed, although occasionally there would be some annoyanee. -


"The men and women were seated apart, and one of the worst of- fences was for some rowdy, with or without his girl, to be found on the women's side.


"Rev. HI. O. Sheldon ...... was distinguished as a camp-meeting orator. He undertook to remove a rowdy from the grounds of a eamp meeting, when he was struck by him and severely wounded. There were men then, as there are now, who thought it a great thing to disturb a religious meeting. These disturbances were rare, when the country was sparsely settled.


"Among the early eamp-meeting preachers of the valley (Maumee) were John Boughman and John Janes. The former was a true evan- gelist and organizer, and the latter an able debater. He was presiding elder in the valley in 1838 and 1839. He is described as a man of medium height, dark brown hair, and black eyes. By nature, he was a leader of the people. He held camp meetings on Buttonwood Island, in the Maumee. This island is about two miles above Mau- mee City. There is now about an acre of ground in it, and it is cov- ered with sycamore trees. The water is rapid at the foot of the island, but ean safely be forded. Probably ...... the island was larger (then) than at present, as the rise and fall of the Maumee River is much more rapid since the country on both sides, throughout its whole length, has been ditched ...... Amaso Bishop attended one of these meetings, also Rev. R. H. Chubb ...... The latter was distinguished . as an able debater on theological subjects. Campbellism and Universalism were the foes he encountered, and not without success. . Leonard B. Gurley was presiding elder two years in the valley, 1836 and 1837. He was of Irish parentage. He was an easy and graceful speaker at all times ...... and. ..... was universally loved . We have never known any man more unselfish than he, and none more kind and forgiving ..


"Wesley Brock was presiding elder in 1840 and '41. He was a large man, with florid complexion, light blue eyes and hair slightly red. He was cross-eyed. He preached all over the valley, and his labors were abundant. His quarterlies were largely attended ..


"Thomas Barkdull, Sr., was presiding elder in the valley in 1845 and 1846. His fame is in all old Methodist homes as the eloquent Barkdull. He had great power over an audience, and was deeply pious. ..... He labored, as presiding elder, college agent and pastor, but was strieken down and died when the church was anticipating years of successful labor from him."


T. N. Barkdull was presiding elder of the Ottokee Circuit, Toledo Distriet, Central Ohio Conference, in the '60s. The records of that eircuit from 1863 to 1887 have been available for perusal, by present compiler. The Cireuit was until 1884 part of the Toledo District of the Ohio Central Conferenee, and from 1863 until 1872 was desig- nated the Ottokee Circuit, and embraced many church societies


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throughout the county; in 1873 it became the Wauseon Circuit; in 1876 it was again called the Ottokee Circuit, and included societies at Ottokee, Spring Hill, Pettisville, Archbold, and Pike Center. In 1879, September, it became known as the Pettisville Circuit, and em- braced societies at Pettisville, Spring Hill, Burlington, Archbold, and Ottokee. In August, 1884, it was attached to the Defiance District, and became known as the Archbold Circuit, including Archbold, Bur- lington, Ottokee, Pettisville, Spring Hill. The records of this circuit have been extensively reviewed in the Dover Township chapter of this volume.


MENNONITE. J. W. Roseborough, writing to the editor of the "Commerical," on September 29, 1873, stated :


"German Township, in this county, is one of the most populous and wealthy townships of the county. A large portion of the popu- lation consists of a class of people called Amish, a branch of the Men- nonite Church. They are an industrious, law-abiding, money-making people, and have done much to make the township what it is-one of the finest in the northwest.


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. Their motto is 'non-resistance to evil.' So far do they carry this, that the major portion of them refuse even to vote, or hold office . It has been truly said, that ...... their virtues have been, in the main, of the negative kind. .If they have done no good, they have done but little harm.


"We are pleased to notice within the last few years that these people are becoming animated with a more liberal and active spirit. A few years since, they had no church building, many of them holding that it was wrong to have them. But now they have erected in Ger- man Township a very large and commodious house, where we think the largest number of people meet together, for the purpose of wor- ship, to be found in the county. What is still more singular, as it is a still further advance in the right direction, is the fact that they have actually, during the last summer, organized and successfully conducted, a Sabbath school. Many were opposed to this move, at its commencement, but now, after trying it for several months, all are heartily advocating it. This Sabbath school has exerted a won- derful influence for good with both the old and the young of the Amish people. They have at the school a very large and increasing attendance. Rev. Jacob Nofsiger, one of the earliest settlers in the township and county, is the acting superintendent. This year's Sab- bath school was commenced as an experiment, and has been a great success. Good order and progress has thus far attended it."


J. W. Roseborough was a life-long Methodist, and throughout his life contributed to local papers and periodicals upon religious, tem- perance, and political matters, wielding a forceful pen. He appears to have early written upon the Mennonite Church, for in the hands of the compiler, now, is a pamphlet, printed at the Republican Steam Job Office, Wooster, Ohio, in 1864, entitled "A Reply to the Criticisms of J. W. Roseborough, on the work entitled 'The Old Foundation,' by John Holdeman, V. D. M." Mr. Roseborough, however, later in life entertained a very high opinion of the Mennonites, his fellow- residents in German Township.


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CATHOLIC. The following is extracted from Houck's "A History of Catholicity, in the Diocese of Cleveland," pages 305-06, Volume I, wherein is a historical review of St. Peter's Church, of Archbold :


"Mass was celebrated for the first time at Archbold in 1846, in the house of Francis Fleury by the Rev. Louis de Goesbriand, then stationed at Toledo. In 1850, the Rev. Louis J. Filiere, at that time pastor of St. John's Church, Defiance, organized the Catholic families in and near Archbold, as a mission, and had a small chapel erected about two miles from Archbold, as their place of worship.


"It related that Bishop Rappe, upon the occasion of his episcopal visitation, in 1868, slept in this chapel overnight. The pastor, Father Becker, had been expecting him, but did not know how, or when he would arrive, as it was well-known that he travelled often in a very apostolic manner. The bishop arrived at Archbold station about mid- night, and found nobody to welcome him. Seizing his heavy valise, he started toward the chapel, two miles distant. When he arrived there, he found no priest's house near at hand. Thinking, perhaps, that even if he should find one, it would not be as comfortable as the chapel, he concluded to pass the night in the latter. Therefore, quietly raising one of the windows, he entered, and made himself as com- fortable as possible under the circumstances. Next morning when Father Becker entered, he was much surprised to find the good bishop ensconced in the confessional, waiting for penitents."


The Catholic society is claimed to have been the first to build a church in German Township. Evidently, that pioneer church is the one above referred to.


DISCIPLES, OR CHRISTIAN, CHURCH. From an article written by Miss Olive Roos, of Wauseon, and formerly of Chesterfield, much in- formation has already been written into church history of the town- ship. She states that the pioneer founders of the Churches of Christ in Fulton county were Moses Ayers, Rev. Benjamin Alton, Rev. L. L. Carpenter, C. J. Blackman, Z. W. Shepherd, and James S. Riddle. One paragraph, not included in any township chapter, reads:


"In the year 1859 there was a move made by the Missionary So- ciety of District No. 2, to do something toward starting a church in Franklin Township, with the result that Brother J. S. Riddle and L. L. Carpenter organized a church of twenty-two members, in that township. Brother Riddle took charge of this church and Sunday school, and remained in charge for twelve years, during which time the membership increased to seventy-five. In March, 1876, he re- signed as elder of this church, and on June 11, 1876, he placed his letter of membership with the Spring Hill church."


The Rev. L. L. Carpenter, at one time treasurer of Fulton county, will of course always be considered as the outstanding pioneer of the Churches of the Disciples of Christ in Fulton county, where that sect, or denomination, of religious society is now quite strong.


The compiler of this work has been gratified in being able to gather so much church history of Fulton county, and has not stinted space in the township chapters, where all the information gathered has been given appropriate place.





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