USA > Ohio > Wood County > Commemorative historical and biographical record of Wood County, Ohio : its past and present : early settlement and development biographies and portraits of early settlers and representative citizens, etc. V. 1 > Part 80
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101
The Baptist Church was organized late in the "thirties," or early in the " forties." In 1844, when Edward N. Blue and his wife be- came members, there were twenty-five members, among them being James M. Charles, Mrs. Bradford and daughter, and Horace and Mrs. Hall, James F. Stubbs and the Africans. Joseph Langford and wife. The place of worship was the old school house, west of the .. Exchange Hotel." Early in the " fifties," however, the
church on Walnut street, near the railroad depot, was erected. After the war (1866), the society disbanded, transferred the property to the Baptist Conference, who in 1879 rented it to the Walnut Street Presbyterian Society.
The English Lutheran Church is a new organization which already (August, 1895, claims a working membership.
SECRET - AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES.
Masonic Societies may be said to have origin- ated in the county, in 1813, when Army Lodge No. 24, unfolded its charter at Fort Meigs, and held regular meetings there from 1813 to the date when the fort was abandoned.
Northern Light Lodge was organized under dispensation March 5, 1817, and worked without a charter until December 14, 1818, when one was issued to Almon Gibbs, W. M. ; William Griffith, S. W .; and Charles Gunn, J. W. Seneca Allen was first initiated in this lodge. while Almon Gibbs was the master from ISI; to 1819, when Allen succeeded him. John Hol- lister was elected in 1824; Horatio Conant, in 1826; James Wilkinson, elected in December. IS27, appears to have served until 1845. when the mastership passed away from Wood county men.
Phoenix Lodge, No. 123, F. & A. M .. was chartered May 4, 1844, with Daniel H. Wheeler. John Hollister (master), Josiah Miller, David Wilkinson, J. Manning Hall, Hez. L. Hosmer, Thomas Leaming and Richard Shaw, members. The signers .of the constitution, as adopted March 7, 1844, included the above named, with many others. The past masters have been as follows: John Hollister, 1844": A. Young, 1845: D. H. Wheeler, 1846# and 1848; Hezekiah L. Hosmer, 1847#: Jairus Curtis, 1849#: 1 .. O. Sim- mons, 1851 *; James Murray, 1856#: Asher Cook. 1860# and 1881, and 1886; J. S. Norton. 1857 and 1861#: A. Bloomfield, 1862; W. F. Pom- eroy, 1863": William Crook, 1866 to 1879: Perry Thomas, 1879": M. A. Trowbridge, 1884: A M .. Russell, 1886; John H. Thornton, IS87; E. L. Kingsbury, ISS9; Ed. L. Blue, IS91; J. H. Thornton, 1893; and C. C. Hum, 1896.
The secretaries from 1844 to the present time have been as in the following list: J. M. Hall, 1844 and 1848; Israel George, 1846; L. O. Sim- mons, 1846: George W. Clark, 1850; A. D Wright, 1851; L. M. Hunt, 1856; L. C. Lock. 1857; J. F. Price, IS60; S. D. Westcott, 1861; F. J. Oblinger, 1867: S. J. Powell, I871: A. M Russell, 1872: F. E. Hollenbeck, 1874: F. J.
Those matked thus * are deceased.
-
381
WOOD COUNTY, OUIO.
Oblinger, 1825; David Donaldson, 1876; John W. Callard, 1877; M. A. Trowbridge, 1878; Owen Blackmore, 18So; James H. La Farree, 1881; C. C. Taylor and S. D. Westcott, 1884; Andrew Roach, 1893: John H. Thornton, 1892; C. A. Hampton, 1888; F. E. Hollenbeck, 1890; and A. R. Williams, 1896. The records from 1852 to the close of 1859 are not among the other records of the lodge.
On January 27, 1845, the Masons of Toledo petitioned Phoenix Lodge to recommend them to the Grand Lodge as worthy of a charter. This petition was granted without hesitation, and it is said that the organization of Toledo Lodge, No. 144, was the result. In 1869, the question of building an upper story on Asher Cook's block was discussed, but not until 1872 was the pres- ent building erected and the hall established.
Fort Meigs Chapter, No. 29, R. A. M., was instituted U. D. June 26, 1846, with Daniel H. Wheeler, H. P. The charter was issued Oc- tober 24, 1846. to Hez. L. Hosmer, H. P .; John Bates, king; and Daniel Knowles, scribe, with Thomas Clark, Andrew Young, Alex. Anderson, Levi S. Lownsbury, Daniel Hawes and Ephraim Wood, unofficial members. In 1849, the officers petitioned to have the chapter moved to Toledo, which petition was granted. H. L. Hosmer was a most active agent in the establishment of Ma- sonic societies at Toledo. Even after being com- missioned chief justice of Montana Territory, in 1862 or 1863, he was instrumental in organizing the scattered Masons, and subsequently, while past master at Virginia City, organized a council and commandery there.
Ft. Meigs Lodge, No. 86, I. O. O. F., was organized May 20, 1847, with the following named members: H. H. Forsyth, C. C. Robey, Thomas Clark, Addison Smith, Amos Spafford, B. W. Lewis, Daniel Titcomb, Isaac P. Thomp- son, Smith Gilbert, Andrew Bloomfield, William Houston, W. W. Wilkinson, Thomas Bloomfield, W. H. Courser, C. D. Woodruff and Alfred Tay- lor. During the ensuing decade .1. D. Wright, Peter M. Smith, Sandford Baldwin, W. H. Hop- kins, J. S. Norton, G. W. Howe, William Crook, S. C. Doan, S. D. Westcott, John Yeager, A. L. Fowler, Shibnah Spink, S. S. Curtis, C. K. Ben- nett, L. Brigham, M. G. Wetmore, John Shep- ler, George S. Mcknight, George W. Newton, and others became members between 1847 and November, 1858, when the treasurer's account closes. In 1857, William Crook was elected treasurer, a position he heid until the organiza- tion ceased. He is the only member of the old lodge, now living, who was permitted to enter
the new lodge, M. G. Wetmore, who was killed at Haskins a few years ago, being the other. The Masonic lodge won away many members, and this, with general inattention to work, caused its downfall in 1862.
Fort Meigs Lodge, No 774, I. O. O. F., was instituted July 4, 1889, with Robert Escott, N. G., and the following named officers, in lodge rank: John Kohl (V. G.), L. E. Webb (Sec.), John Chappel (Per. Sec.), C. H. Greiner (treasurer), Ed. Underhill, Conrad Kohl and G. H. Caldwell (trustees). The noble grands since December. 1889, are named as follows: John Kohl, IS89; WV. E. Escott and Joe E. Baird, IS90: J. P. Thompson, I891; E. A. Underhill and Philip Wetzel, 1892; E. A. Cox and I. S. Bowers, 1893; S. Pelton and B. H. Getz, 1894, and Isaac Whitson, May, 1895. Secretaries: Joe E. Baird, 1889; Dr. J. E. Brainard and A. R. Will- iams, 1890; W. A. Finkbeiner, in May, and Walter E. Escott, in August, 1891; Philip Wet- zel and J. E. Brainard, 1892; D. Van Hellen, May, 1892, and J. M. Browne, in May, 1893: B. H. Getz and Philip Wetzel, 1894. The lodge had in May, 1895, no less than 115 members. Articles of incorporation were recorded January 14, 1891.
Wolford Post, No. 51, G. A. R., was char- tered March 31, 1881, with the following named members: James Timmons, John Croft, Nathan Tefft, Fred. Schwind, Charles Chappel, Chris- topher Finkbeiner. B. Trombla, George Button, Thomas Hartshorn, H. M. Hoover, Fred. Yea- ger, James F. Fleming, James Hayes, A. E. Wilson, Henry Broka, J. L. Wilson, Joseph Bruce. Charles Gross, Phillip Witz, William Heckler, John Yeager, Chris. Kner, William Walters, Fred. Treichel, Jacob Davis, H. R. Charles, D. Simmons, N. Wederiz, and A. C. P. Boyce. On the same date the Post was insti- tuted, the name being conferred in honor of John Wolford, a fourteen-year-old soldier of Co. B. 55th O. V. I., who was killed at Bull Run, Au- gust 30, 1862. James Hayes was the first com. mander, and Jacob Davis, the first adjutant: James Hayes was re-elected in 1882; Frederick Yeager, in 1883; James P. Averill, 1884: James Timmons, 1885; Christopher Finkbeiner. 1886. James Hayes, 1887: Isaac Whitson, 1888; W H. Hollenbeck, 1889-90; George R. Scott, 1891 (resigned): Jacob Metzger, 1892-93; George But- ton, 1894 and 1895. The following served as adjutants: James P. Averill succeeded adjutant Davis in 1882; W. H. Hollenbeck, 1883. 1885: Frederick Yeager. 1886, 1889 and 1890; W. H Hollenbeck, 188 ;- 88: Jas. Hayes, 1891 to 1800.
382
WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.
The membership was at one time eighty, but is now reduced to twenty-four. The total number enrolled was 134.
The old Grand Army Post, known as No. 38, was organized after the war. In September, 1869, J. B. Newton was adjutant. In common with the contemporary subordinate posts of Ohio and other States, No. 38 surrendered its charter.
Perrysburg Lodge, No. 524, K. of P. or- ganized in November, 1891, was instituted De- cember 2, that year, by C. D. Yonker, of Bow- ling Green, with I. M. Sadler, P. C. ; E. L. Blue, C. C .; J. Davis, V. C .; William Schlect, P .; James Fruescher, MÍ. of F .; P. C. Ray, M. at A. ; R. Danz, M. of E .; Charles Tyler, K. of R. & S .; C. F. Rider, I. G .; C. C. Baird, Jr., O. G .; and the following named unofficial members --- H. C. Lawrence, B. F. Gonder, R. S. Clegg, D. C. Whitehead, John Cranker, C. A. Powers, J. C. Thompson, G. W. Hoffman, N. L. Han- son, A. Hufford, F. Zanger, J. H. Rheinfrank, I. S. Powers, Joe. E. Baird, J. H. Marshall, T. J. Chilcote, B. Trombla. G. H. Caldwell, A. Williams, Thomas Roether, and J. P .. Thomp- son. The chancellors of the lodge, since or- ganization, have been as follows: E. L. Blue. I. S. Bowers, William Schlect, D. K. Hollen- beck, C. A. Hoffman, E. L. Kingsbury, R. Danz and George Roetlier. The keepers of records and seals have been: C. V. Tyler, D. K. Hol- lenbeck, N. L. Hanson, Joe E. Baird and A. W. Degner. The membership in June, 1895, was about one hundred.
Eldorado Lodge, No. 322, Daughters of Re- bekah, was chartered May 23, 1890, on petition of J. C. Hoyt, Decatur Van Hellen, Aaron Huf- ford, G. H. Caldwell, J. P. Thompson, Edward Conrad, Fred Jezzard. Julia Ann Hoyt, Rose E. Caldwell, Alice Van Hellen and A. R. Williams. In May, 1895, there were thirty-five members in good standing.
Tippecanoe Council, No. 77, National Union, was chartered August 27, 1889, with Jacob Da- vis, C. J. Hartsing, R. H. Chubb, C. B. Fru- deau, T. B. Oblinger, Fred Yeager, J. H. Mar- shall, R. Danz, N. L. Hanson, Joseph Lindsay, F. Jezzard, E. L. Blue, H. M. Hoover, C. A. Powers, I. S. Bowers, William Schlect, N. Tefft, Christopher Finkbeiner and G. Schwind.
Perry Lodge, Knights of the Golden Rule, No. 159, was chartered February 28, 1885, with twenty-nine members, among whom were W. H. Hollenbeck, F. E. Hollenbeck, I. S. Bowers, H. M. Hoover, D. K. Hollenbeck, Madams Ella Averill, Belle Mix and M. Finkbeiner, and N. S. Hanson.
Temperance Societies .- Fort Meigs Division. Sons of Temperance, was organized in 1848, with the following named officers in Division rank: James W. Ross, Addison Smith, George W. Clark, W. H. Courser, John Webb, John Rates. Jesse S. Norton, John Croft, Ozem Galpin and George Albert.
Perrysburg Lodge, No. 179, I. O. G. T., was organized May 25, 1866, with thirty-two mem- bers, and disbanded February 9, 1875, when Fred. Yeager and James Timmons were the only representatives of the charter inembers present. The newer temperance societies, such as the Woman's Temperance League of 1874, decided upon another line of work and in this particular opposed the I. O. G. T., won the members away, and left it to disband. In July, 1874, the Anti- License Convention assembled, and in April, 1876. the crusade against saloons was commenced at Perrysburg and other towns.
Perrysburg Temperance Union adopted arti- cles of association, September 2, 1877, with ;62 members. This union originated in a meeting held June 26, when a Murphy Temperance Soci- ety was formed.
The Perrysburg Saengerbund was organized July 21, 1868, with John H. Rheinfrank, presi- dent, and John Bader, Jr., secretary. F. R. Miller, George Hoffman, Jr .. John Haller, John Hirth and Clemens Leaf were chosen trustees, and John Eberly, treasurer.
CONCLUSION.
The writer, on closing these articles on Per- rysburg, must acknowledge the value of aid rendered by Mrs. Perrin, D. K. Hollenbeck. William Crook, Mr. McKnight, James Hayes, the Hoffmans, Mr. Callard, Mr. Hayes, of Fort Meigs, Rev. Mr. Adams, Mrs. Frederick, Mrs. Samuel Smith, J. H. La Farree, Christopher Finkbeiner, and the younger old settlers, such as Joe E. Baird, Thomas M. Franey, and the editor of the old Perrysburg Journal.
CHAPTER XLI.
PLAIN TOWNSHIP.
SURVEY, POPULATION, ETC .- TOPOGRAPHY-EARLY HISTORY-PIONEERS-FIRST LAND BUYERS- PIONEER SCHOOLS AND SCHOLARS - MODERN SCHOOLS - ESTABLISHMENT OF TOWNSHIP - TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS-NITRO-GLYCERINE EXPLOSION-CHURCHES-CONCLUSION.
HE survey of the exterior lines of this township. was made, in 1819, by Samuel and Alexander Holmes, while that of the sub-divisional lines was made, in 1821, by I. T. Worthington. The tracks of the United States surveyors were not covered immediately by the pioneers, as is the case with new-lands to-day. Almost a decade passed over the land since the survey, before one of the courageous first settlers selected a corner of the township for his home, and the denary period was extended another decade before civilization left its impression appreciably on the forest. In 1840, the population was 272. Ten years later, the enumerators found 492 inhabitants; in 1860, there were 1, 300: in 1870 the number was 1, 719, increased, by 1880, to 1,985, and, by 1890. to 2.673. Of this total there were 1, 589 credited to that part of Bowling Green west of Main street, leaving to the township proper 1, 084 in- habitants.
As the name denotes the surface is level, if a few sand ridges be excepted. The soil is a sandy loam merging into sand on the ridges. Before the days of ditches, numerous swamps or swales existed which yielded heavy crops of hay in dry seasons, and after being drained became espec- rally fertile. As a rule the whole township, out- side Bowling Green, is devoted to agriculture, and it is a matter for congratulation that the farmers of the territory have converted the sandy area into productive fields, gardens and orchards. In late years the stock-breeder has introduced fine grades of horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs, and erected, so to speak, a new branch of indus- try peculiarly suitable to this township.
In early years after the Presbyterian mission below Grand Rapids was abandoned or dis- banded, Rev. Isaac Van Tassel, the ex-superin- Sundent, established himself and family on a farm, and in 1834 or (835, introduced silk cul- Fire, setting out hundreds of mulberry trees which he obtained through friends in Connecti-
| cut or New York. For nearly fifteen years he devoted himself earnestly to agriculture, horti- culture and stock-growing, and at the time of his death, in 1849, was undoubtedly one of the first, if not the first, agriculturists of the county.
The Sucker-rod oil belt extends diagonally through this township, where it is marked by its narrowness and few extensions. A new field, it has produced oceans of petroleum, and appeared as inexhaustible in 1895 as it did at the begin- ning. In the chapter devoted to Oil and Gas. the history of this field is related, and its exten- sions described.
Pioncers. - At the date when the Caucasian pioneers appeared in Weston, Center, Liberty and Middleton, Plain was an Indian hunting- ground, with few attractions, even for the sav- ages. It was not long to remain so. The man, seeking a home for his family, found in it a safe place to invest his little savings and his labor: while the imprudent, pulling against the current of adversity, found here a harbor which held out promise of rest, if not plenty. The first actual settler came in 1831, and by degrees the territory was opened up. The pioneers, as a rule, were earnest, frank and kind, and bridged the interval between sin and purity by kindness. They made the mistakes and had the failings of the time, but such were the excesses of their virtues. Rough and tender, they were generous, they were indus- trious, and they were enterprising, according to the spirit of their times. They knew not fear, were brave to rashness, revelled in the free air. gloried in the forest they were conquering, and altogether were men fitted exactly for opening a new country. The women of pioneer times too. were as brave as the men. They were the en- couragers and sustainers of their husbands and sons, and the workers in the homes and gardens made in the wilderness. Orderly, economical and peaceful, they were the guardians of society. however rude, and of Christian duty, however vaguely understood.
384
WOOD COUNTY, OHIO.
First Land Buyers .-- In the early history of Bowling Green many of the pioneers of this town- ship are referred to, and the story of their settle- ment well told. Again, in the chapters devoted to biography, the history of many of the first set- tlers is related in detail. For these reasons, it is unnecessary-it would be repetition-to tell the same story over, so that the reader must be con- tent with the official notices of the pioneer land- buyers.
On April 6, 1831, Joseph De Witt entered the W. Pt. of S. E. } Sec. 36; Joseph A. Sargent fol- lowed on May 31 by entering the E. Pt. of the same; John Wilson purchased the S. E. of N. E. Sec. 14, October 6, 1832; Valentine Winslow. the W. Pt. of S. E. { Sec. 5, February 7; Hor- ace Hamilton, the N. E. of S. E. Sec. 5, Sep- tember 13; Samuel Hamilton, the W. Pt. of N. E. Sec. 5, December 25; and Elisha Martindale, the S. E. of N. W. Sec. 24. October 29. In 1833, a larger delegation of pioneers purchased homes bere. John Skinner and John Gardner, on Sec. I, April II and May 27, respectively; Thomas Leavering, on Sec. 13, May 25; James T. Skinner, on Sec. 5, June 13; Joseph Holling- ton. on Sec. 25, August 5; Thomas and William Gorrill, on Sec. 13, August 21 ; David Chadwick, on Sec. 14, August 31; Mahlon Meeker, on Sec. 12, October 3; Alex. Howard, on Sec. 12, Octo- ber 2; Joseph Mitchell, on Sec. 35, October 17; Stephen Ward, on Sec. 24, October 18; Ben. S. Reid, on Sec. 25, November 10; John McComb, on Sec. 13, November 22; Henry Walker, on Sec. 24, November 25; and Andrew M. Stewart, on Sec. 12, December 4, 1833. Among the buy- ers of 1834 were James Reed and Moses M. Ar- nold, Sec. 32, January 1; David Maginnis and James Maginnis, Sec. 12, February 20; and Thomas and William Gorrill, Sec. 13, August 2I, 1834.
The Hannons, Woodburys, Van Tassels, Gatehouses, Mintons, Edgertons, Warners, White- heads, John Evers' family, and other well-known pioneers, caine into the wilderness shortly after, and shared in its development.
Pioncer Schools and Scholars .- The Bell school house and the Plain church were the prin- cipal institutions of pioneer days. The school house stood on the northeastern corner of Sec- tion 26, and the church on the northeastern corner of Section 21. From 1835 to 184! the church was the subject of daily conversation, and the school received attention. In the year named, John Whitehead (who died in 1895). and John E. Jenkins built a shool house for the sub- scribers in what later was known as District No.
2, constructed a little belfry, and therein placed the bell, which formerly was used at the Mission house. Rev. Isaac Van Tassel was the donor. but there were conditions attached to the gift which left the title of it in the donor. A few years later, the house passed into the possession of the common-school trustees, and Mr. Van Tassel had the bell removed. The old school house was burned in 1857, but its memory is green, for few, if any, of the old settlers of Plain or their children, forget to mention the old Bell school house. It was by no means the first institution of learning here, for, in 1835, after the Gorrills removed to Bowling Green, Morris Brown, the great pedagogue of that day, gathered the youth in a cabin, and taught many of them their first lessons.
The enurneration of youth, between four and twenty years of age, in Plain township, inade between October I and October 20, 1842, shows fifty-five males and fifty-one temales, in Districts Nos. 2, 3 and 5 and Joint-District No. 3. The school census was taken by Abraham D. Edger- ton, township clerk, who reported the following named children of school age:
District No. 2 .- Martha J., Mary A. and Joseph (Jr.) Mitchell; Mary, Jane, Ann, Hannah, Stephen and William (Jr. ) Hoff; Elizabeth Buz- zard (ward of N. A. Reed); Stella M., John and George Parsons (wards of Neptune Nearing): Mary N. and Ann E. Jones; John H., Lucius B. and Isaac Van Tassel Gatehouse; Charles W. Evers; Lois, John and Robert Eldridge: W. W. Hunter, Daniel P. and Charlotte L ... Whitehead; Ellen, Sarah, Jane, Richard, Isaac and Geo. Green; Isaac and Diantha Hunter; Mary Thuirs- tin; Alvin Coe; Susan Rebideau and Sophia H. Tebanlt (written Teboo), (wards of Rev. I Van Tassel); Clavilla, Lyman and Bennett Osgood, and Stephen Eldridge.
District No. 3. - Benjamin H .. Roxanna, Lucy, Celia, Sarah, Mary H. and Charlotte Woodbury; Robert B., Nathan W., William H. and Martha B. Minton; Sarah M. Condit: Eliza, Nancy M., Charles and Henry Pierce; John E. Loper; Lemuel, John, David and Milla Wagoner; Jacob, Samuel. Benjamin and Joseph Hnfi: Mar- tha B., David. Hannah and Phillip P. Condit : Orville and Zilpha Hunter.
Joint-District No. 5 (part in Plain). - Horatio, Narcissa A., Betsy H., Mary, Malilon (Jr.) and John Meeker: Elsa A., Rhewa and George Harris: John, Caleb and Sarah Clarke; Andrew J. and Ann M. Manville, and Eleanor Maginnis.
District No. 5 .- James, John, Ann, Joseph (Jr). , Elizabeth and Almy L. Ralston; Sprankle.
1
385
WOOD COUNTY, 01110.
Louisa, Caroline and Rebecca Snyder (children of Samuel); Samuel, Jacob, John, Mary, Betsy, William and P. G. Snyder (children of Daniel), and Catherine and Mary J. Woods.
They foimed the school population seven years after the first class was organized in the Thurstin cabin, at Bowling Green. Many of the children of 1842 are the men and women of Plain and Bowling Green, of 1895, some residing on the spot where they were born, others inhabit- ing the new towns and villages which they aided in establishing. Some are in distant California, and others may be found scattered over the States and Territories of the Union.
Modern Schools .-- Like the records of the township, the records of the schools, down to 1881, are in the deplorable condition of nihility. Many of the townships have had good records which are now in the same state; but none of them, save Henry, can approach Plain in this matter. The document on which the foregoing enumeration is based was found in the county anditor's archives, but there is nothing to show the transactions of the board of education down to 1881, though in the chapter on Schools many of the teachers hired by that board find mention.
The school board of 1881-82 comprised George Smith, Rezin Jewell and J. H. LeGalley, 2; Christian Schearer and John S. Matthews, 3; N. W. Minton, 4; George M. Brown, 5; Eman- uel Constable, 6; Henry Goodenough, 7; P. Myers, 8; C. P. Fox, 9; George Smith, 10; WV. T. Gillespie, II; and Frederick Hartman, 12. A bid of $950 for a brick school house in No. 10 was accepted in June, 1882, and one for a similar house in No. 5, in June, 1883. In November, 1885, plans for the brick house in No. 9, Sec. 15, were accepted. In April, 1886, the personnel of the board was changed, by the election of D. L. Thurstin, W. H. Ewing, J. S. Matthews, Justus Stearns, Henry Hughes, George W. Callin, Moses Lane, Sr., Jacob Kromer. E. Miller, John S. Dalley, W. T. Gillespie and Wilson Patterson as members. Later, the names of William Eng- lish, George Knouse, Thomas Avery, William Hale and B. C. Woodbury appear; and, still later, J. B. Craw, C. W. Richardson, Matthew Munn, George Brimm, G. C. Nearing and Fred Sutton are named as members. In 1894, Joseph Hampton, J. B. Stearns, Eli Wilson, Joseph McClung and J. B. Craw were elected inembers for the long term; G. H. Avery, R. C. Minear and G. E. Gill were among the members in April of that year.
Establishment of Township .- The cominis- sioners of Wood county, in session March 3, 1
1835, set off the following described territory, under the name Plain Township -- commencing at the northeast corner of T. 5, R. 10, thence west to the N. W. corner of Section 3, southi to the southeast corner of Section 9, west to the southwest corner of Section 7. thence to the southwest corner of T. 5, thence to the south- east corner, and north to the place of beginning. The election was ordered to be held at Henry Walker's house on April 4, 1835. By reference to the chapter on Bowling Green, the location of the first place of meeting may be learned, with other interesting facts relating to the earliest set- tlers along the eastern line of this township. On March 3, 1840, Sections 3 and 10 were annexed to Washington township, but on March 3, 1845, were restored to Plain. The next territorial change was made December 2, 1844, when the South 3 of Section 36, T. 6, R. 10 (recorded as range 12), was set off from Middleton and annexed to Plain. That territory was returned for taxa- tion from 1849 to 1852-James Hall, S. G. Skinner, Francis Maginnis, William Lewis, and Asher Wickham, Sr., being then the known owners. James Ralston's recollections of this transaction point it out as being done in the inter- est of the school district. The records of this township have been subjected to the worst treat- ment imaginable. Most of them have been lost, so that to-day, not one of the many old settlers, who have been interviewed on the subject of their whereabouts, can tell anything of them. The county auditor's office does not present to the searcher much that would permit him to make a list of the trustees prior to 1843; but. fortunately. in the clerk of courts' office, he found the bonds of justices from 1836 to 1895, being the only per- fect record, relating to this division of the county extant.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.