County of Williams, Ohio, Historical and Biographical, Part 27

Author: Weston A. Goodspeed, Charles Blanchard
Publication date: 1882
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 885

USA > Ohio > Williams County > County of Williams, Ohio, Historical and Biographical > Part 27

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mouth of the Great Miami, and north by an east and west line drawn through the southern extremity of Lake Michigan, running east (after intersecting the due north line aforesaid from the mouth of the Great Miami River) until it shall intersect Lake Erie on the Territorial (British) line, and thence on the same through to the Pennsylvania line." When the first Constitution of Ohio was adopted, the above boundaries were accepted; but, as it was learned immediately afterward that the southern extremity of Lake Michigan was farther south than formerly supposed, and as it was seen by the Constitutional Convention that a strip of country on the north, which had been thought would be included within the boundaries of Ohio, would fall north of the northern boundary and be in Michigan, it was provided " that if the southerly bend of Lake Michigan should extend farther south than Lake Erie, or if a due east and west line through such southerly bend should intersect Lake Erie east of the mouth of the Maumee River, then, with the assent of Congress, the northern boundary should be established by and extended to a direct line from the southerly extremity of Lake Michigan to the most northerly cape of the Maumee Bay, intersecting the due north line from the mouth of the Great Miami River, thence northeast to the Territorial (British) line."

Michigan Territory was created in 1805, the old erroneous map being used as a guide. As Congress paid no attention to the proviso of the Ohio Convention, the northern boundary was left as above in the Congressional enactment, and upon this technicality arose the " Ohio and Michigan Boundary War." After this, and prior to 1816, Ohio, through her General Assembly, made several attempts to have the boundary question settled; but the war of 1812 came on, and other mat- ters combined to postpone the adjustment of the controversy. In 1816, pursuant to an act of Congress, approved in 1812, the Surveyor- General-Edward Tiffin-employed William Harris, an experienced sur- veyor, to run a portion of the western line of Ohio, and all the northern line, " noting particularly where the northern line intersects Lake Erie." Indiana was erected into a State in 1816, and its northern boundary, as defined by act of Congress, included "a strip of land, ten miles wide, of the southern portion of Michigan Territory." Harris found that a due east line from the head of Lake Michigan would intersect Lake Erie seven miles south of the north cape of Maumee Bay.

In 1817, Gov. Lewis Cass, of Michigan, after investigating the boundary question, claimed the boundary line to be the one established by the " Ordinance of 1787 " (the Fulton Line), and thus claimed the disputed territory. A lengthy discussion followed between the Surveyor General and Gov. Cass ; and, in 1818, the Ohio Legislature held

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that the Harris line was the true one, and that Congress so decided when Ohio was organized as a State. Gov. Cass obtained an order through William H. Crawford, Secretary of the Treasury, to run the due east and west line ; and John A. Fulton surveyed the same in 1818. and upon this line the surveys of both States were run, Ohio finishing in about 1821 and Michigan in about 1828. All this implied that Congress en- tertained the idea during these years that the Fulton line was the true one. Neither Ohio nor Michigan, however, would relinquish the disputed territory. As those were the years when the question of State sovereignty was obtaining a grasp on the minds of many citizens throughout the country, each State, conformably with the steadily spreading heresy, re- garded it a right and a duty to secure the coveted territory and thus in- crease and strengthen its domain. Ohio claimed north to the Harris (the present) line, basing such claim upon the proceedings when Ohio was admitted into the Union, and insisting that the northern line, as estab- lished by the Ordinance of 1787, had not been accepted by the Conven- tion unless the same intersected Lake Erie at, or north of, the northern Cape of Maumee Bay. This was a virtual denial by Ohio that Congress had power to establish the boundaries of the State regardless of what po- sition the latter might take. Michigan claimed south to the Fulton line (that separating the present northern tier of townships of Williams County from the middle tier), basing her claim on the provisions of the " Ordi- nance of 1787," and on the fact that Congress had implied her right during the surveys in the two States to the lands south to the Fulton line. Civil officers were appointed by each State to administer public affairs in the disputed lands; but nothing serious occurred for several years.

In 1834, when the Lake Erie & Wabash Canal project was on foot, the Ohio Legislature authorized Gov. Lucas to appoint three Commis- sioners to locate the same through Ohio, but when the Territory of Michi- gan learned that such canal would pass through the disputed tract of land, and that the Commissioners appointed by Gov. Lucas expected to assume jurisdiction over such land in the survey and location of the canal, a law was enacted February 12, 1835, inflicting severe penalties upon any per- son interfering with any part of the territory without authority from the United States or the Territory of Michigan. Eleven days later, the Ohio Assembly enacted that the true boundary was the Harris line, that town- ships should be organized out of the claimed strip of land, and that three Commissioners should be appointed to re-survey the Harris line. This was during the spring of 1835. Michigan organized her militia to arrest the Commissioners should they invade the disputed ground, and Ohio, in response, prepared to enforce her orders and appointments. Events were

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ominous. Gen. Brown, of Michigan, was stationed at Adrian, with a large force of militia, and had scouts posted along the line to notify him of the approach of the Commissioners. Gov. Lucas, Zachary Taylor and other eminent men went north to see that the demands of Ohio were en- forced. A conference was held on the 6th of April, 1835, between the hostile parties, in pursuance of an order from President Jackson, who had appointed two Commissioners to confer with the belligerents in the inter- ests of peace. Nothing satisfactory to both parties was accomplished. and the Commissioners, with a large force, left Defiance to commence the survey, arriving at the Fulton line on the 19th. A parley was held. and, before proceeding, the Commissioners resolved to hear further advice from Gov Lucas. Orders were received to run the line at all hazards. Work was begun, and, after about thirty-eight miles of the line had been surveyed, Gen. Brown appeared with his militia, captured nine of the Buckeyes and forced the remainder to retreat. About this time. Gov. Mason, of Michigan, was removed by President Jackson, and Gov. Shaler appointed to succeed him, but the latter failing to accept, John S. Horner was appointed in his place. President Jackson had taken the position from the start that, without an act of Congress changing the boundary, the disputed territory belonged to Michigan. In September, 1835, & friendly correspondence was begun between Gov. Horner and Gov. Lucas. After this, nothing noteworthy occurred until June 15, 1836, when Con- gress enacted that the Harris line should be the permanent boundary be- tween the two States. Michigan relinquished all further claims Decem- ber 15, 1836, as a condition of admission into the Union, and thus the war ended. The line adopted runs south from the northern Cape of Maumee Bay, 87º west, with a needle variation of 3º, 32 minutes, to a point between Ohio and Indiana 5 miles, 24 chains and 64 links north of where a due east and west line from the head of Lake Michigan would in- tersect such north and south line. This is the present boundary.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL REMAINS.

BY FRANK O. HART. M. D.

The following is but a short sketch of the archaeological remains of this county, yet it is sufficiently comprehensive for the uses of this work : In this county we have traces of another race of beings, who lived in ages past, not one word of whose language has come to us, yet they must have been a numerous, intelligent and busy people, who tilled the soil, worked the copper mines and built themselves commodious dwellings. Here we find knives, chisels, axes, beads, pottery, pipes, etc., of all sizes and shapes. How eloquently they speak of a race that is gone! To

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gaze upon these mute legacies of the past is like going into a chamber where oppressive stillness prevails. The works left by this people vary in character. Prominent among these, and the special cause of bestowing the name, are the tumuli, or mounds. The works of this character most worthy of mention are situated at the confluence of Silver Creek and the St. Joseph's River. In Northwest Township, near Nettle Lake, is found another group of interesting mounds. On the northeast corner of the southeast half of Section 22, Township 7 north, Range 4 east, was a re- markable group of mounds.

These mounds were uniform in size, i. e., about six feet long, three wide, and about two feet high. Commencing at the north, the first one extended north and south. The west one extended due east and west, and on the south, the last extended due north and south, forming a com- plete half-circle of about five hundred feet in diameter. Two of these half-circles were complete, one within the other, and one commencing at the north, about half finished.

Quite a number of them were opened, and about two feet from the original surface were found fragments of human remains and numerous stone implements. I am sorry to say, at present nothing remains to mark this ancient cemetery except a fragment of bone or stone imple- ment, which occasionally finds its way to the surface.

On the south half of the northwest quarter of Section 10, Township 7 north, Range 4 east, was a solitary mound of considerable magnitude. On opening it were found six full-developed skeletons, and one of a child about eight or ten years old. They were lying in a circle with their heads in the center, in close proximity to each other. I have the skulls in my possession. They are very thick. The superciliary ridge is very prominent. The orbital processes are profoundly marked. Average dis- tance between temporal ridges of frontal bone, three and a half inches ; from temporal ridge of frontal bone to occipital point, nine inches ; length from beginning of frontal bone to occipital point, twelve inches ; from oc- cipital point to foramen magnum, three inches.

On the southeast quarter of Section 27, Township 7 north, Range 4 east, a skeleton was exhumed eight feet long, with which was found part of a gun, fragments of knives, a cup of red paint, about one thousand beads of various colors and sizes, and a braid of black hair around its neck, in which were thirteen silver brooches. [The relics here found would indicate the skeleton to be that of an Indian .- ED.]

STONE IMPLEMENTS.

Stone implements have been found in all parts of the county, but more numerous along the banks of Tiffin and St. Joseph's Rivers.

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Arrow-heads made of sandstone, schist, chalcedony, flint and jasper- Sir R. W. Wilde's five divisions of Europe-first, those which are trian- gular; second, those which are indented at the base; third, those which are stemmed; fourth, those which are barbed ; and fifth, those which are leaf-shaped ; also, Col. J. W. Foster's divisions-sixth, those which are lozenge-shaped ; seventh, those dirk-shaped ; eighth, those which are bev- eled ; and we may add, as ninth, those which have serrated edges-all are found in this county.

Rimers and borers of schist and chalcedony of various sizes and lengths have been found. I have two three inches long that taper to a fine point from the base, which is one-half inch thick. From the base there is a handle-like projection each way one-half inch long.

Specimens of agricultural implements, which are chipped out of schist or quartzite, have been found in various parts of the county.

Celts, a class of instruments represented by the ax, chisel, flesher, armulet, pendent, etc., also are found. Axes, generally of green stone or porphyry, are fashioned into various forms. One was found four inches long, with a stone handle six inches long. One prevailing form has a crease cut around the head on three sides, one being left flat, so that when lashed to the handle it could be tightened by wedging. In another form, two sides are left flat for wedging. In another, the crease is cut clear around the head. Another form is made without any crease, ground down wedge-shaped; all are tapered to an edge and vary in weight from a few ounces to eight or nine pounds.

Fleshers and scrapers of various sizes and shapes are numerous.

PIPES.

A few pipes of special note have been found. Three were found in the south part of Brady Township, of which one represented a tortoise, one a frog and one a duck. I have one beautifully carved, about one inch in height of bowl and length of stem.

DOMESTIC AND OTHER UTENSILS.

Pestles to grind maize so as to fit it for cooking have been found in a variety of forms-some cylindrical, some bell-shaped and some cone-like. The materials are also various, consisting of green stone, syenite, quartz, etc., and sometimes sandstone.

I have two implements, ten inches long. two inches wide, cylin- drical in form, with one flattened surface, one end being tapered to a concavo-convex edge. They were probably used as bark-peelers. Two implements, circular in form, pierced through the center, have been found. Totems, or saddle shaped birds, of a ribbon

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silicious slate, have also been found-two with eye-like appendages, and several without.

Perforated plates, thread sizers, shuttles, etc., generally made of striped slate, are met with in an almost endless variety of forms. Badges and wands, in a variety of forms, are frequently found. I have a perfect specimen of a double crescent, found by George Kunkel, of Brady Town- ship. Several single crescents have been picked up from time to time ; also two implements called " What is it" have been found. So far. but few perfect pieces of pottery have been discovered. Some pieces of vessels that would contain twenty or thirty gallons were found. Slight elevations, strewn with numerous fragments of pottery and charcoal, are often met with. Spindle-whirls, sockets and spindle foot-rests have also been exhumed.

From the great number and variety of stone implements found in the county, one would suppose that this section was a favorite locality of that ancient race called the Mound-Builders.

Thus it is that nations rise and fall. All we can know of this pre- historic nation, we must obtain by a careful study of the implements and works they have left behind them. However careful we may study and compare these rude and imperfect records, yet much will doubtless remain shrouded in obscurity. [For additional information on this subject, ex- amine the chapters on Northwest, Bridgewater and Madison Townships.]

MILITARY HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.

BY WESTON A. GOODSPEED.

THE MEXICAN WAR.

From the time of the existence of Williams as a distinct county un- til the commencement of the war with Mexico in 1846, the martial spirit of the people had become nearly extinct, and that war did not greatly re- vive this sentiment, as the first requisition upon Ohio was only for three regiments, and Gov. Bartley found himself greatly embarrassed by a ten- der of the services of several times the number called for. A recruiting station for the Fifteenth United States Infantry was opened at Defiance, where Company B, of that regiment, rendezvoused and was organized. Although the muster-roll of this company could not be found, still it is quite certain that some ten or twelve boys from what is now Williams County joined this company and regiment, and went to Mexico. The officers of Company B were Daniel Chase, Captain ; Mr. Goodloe, First Lieutenant ; J. W. Wiley, Second Lieutenant. The following constitute the remnant of Mexican war soldiers, now residents of Williams County : Jacob Ryan, Third Regiment, Col. Curtis-enlisted in Wayne County.

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Ohio. Peter Brown, Fourth Regiment, Col. Charles H. Brough, Cin- cinnati. - Houk, Third Regiment, Col. Curtis, and in the com- pany of Capt. Thomas H. Ford, Mansfield. Henry Good, in the same company and regiment ; enlisted in Mansfield. - Wyland, Rev. William Taylor, F. S. Bradley. The Christian names of two cannot be positively given, and neither can the company or regiment in which they served ; but each one of the above seven claims residence in Williams County.

THE MILITIA SYSTEM.

Prior to the war with Mexico, a more or less nominal militia organi- zation was effected and carried on in Williams County, and annual mus- ters were enjoyed by large and motley crowds, intent more on frolic and roystering than improvement in military discipline. And thus a system that had been so popular and efficient during the old Indian wars on the frontier, and directly after the close of the war of 1812-15, had loosened its hold upon the public mind during a protracted period of profound peace. The cities and larger towns of the State were the only places where military drill was appreciated, and where strict discipline and military pride at- tained a proficiency nearly equal to that which prevailed in the regular army. In Williams County, there were the usual musters, and several townships formed independent companies. Bryan had an artillery squad, and secured from the State a brass field-piece.

POLITICAL SENTIMENTS IN 1860.

During the latter part of 1860, and the early part of 1861, the warm- est interest of the citizens of the county was centered upon the important political events and changes that were overshadowing the country with dire and ominous import. All felt the coming storm, and many accu- rately predicted the prolonged and dreadful results of the impending struggle. The Leader, though mild throughout and hopeful that war might be averted, was loyal to the core, and endeavored to reconcile those political antagonisms which threatened the safety of the Union. All the better citizens of both parties were united upon the question of maintain- ing the administration of Mr. Lincoln and upholding the constitution and the laws. As yet the all-important question of slavery had not been seri- ously considered as to its total obliteration ; and all those bitter senti- ments which were to array one section of the North against the other almost to the extent of open war, were yet unengendered and unfelt, and the county as a whole were united and hopefully tranquil.

THE FIRST WAR MEETINGS IN THE COUNTY. When the news of the fall of Fort Sumter was received, and doubt and

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dread were changed to certainty and concern, the most intense excitement everywhere prevailed. All former political antagonisms were gladly relinquished, and a unity in upholding the administration became as firm and widespread as the most inveterate Abolitionist had dared to dream. The first reports depopulated the rural districts, suspended all agricult- ural and other pursuits, and flooded the towns, telegraph offices and news stations with vast crowds of excited, indignant and determined citizens. There was not a town of any consequence in the county where indignant mass-meetings were not held, and invincible determinations of loyalty were not manifested. The Leader of Thursday, April 18, 1861, pub- lished the following accounts :

GREAT EXCITEMENT IN BRYAN ! THE PEOPLE THOROUGHLY AROUSED ! ! LARGE AND ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING AT THE COURT HOUSE !!!

The Bryan Court House was filled on Tuesday evening with men of all parties, and quite a delegation of ladies. The object of the meeting was to ascertain the amount of patriotism in the men of this section-how many would fight if necessary, and to listen to speeches from our leading citizens. The meeting was organized by calling B. H. Fisher, Esq., to the chair. I. R. Sherwood was chosen Secretary. The choir, composed of Prof. Cordly. Prof. Ruggles, Mr. Wilcox, Miss Ruggles and Miss Flora Crall, sang a national air. On mo- tion of Col. F. M. Case, a Committee consisting of Messrs. Case, Plummer and Mallory, was appointed to draft resolutions. A. M. Pratt was called out. His speech was brief and to the point, and embodied the sentiments of every true-hearted man and woman present. He stated that there were only two sides to this question-that the issue was made up- we were either for the Government or against it, and, for his part, he was for it until the American Flag should again float triumphantly from every foot of American territory. Mr. Pratt was frequently interrupted by cheers, the enthusiasm was so intense. The Bryan Brass Band next played a national air. Mr. Case, as Chairman on Resolutions, re- ported as follows :

WHEREAS, The liberties of our common country are in danger, and our flag has been deliberately stricken down by traitors within our borders, who openly and unblushingiy avow their intention to overturn the Government ; Therefore,

Resolved, That we ignore party differences and party ties, and give our hearty and un- divided support to our Government-rally as one man to our country's flag, and never le: it trail in dishonor-unite to crush the rebellion in our borders, and restore peice and prosperity to our people.

The following additional resolution, offered by Mr. Pratt, was unanimously adopte.i :

Resolred, That in our opinion the Legislature of Ohio ought to make an appropriation of $5,000,000, and provide for raising a force of 50,000 troops to aid in sustaining the Na- tional Government.

The resolutions as amended were unanimously adopted. W. A. Smith, Esq., being loudly called for, responded in a brief speech. The band then played Yankee Doodle. Judge Dobbs was next called out. He was not only in favor of suppressing the rebellion. but of hanging the traitors. The following speakers were afterward called out : Hon. S. E. Blakeslee, Mr. Pollett, Dr. Graser and Mr. Carnahan. The Chairman also delivered a speech. The utmost harmony and good feeling prevailed. The choir closed with a national air, which was loudly cheered-and so, in fact, was every speaker who addressed the meeting. From the indications in Bryan, Williams County can send one thousand goo.i, strong men to defend the liberties of our country. Everybody is brimful of patriotism.

I. R. SHERWOOD, Secretary.

B. H. FISHER, Chairman.

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In the next issue of the Leader, the following appeared :

The citizens of Bryan and vicinity are earnestly requested to meet in the M. E. Church, Monday evening, April 29, to make definite arrangements for the care of such families as may have been left destitute by such of our fellow-citizens as have volunteered their serv- ices in support of the American Flag.

In the same issue of the paper appeared the following :

PATRIOTISM IN WILLIAMS COUNTY.

At the call of the President for volunteers to crush out treason and enforce the laws, the gallant sons of Williams County have nobly responded. True, there are a few who refuse to aid the Government with muscle or money-there were Tories in the Revolution and a Judas even among the disciples of Christ-but the great heart of the people beats high for freedom and the perpetuity of the grandest system of constitutional government the world has ever known. Last Thursday [ April 18]. Gen. Steedman and Mr. Bassett, of Toledo, came to this place and held a war meeting. B. H. Fisher was authorized to form a company at this place, and Col. E. D. Bradley [who had served in the war with Mexico]. one at Stryker. On Saturday [April 20], the volunteers of this place were sworn in and elected B. H. Fisher, Captain ; E. J. Evans, First Lieutenant ; E. M. Deuchar, Second Lieutenant; Henry Gilbert, Third Lieutenant. At 4 o'clock P. M., the ladies of Bryan presented Capt Fisher a beautiful silk banner. In a few hours a second company of nearly one hundred men was formed. On Thursday [ April 18], the first company of one hundred and twelve men took the cars for Toledo. The company at Stryker, commanded by E. D. Bradley, is said to contain one hundred and seventy men. Over $2,500 have been subscribed to aid the volunteers and support their families.

In the same issue appeared an anonymous communication suggesting that township clerks should keep a careful record of all volunteers for future history, as the pending war was to be a memorable and stupendous one. It is worthy to note, at this juncture, that had the suggestion of this unknown correspondent been heeded, the material for a much better war history of the county than is presented on these pages would have been preserved, and could now be used. There were two companies from the county in the three months' service, both serving in the Fourteenth Regi- ment. The following were the companies and officers: The company raised at Bryan, but containing men from all portions of the county- Captain, B. H. Fisher; First Lieutenant, Edwin J. Evans ; Second Lieu- tenant, E. M. Deuchar. The company raised at Stryker, but containing men from all parts of the county-Captain, E. D. Bradley ; First Lieu- tenant, Amos L. Bradley ; Second Lieutenant, D. S. Tallerday. The second company raised at Bryan was organized before the 9th of May. by the election of William Stough, Captain ; J. W. Pollock, First Lieuten- ant ; H. C. Long, Second Lieutenant. Public war meetings were held at Stryker, Edgerton, Pioneer and Bryan, immediately after the fall of Sumter. While the other villages of the county were thoroughly aroused, no public meetings, so far as now known, were held. Stryker was the first to respond in this respect, which she did on the evening of Monday, April 15. C. L. Chase and Col. Bradley spoke to a large, loyal and en-

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County of Williams, Ohio, Historical and Biographical, Part 27

Author: Weston A. Goodspeed, Charles Blanchard Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Number of Pages: 885

Author: Weston A. Goodspeed, Charles Blanchard
Publication date: 1882
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 885