County of Williams, Ohio, Historical and Biographical, Part 47

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 47

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).

MISCELLANEOUS INCIDENTS.

Daniel Fetters one day killed a doe and two fawns within the space of a few minutes. While out with his gun, he discovered them feeding, whereupon he shot and killed the mother, and the fawns ran away at the top of their speed, but soon returned and approached their parent. Mr. Fetters knew they would return, and had concealed himself near the doe. From behind a tree he shot one of the fawns, and the other ran away; but, when it returned, a few minutes later, it was likewise killed. John and Jacob Fetters, one autumn, tried to see which could kill the greater number of deer during the time which each could spare from his work. John killed forty-six, and Jacob forty-nine. The skins were taken and sold, as were also the better portions of the flesh. Many of the hams were smoked or salted down like pork. One day a bear was started in the northeastern part of the township by some one not remembered, and was followed to a swamp in the southwestern part, many joining in the chase. Jacob Neihart and Michael Frock joined the pursuit with their dogs. The bear was at last treed in the swamp, and was shot at by Phil- ip Neihart, who gave it only a flesh wound ; whereupon another settler tried his hand, and the animal came to the ground dead. Mr. Miser could dress deer skins as well as. an Indian, and after the same fashion. The suits of buckskin which he and his sons wore were warm and com- fortable while they were dry ; but after they had become wet and had

Digitized by Google

485

CENTRE TOWNSHIP.

dried, they were like boards, and about as easily put on as a suit of bass- wood. On such occasions the process of the morning dressing was amus- ing and ridiculous.

WILD HONEY.

One day in early years, several of the settlers had occasion to go to La Fayette. As they were going along, one of them discovered a "bee tree," which was immediately cut down. The men ate what they wanted of the choice honey, and when they were satisfied, they told Mr. Overleas that he might have the remainder. The settlers in early days were in the habit, when they left home, of taking with them a "wallet" (usually made of cloth) well filled with substantial food. These "wallets" were bags about three feet long, closed at both ends, but open at the middle, and were carried over the shoulder or around the neck, food being placed in both ends. Mr. Overleas had his wallet on the occasion above men- tioned, and when he was told that the remainder of the honey was his, being a peculiar man, he resolved to put it all, to the amount of about three gallons, in his cloth wallet and carry it with him. The honey was accord- ingly placed in the wallet, and the men proceeded on their way. Some of the men had been wiser than Mr. Overleas, and had foreseen the con- sequences, but they said nothing. At last, as the honey became warm on the back of Mr. Overleas, it began to strain through the wallet, and before he was aware of the fact his back was covered with the sweet sub- stance. The other men had been laughing some time at his expense, and when he discovered this, he resolved, as you have done a great many times, dear reader, to stick to his honey as long as it stuck to him, in spite of them. It was a warm day, and he began to sweat, which greatly aggravated the disaster. The other men enjoyed the occasion hugely. The honey was soon dripping from the mortified man's shoulders, but he would not give up, as he naturally dreaded the outburst of merriment and the ominous ridicule that was sure to result from his relinquishment of the honey. He kept the sweet substance, but was tortured all the way by the suppressed laughter of his companions. At length, when he reached home, about a gallon had escaped, the most of which covered his entire back. He was a sweet picture, truly, and his clothing was imme- diately put in the wash-tub. It is reasonable to conclude that Mr. Over- leas did not eat honey for his supper on the evening of his return. The crab-apple sauce, the vinegar, the pickles, which his wife had prepared, suffered, no doubt, a severe attack.

THE LOST CHILD.

One day, in carly times, a small boy, about four years old, belonging to a family which lived in the southwestern part of the township, became

Digitized by Google

486

HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.

lost. The mother had gone to one of the neighbors, and the child had attempted to follow her. The loss was not discovered until the mother returned, about dark. Search was immediately instituted, the neighbor- hood was aroused and soon the woods were filled with anxious searchers. Torches were carried, and the search continued all night; but the morn- ing dawned, and the first day passed without success. The mother was almost distracted with grief and nervous anxiety. People came by the score to assist in the search-some as far distant as five or six miles; but, although more than a hundred active searchers were present, no concerted and organized effort was made, strange to say, until the third day. On this day, a long line was formed, the men and women being stationed about sixty feet apart, and the word was given by the Captain to march. It was not long before the little boy was found. He was dead, but his body yet contained warmth, showing that death had occurred only a short time before. The spot where the little fellow had slept each night was found. When night overtook him, he had, as was his habit, taken off his clothing, thinking that he must do so in order to go to sleep. It was October and the nights were quite cold, and the little wanderer could not survive the chilling weather. When he arose the first morning, he was unable to put on his clothes properly, and thus wandered about half-clad. Had the search been organized, as it should have been, on the second day, the little boy would have been found alive. It was the easiest thing in the world even for grown people to get lost in early days. The sensa- tions on such occasions are described as terrifying. The mind and senses become wild with bewilderment, see familiar objects under new and strange aspects, and refuse to recognize trees and paths known for years. Old settlers, lost, have been known to pass within a few yards of their own doors without recognizing a single familiar object.

LOCATION OF THE SETTLERS.

Jacob Bowman owned land on Sections 24 and 25; Daniel Kreiger, on 29; Charles Butler, 10 and 20; Levi Cunningham, 6; John Craw and Joshua Conklin, 3; Jacob Drayer, 4; Rowland Day, 8; Andrew Dice, 28 ; Jacob Eberman, 21; W. P. Green, 30; Zenas Hinds, 33; Bentley Harman, 21 ; Joseph Henderson, 17; Simon Jennings, 8; Fred- erick Moyer, 26; Beniah McGowan, 12; John Miller, 29; Christian Miller, 30; B. L. Mead, 7; Albert Mathias, 30; Jacob Neidhardt, 23; Eden Neer, 20; Abraham Roon, 25; George Retter, 26; Samuel Ross, 14; Isaac Robbins, 23; Henry Tharp, 19; Joseph Whitehill, 32; John Ward, 5; Peter Wilhelm, 23; Walter Wimple, 12; James B. Wells, 12; Isaac Wilson, 26; Samuel Medary, 9; Richard Baker, 6; Samuel and Abner Aiken, 3; Thomas Armstrong, 2; Zebulon Britton, 28; Samuel

Digitized by Google

487

CENTRE TOWNSHIP.

Crocker, 35; Jacob Dillman, 34; Lewis Fritch, 20; Jacob Fetters, 27; Sebastian Frame, 35; William and Samuel Hill, 17; Joel Kinsey, east- ern part; Martin Lloyd, southern part; Frederick Miser, 25; James Overleas, 35 ; Banister Pool, 30; Almon and Horace Stinson, 10; Seth Stinson, 4; Jacob Spangler, 28; Prescott Sawyer, eastern part; Daniel and Abraham Weaver, northern part ; Philip Yockey, eastern part ; John Blair, 23; George Beechler, 21; John Flora, 13; J. B. Kimmell, 28; Abraham Hunsberger, 11; John McDowell, 35; J. S. Marshall, 24; Joseph Mckean, 19; C. L. Noble, 10; T. L. Punches, 24; Thomas Smith, 29 and 32; Jacob Frock, 21; Jacob Neihart, 21.

INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES.

In about the year 1845, Fred Miser, Jr., built a saw-mill in the east- ern part, on the western branch of Lick Creek. A dam was constructed, and a race dug, and, for some five or six years, during the rainy months, a considerable quantity of lumber was sawed. It is said that 500 logs were transformed into lumber by this mill, during one spring, while the mill was in operation. The mill was abandoned because it did not pay sufficiently well to warrant its continuance. Several years before this mill was built, Jacob Bowman had constructed a strong dam on Lick Creek, near where the stream is crossed by the Centre and Bryan road, and had, with the help of eight or ten hired men, excavated a long race across the large bend in the stream, on Sections 24 and 25. Near the terminus of the race he erected a two-storied frame grist-mill, and placed therein two sets of buhrs, one for wheat and the other for corn. About the same time, he built a saw-mill on the same race. These mills were conducted quite successfully for many years, and became well known and well patronized. The grist-mill furnished excellent flour ; and the saw-mill furnished lum- ber that may yet be seen in many a building in the surrounding neighbor- hood. In 1836, Mr. Bowman, opened a general store in Centre Village, his stock being valued at about $500. About the same time, John D. Martin also opened a store at the same place. The Assessor of 1837 valued his stock at $700. These stores and mills were very handy to the settlers, as they saved long journeys, through bottomless roads, to distant places. The stores furnished all sorts of useful articles needed in the backwoods, and almost any kind of produce was taken as payment. Deer skins were for many years almost legal tender for the payment of obliga- tions. Money was very scarce, and other mediums of exchange were sought and found. So many yards of calico were worth so many pounds of butter; so many pounds of sugar or coffee were worth so many deer skins or hams, or dozens of eggs; and such a pair of boots was worth such a hog, or such furs. Estimates of value were thus made from the self-

Digitized by Google

488

HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.

regulated law of supply and demand, with the various articles in the pos- session of the settlers. Stores were not opened in villages alone ; they were kept in farmers' houses. Prescott Sawyer, one of the first black- smiths in the township, placed in his cabin dry goods, groceries, hardware, queensware, etc., valued at about 8500. He also built an ashery, and for several years manufactured the estimated quantity of ten or twelve tons of black-salts and pearl-ash, annually. He exchanged goods from his store for ashes, and probably opened the store as an adjunct to the ashery. Here the early settlers could get goods without money ; all they had to do was to save the ashes which resulted from their log-heap fires, and haul the same to the ashery. Henry Ruse purchased the Bowman grist-mill after a number of years, and placed in the same a steam engine. A few years later, the mill was destroyed by fire, but was soon rebuilt, but after a number of years was again burned, and was then abandoned. It was customary in early times, in almost every family, to have whisky, at all times, on the mantlepiece; members of the family, old and young, could take a drink whenever they pleased. This universal custom of con- suming liquor led to the construction of many distilleries in the wilder- ness. In quite an early day, Jacob Householder constructed a small one in the eastern part of the township, on the old Neidhardt farm. The small quantity of whisky made was consumed as fast as it came from the still. The distillery was conducted about three years, and was then abandoned. Lewis Fritch was a carpenter and cabinet-maker ; he made many coffins, tables, stands, etc., for the early settlers. Jacob Fritz made spinning wheels, large and small, also reeds, shuttles, looms, etc. He tried his mechanical ingenuity in the construction of a musical instru- ment known as an "organ ;" but, after the lapse of several mentally laborious months, abandoned the project, as he had reached the terminus of his inventive skill. Philip Neihart manufactured chairs, in an early day. Specimens of his workmanship may yet be seen in the township. Sebastian Frame, immediately after his arrival in the township, erected a small building on his farm, in which he placed a small set of " nigger- head " buhrs to be used in " cracking corn." It was located on a branch of Lick Creek, and was operated by water power, and, later, by horse or ox power. It was the first " grist-mill " in the township. William Sheridan, Sr., an excellent man, and one of the first blacksmiths in the county, built a, shop on his farm in the eastern part of the township, where, for many years, all manner of work in his line was done. A man named Clendennen worked in his shop for a time, but afterward went to Centre Village, where he worked at the same trade. In about the year 1846, Daniel Wirtz erected a building in the eastern part, in which he placed the necessary machinery for carding wool and dressing cloth. The

Digitized by Google

489

CENTRE TOWNSHIP.

motor for operating the mill was water from the stream on which the building was situated. A considerable quantity of wool was taken to his mill, where it was carded, after which it was taken home, spun, woven in- to cloth, and returned to the mill to be fulled or dressed. The mill had all it could do during the wet months-the only times it could operate. It did a paying business for about ten years, and was then discontinued. It is said that David Leonard afterward transformed it into a saw-mill. These were the principal early industrial pursuits in the township, out- side of the villages.

FREEDOM.

In the month of February, 1836, Montgomery Evans, Nathan Shirley and Thomas Warren, proprietors, employed a surveyor and laid out the above-named town on the southeast quarter of Section 35. The pro- prietors were speculators, whose object was to lay out a town that should ultimately become the county seat of Williams County. At that time, Defiance and Williams Counties were one, under the latter name; and, as the geographical center of the county was not far from southeastern Centre Township, the proprietors felt sure of securing the location of the county seat at their village; for the subject of removing the county seat from Defiance to some spot more centrally located, was then being seri- ously discussed. The above designated gentlemen, with pretty accurate foresight, laid out Freedom accordingly ; but two important obstacles, which, in the nature of things, could not be foretold, lay in the way of the fruition of their hopes. One was the foundation of Centre (village), and the other was the division of the county into two. The latter cir- cumstance was sure to defeat the hopes of Freedom, and the former was very likely to do the same, as it was located on the justly celebrated Bellefontaine road. The result was that Freedom did not grow a par- ticle, and at length, in about 1842, the village was abandoned.

CENTRE.

This village, like Freedom, was designed for the county seat, and would have been but for the division of the county. It was laid out on the 23d of January, 1836, by John Evans, proprietor, and Miller Arrow- smith, Deputy Surveyor of Williams County. Four hundred and eighteen lots were laid out on the southwest quarter of Section 35, four lots being reserved for a park, a school-yard and a cemetery. Within a short time after the village had been founded, it became plainly apparent that Will- iams County was soon to be divided. This was a death blow to the an- ticipated growth and prosperity of Centre. In 1836, there were two or three families in Centre. Prescott Sawyer, a blacksmith, was there. J. B. Kimmell was also there with his store, as was John D. Martin soon

Digitized by Google

490

HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.

afterward. A. M. Bateman also lived in the village. Kimmell was the first Postmaster, and was appointed some time during the year 1838. It was during the spring of this year that Congress established the mail route from Defiance via Brunersburgh, Williams Centre, St. Joseph and Denmark, in Ohio, and Perseverance, Steubenville, Little Prairie and Pretty Prairie to Lima, in Indiana. It is said that Judge Israel Stod- dard, who at that time lived at Denmark, St. Joseph Township, was the first mail carrier. He traversed the route on horseback. Colin Tharp, who lived at Centre, but just across the line in Defiance County, opened his doors and entertained the traveling public. Mr. Kimmell also kept a house of entertainment. He kept.liquor for those who wanted it, and their names were legion. His house became quite a resort for those who looked upon the wine when it was red. At that early day the subject of total abstinence began to be discussed. Jacob Dillman came out strongly in opposition to the liquor traffic. He and Mr. Kimmell were opposing candidates in 1839 or 1840 for the position of Justice of the Peace. Mr. Kimmell was the successful candidate, and it is stated that his election was largely due to the support of the intemperate element. Mr. Dillman kept a small store. Lorenzo Crocker located in Centre in about 1840. and Samuel R. Clendennen, a blacksmith, appeared in about 1842. John Manon, a tailor, came in 1841, and for some time worked at his trade, but afterward clerked many years in the store of Giles H. Tomlinson. The land upon which Centre stands was entered by James Overleas, who erected the first building of any kind upon the present town site. This was a rude log cabin, built in the fall of 1833. The cabin of Mr. Kim- mell was probably the second; it was erected in 1836. Crocker was a shoemaker, and worked at his trade. John Evans, the proprietor of the village, was a physician, who lived at Defiance. He had considerable means at his command. Oliver Sawyer was a resident of Centre about the year 1838. Giles H. Tomlinson first appeared in Centre in 1833, but he did not locate there until about 1848. Mr. Manon succeeded Kimmell as Uncle Sam's postal agent. He took the office about 1844. and held the same for nine or ten years, at which time Dr. Dunshee stepped in and remained until J. P. Dodge was appointed, during Buchanan's administration. After a few years, Daniel Lovejoy took pos- session of the office. He was succeded by his son, who is yet Postmaster. In about 1844, the most of the village lots of Centre, after having passed through several hands, were purchased by Brown & Phelps, who paid the tax on them a few years ; but when the neighborhood was taxed heavily for school purposes at the time the schoolhouse was built, their share of the burden was greater than they cared to bear, and they neglected the payment of their tax. Finally the lots were sold by the Sheriff and pur-

Digitized by Google

491

CENTRE TOWNSHIP.

chased by G. H. Tomlinson, for $400, or at $2 each, there being two hundred of them. In January, 1848, Mr. Tomlinson opened a store in Centre with about $1,500 worth of a general stock of goods, which he brought from Bryan, where he had previously been in business. He continued in the mercantile business until 1862, having in store at cer- tain seasons goods valued at about $6,000. He packed large quantities of beef and considerable pork, and conducted an ashery from 1848 to 1864. Often the value of his shipments East considerably exceeded the value of his goods shipped West. He employed six or eight hands in the fall and winter to pack meat. Sometimes for months the ashery was conducted day and night, two sets of hands being employed. An aver- age of about thirty tons of black salts and pearl-ash was manufactured annually. Freeman & Freedy opened a store soon after 1848, and about the same time Ruse & Tharp did likewise. The former firm had about $2,500 worth of goods. Boyd, of Defiance, sent goods to be sold at the vil- lage. Bowman & Core opened a store a little later, but finally sold out at auc- tion. Too many stocks of goods were offered for sale from 1850 to 1860, as several failures resulted. Garver Brothers began during the war, and for a number of years conducted a fair business. The brothers were suc- ceeded by Garver & Walker. The population of Centre in 1840 was about 25; in 1845 was about 40; in 1850 was about 90 or 100, and in 1860 was about 250. This has been about the population since Centre saw its best days from 1850 to 1865. Rudolph Roth opened a grocery and saloon about 1853; he made considerable money. John Manon opened a general store about sixteen years ago, and has continued until the present. Hugh Mills opened his store in 1861, and continued until about five years ago. A. H. Ogle began measuring tape and calico about six years ago ; and J. M. Shutt brought in a stock of goods in 1881. Charles Agler conducted a saloon a few years, beginning about 1870. James McDowell, in 1848, began manufacturing chairs, tables, stands, and large numbers of coffins. James Ritchie and his brother worked at the cabinet business, and also made quite a number of wagons.

MILLS AND SHOPS.

Jacob Dillman built the first saw-mill in Centre in about 1846, and operated the same with steam. It passed to several owners, one of them being James McDowell, who, in 1866, sold it to Storer & Kittridge. In January, 1867, the mill was burned down, but was rebuilt the same spring. Storer bought Kittridge out in the fall of 1869, and in the spring of 1870 the mill again burned down, but was again soon rebuilt. In October, 1870, Mr. Storer had his left hand, except the thumb, sawed off by an accident. In 1873, W. S. Wilsey purchased an interest in the

Digitized by Google

492

HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.

mill, but four years later sold out to Storer. The mill in its day has been an excellent one. Mr. Storer has added a shingle machine, a lath machine, a fork, hoe and broom-handle lathe, a planing machine, and a machine for chopping feed for stock. Large numbers of cheese boxes are made at present. Dr. William Hall came to the village in about 1842. After him came Drs. Pope, Ensign, Dunshee, Jenkins, Clark and Shutt. In 1868, Dodge & Young began manufacturing wagons, carriages, bug- gies, etc., on quite an extensive scale, nine hands being employed, and from 84,000 to $5,000 worth of work being done annually. The sales ran down in 1873, owing to the hard times, and the business was partly abandoned. This, in brief, sums up the past importance of Centre.

WILLIAMS CENTRE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

Williams Centre Circuit was organized at the Central Ohio Annual Conference, held at Fostoria, Ohio, A. D. 1867, when Rev. Henry Boyers was appointed pastor. It was then in Defiance District, Rev. Elnathen C. Gavitt, Presiding Elder. In 1868, Williams Centre Circuit was placed in Toledo District, and Henry Boyers was returned as pastor. Rev. T. H. Wilson was Presiding Elder in Toledo District at this time. 1869, T. H. Wilson, Presiding Elder, and Rev. J. Mckean was ap- pointed pastor. 1870, T. H. Wilson, Presiding Elder; J. Mckean, pastor. 1871, Rev. Leroy A. Belt was appointed Presiding Elder of Toledo District, and O. E. Moore, pastor at Williams Centre. 1872, L. A. Belt, Presiding Elder, and William Littell was appointed pastor. 1873, L. A. Belt, Presiding Elder ; William Littell, pastor. 1874, L A. Belt, Presiding Elder ; William Littell, pastor. 1875, Park S. Don- elson was appointed Presiding Elder of Toledo District, and William Littell was returned as pastor of Williams Centre. 1876, P. S. Donel- son, Presiding Elder, and David Bowers was appointed pastor. 1877, P. S. Donelson, Presiding Elder, and David Bowers, pastor. 1878, P. S. Donelson, Presiding Elder, and S. L. Biler was appointed pastor, who remained two years. 1879, Wesley G. Waters was appointed Presiding Elder of Toledo District, and Jackson T. Pope as pastor at Williams Centre, who remained two years. 1881, W. G. Waters, Presiding Elder; E. H. Snow was appointed pastor. The first church was erected many years ago. The second one was erected during the first year of Rev. William Littell's pastorate, 1872. Present membership and officers, forty-two, and about sixteen will be added soon. Present pastor, E. H. Snow. The Sunday school has a regular attendance of seventy-five; present Superintendent, Mrs. Giles H. Tomlinson.

Digitized by Google

493

CENTRE TOWNSHIP.

MELBERN.

In the month of August, 1869, John Fritch, John Kendall and Jacob Neihart laid out twenty-three lots on the southeast quarter of the north- east quarter of Section 20, and the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 21, Township 6 north, Range 2 east. The lots were all north of the railroad. In October, 1871, Eden Neer laid out an ad- dition to Melbern, consisting of three lots on the south side of the rail- road, and on the west side of the wagon road. The town came very nearly being called Kansas, but by good luck escaped such a direful fate. It has had, therefore, no grasshoppers nor tornadoes. The house of John Fritch was the first, it having been built many years before. Some years before the lots were laid out, Amos Huffman built the brown house near the church. Dr. John Kendall bought two acres at the village, and became the first Postmaster. The office was in Philip Neihart's old log house south of the railroad. David Lovejoy built an early house, in which he opened a small grocery ; this was about 1866; he became Post- master. William Thomas, Peter Brakeman and Constantine Beals erected early buildings. In about 1871, Mr. Thomas opened a general stock of goods in town. About three years ago Samuel Benn began merchandising in the same room. William Brown came in some eight or ten years ago. He is yet in business, and has the largest and best stock of goods in Melbern. Henry Jaques was his partner for a time, but sold out to George Brainer. Alexander McCaskey began selling notions about four years ago. There are in town the usual number of carpenters, blacksmiths, etc. Henry Beck was the third Postmaster, and Alexander McClaskey the fourth and present one. Dr. Kendall was the first physician ; Dr. Trutton, the second, and Dr. Shutt, the third and last. None reside in town at present. Of course, the town has had its saloons. About the year 1866, Beal & Harris built a steam saw-mill, which they operated about three years, when it was purchased by Brake- man & Son, who yet own and conduct it. It is a good mill. "Centre Grange " was instituted at the Miller Schoolhouse in 1874, by the Deputy Grand Master, and at first was filled to overflowing with members. The first officers were : Master, Theodore Hunt; Secretary, William Weaver; Treasurer, Samuel Stauffer. Two years after the organization, the lodge built the storehouse in which Mr. Brown's stock of goods is now for sale. The upper story was fitted up for a lodge room, and here the grangers yet assemble to deliberate. The lodge, though not as strong as at first, numbers, at present, about eighty-five members, and meets on Saturday evenings. The members, by united action, have done much to reduce the price of various farming implements. Three or four years ago, George Fox built a cheese factory south of the railroad. He manu-

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.

County of Williams, Ohio, Historical and Biographical, Part 47

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