USA > Ohio > Ashland County > History of Ashland County, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches > Part 24
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CHAPTER XXXIV.
THE ERECTION OF ASHLAND COUNTY-PHYSICAL FEA- TURES.
Formation of County. - Location of County-Seat .- Erection of Jail .- Geological Formation. --- Area .- Streams .- Soil .- Lakes .-- Minerals.
THE legislative act creating Ashland county was enact- ed February 24, 1846. It was formed of the territory of Richland, Huron, Lorain, and Wayne counties. The fractional townships of Mifflin, Milton and Clear- creek, and the full townships of Hanover, Green, Ver- million, Montgomery and Orange, were from Richland county, while Ruggles was from Huron, and Troy and Sullivan from Lorain, and the fractional townships of Jackson, Perry, Mohican, and Lake from Wayne county.
On the first Monday of April, 1846, the county-seat was located at Ashland, by a vote of the electors, the citizens of Ashland agreeing to donate suitable grounds, and five thousand dollars to erect county buildings there- on.
In 1847-48, the present jail was erected, by Ozias S. Kinney, architect, and cost the county about fourteen thousand dollars. An old stone church, purchased on the site of the grounds selected for the esection of county buildings, was occupied some seven years as a court house. It stood abont midway between the present court house and jail, and had been erected by the Meth- odist denomination. The new court house was com- inenced by Ozias S. Kinney, architect, in 1851. and completed in IS53; and cost the county about twenty thousand dollars. The infirmary was erected by Sylves ter Alger and George W. Urie, architects and builders, in 1849, and cost about four thousand dollars.
Geologically considered, Ashland county presents evidence of having shown dry land at a very remote pe- riod in the history of the globe. Her softs and hills are older than the carboniferous, or coal and limestone pe- riods; and if ever either existed within the limits of this county, they were worn away by the glacial flow from the north; or, during the emptying of the great northern seas through the valleys of the Objo, Mississippi ard the
Hudson, after the elevation of the Appalachian chain of mountains, by the cooling and shrinking of the crust of the earth.
How long this region may have been covered by the northern seas, will doubtless never be known by mnan, but that such seas enveloped this part of the globe for an extended period of time, must be apparent to all carc- ful observers. It is very probable that the great chain of lakes extending from northern New York to the Lake of the Woods, is but a remnant of the mighty sca that covered a large portion of the States of New York, Penn- sylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin. and Minnesota. The hypothesis, that during the "giacial period". huge mountains of ice were forced southword from high, northern regions, and in their advance, plow. ing deep valleys, and wrenching granite rocks from their position, and crushing, and roiling, and rounding them into boulders by erosion, receives much strength, on careful examination. It is possible that during the "drift period" great quantities of what are called "nig- ger-heads, " --- boulders, were carried by ice, thousands of miles, thawed out, and dropped in the position they are now found. These granite boulders are found scattered all over northern Ohio, in sizes ranging from three of four pounds, to tons in weight, gradually diminishing in size as they recede from the lake shore.
Further evidence of the existence of a great sen is found in the deposit of immense quantities of petrifie.l shells, among the surface rubbish of the freestone forma- tion. It is quite certain that these shel's were deposited slowly, and that an immense period of time was ex- hausted in their petrifaction. The freestone rocks are in strata ; and their beds range in thickness from three to twenty fect. The sandstone formation crops out at a later period. Petrified shells are not so frequently found above or beneath the sandstone. The sandstone is found on the highest land cast of Ashland, commencing at Roseberry's hill, and extending nearly south to Take township. It is also found on the elevated tract of land running from Milton, through Miliin and Green townships, to Ranover. These stones are found in abundance, and form a useful and durable material for walls, bridges and buildings.
Ashland county contains an area of about four hun dred square miles. It is divided into two principal slopes, or water-sheds, by a range of teland, extending in a northeast direction, across the south part of Char. creek and the north part of Orange and Jackson town- ships ; thus forming a dividing vidge, that separates the heads of the streams flowing south to the Muskingum. and north to Lake Erie.
The streams on the south side of the dividing ruige. rising mostly from strong springs, flow in a southern de rection, until they form a junction with larger ones, cat of the county. The streams south of the divili, they are: the Black fork. fringing the western border of ill ton and Millin townships, and passing per .. ... . Hannover ; the Jerome fork, rising in the northwest and northeast parts of Orange to winship, posses der Mont gomers. the western put of Morvan and she abshell
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HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO.
purt of Lake, and joins the Black fork in Holmes county; the Meddy fork rises in the northeastern part of Jackson township, and flows in a southwesterly direction across Perry, into Mohican, and thence into the Lake fork. These streams are fed by a number of smaller ones- the Catotaway, Honey creek, and a branch or two in Vermillion and Lake townships, and assume a consider- able size before they form a junction with the Lake fork; and in early days were navigable for small flat-boats as high as Perrysville, Findlay's bridge, and Rochester mills. The uplands, south of the dividing ridge, slope gently to the south, presenting fine views for residences, and most desirable lands for agricultural purposes. At many points on the uplands, a landscape of eight to ten miles in circuit sweeps before the vision, giving as lovely a view as can be found elsewhere on the globe.
The range of lands on the western slope is composed of clay soil, second boitom loam, and rich alluvium along the streams, giving every variety of soil ; the same is the character of the soils in the middle and eastern ranges throughout the county, except in Hanover, where the upland is more rugged, the soil more sandy and less productive. The direction of the streams in that town- ship is from the west, and though her hills antedate the carboniferous periods, they must have been elevated, like small islands, above the surface of the great sea, cen- turies before the region in and about Hayesville, Ash- land, Savannah and Orange.
The Vermillion river rises in the small lakes near Savannah, and is fed by numerous small rivulets and brooks on its winding way to Lake Erie. The Black river rises in the northern part of Sullivan township, and also empties into Lake Eric.
The townships north of the dividing ridge dip slightly towards the north, and possess a stiff clay soil, better adapted to grazing than agricultural purposes, and many fine cattle are produced for the market by the farmers.
The lakes in Ashland countyare five in number. Two of these are found a short distance southeast of Savannah, in a basin formed by the dividing ridge, and are fed by springs. The upper, and larger lake, contains about one hundred and sixty acres, and the lower one, which has beer . partially drained, about cighty acres. They con- tain many of the varieties of Ashes usually found in the streams of this State, and are of great depth, and evi- dently the remains of a much larger body of water. They are often resorted to for the sport of fishing in canoes, and as a pastime for picnic parties.
There are also three small lakes about two miles south- west of Mifflin. The larger one contains about fifty acres, the middle one about thirty, and the smaller one about ten. They constitute a sort of basin, and are fed by numerous springs. They abound in the same varic- ties of fishes found in the Vermillion lakes. These lakes were once the favorite resort of the Indians for fishing purposes, and their bark canoes were often floated over the glassy surface of these hill hedged basins of water, known as the " mimic lakes of Millin."
There are a number of noted springs in the western part of the county. In Milton and Mifflin, the largest
are found. In the neighborhood of the Nelsons, in Mil- ton, is found one of extraordinary power, pouring forth a volume of water sufficiently large to turn a mill, if properly directed. Near the residence of Mr. Copus, in Mifflin township, are also found several springs, throw- ing out copious quantities of pure, cool water. Many sections of Green, Lake, and Mohican townships possess springs of great strength; and few counties in the State have a better supply of pure, sparkling, healthful water, than this.
The timber of this county consists of oak, walnut, black and white ash, cherry, beech, sugar, maple, hick- ory, chestnut, elm, and the usual undergrowth found in other parts of the State. In Tro;, Ruggles and Sulli- van, on the northern slope, a few scattered poplars were found in early days, but have been long since converted into lumber.
Ashland county is exceedingly limited in its mineral productions. A few pieces of coal, and a little slate, found on the dividing ridge north of Ashland are all the . evidences of coal that are seen within its limits .* It is believed that the county is totally deficient in limestone and iron ore. Attempts have been made, in the deep valleys of Hanover, to discover coal oil by boring; but such attempts have been unsuccessful, so fer.
If it be true, that the nature of the soil nearly always determines the occupation of a people, the inhabitants of this county, with but few exceptions, must pursue the delightful and manly avocation of tilling the soil, raising fine horses and cattle, and flocks of sheep, surrounded by abundance, with homes blessed of God, and made comfortable by industry, and the fruits of toil.
Evidence exists on all sides that when the red man of the forest roamed unchecked over plain, and bill, and along our lakes and streams the dappled deer in numerous groves, with the elk, the wild turkey and other game, marched up and down these wilds in na- tive freedom, disturbed only by the savage with his bow and arrow ; and long since with him, have traveled to- ward the setting sun. and ere long will be swept before the remorseless march of the white inan, into oblivion.
*A small vein of coal was found on the farin of Cyrus Miller in the lower part of Hanover township in. 1875.
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HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO.
CHAPTER XXXV.
THE MILITIA AND SOLDIERS OF THE WAR OF 1812.
The First Regiment of the First Brigade .- First Officers .-- Reorgani- zation. -- beyimental Musters. - FR . Fights .--. The Rifle Regiment .- Roster of Ashland Soldiers in the War of 1812.
THE military history of Ashland county is quite mea- gre. Prior to its separation from Richland county, in 1846, it had a regiment of militia and a regiment of ritles. The militia regiment was formed about the year 1824, and consisted of ten full companies. The rolls of the companies have been destroyed, and we are com- pelled to accept a traditionary history. The organization was known as the "First regiment, of the First brigade, - of the Eleventh division, of the Ohio militia." The regimental officers were:
FIELD AND STAFF.
Colonel John Oldshue. Lieutenant Colonel William Scott.
Major William Roller. Adjutant Sage Kellogg.
Surgeon Joel Luther.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Captain Burr Kellogg, Montgomery. Captain Absalom Newell, Montgomery.
Captain James Doty, Mifflin.
Captain Ilugh Burns, Milton.
Captain John Woodburn, Milton.
Captain Thomas Ford, Clearcreek.
Captain John McWilliams, Clearcreek.
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Captain Joseph Bishop, Orange.
Captain William Patterson, Orange. Captain Joseph Strickland, Vermillion.
During the existence of the first organization, many changes took place in the regimental and company offi- cers. John Latta, Zachariah Newell, Christian Bash, Burr Kellogg, and Jacob Heckard acted part of the time as captains.
REORGANIZATION.
In 1834 the regiment was reorganized, but retained its original piace in the Ohio militia. Colonel John Oldshue resigned, and was succeeded by Alexander Mil- ler; Major William Roller resigned, and was succeeded by Richard P. Fulkerson. The regimental officers then were:
FIELD, AND STAFF.
Colonel Alexander Miller. Lieutenant Colonel William Scott. Major kichant 1'. Fulkerson. Adjutant Epluaim R. Echiey. Surgeon Joel Luther.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Captain Richard P. Fulkerson, Montgomery. Captain Alanson Walker, Montgomery. Captain Zachariah Newell, Montgomery, Captain James Doty, Mitfin. Captain John Woodburn, Milton. Captain Hugh Burns, Milton,
Captian Christian Bush, Orange. Captain Joseph Bishop, Orange. Captain Thomas Ford, Clearererk. Captun Joseph Stricklind, Vermilion ..
In a short time, Samuel W. Russell succeeded William Scott as Lieutenant Colonel; and Colonel Mewonder Miller having resigned, Lieutenant Colonel Russel be- came Colonel, and John Madden Lieutenant Colonel.
In the incantime, Adjutant Ephraim R. Eckley resigned, and Faschel Whiting was appointed to fill the vacancy. When. Captain Richard P. Fulkerson became major, William Sheets was elected to fill the vacancy. There were other changes not now remembered.
This regiment maintained its organization until about the year 1844, when the militia system of Ohio practically expired.
Colonels Oldshue and Russell, and Major Maddel removed west. Colonel Alexander Miller died in 186o. Adjutants Kellogg and Whiting. Dr. Luther and Colonel Scott, and a majority of the captains, have responded to the last roll-call, and gone to a grand encampment across the great river. Captain Alanson Walker served honor ably in the war of 1861-5; and Major Richard P. Fulk- erson accompanied the "Squirrel Hunters" to Cincinnati, during the apprehended invasion of General Kitby Smith, of Kentucky.
The regimental musters, for many years, took place on a small prairie below the village of Mifflin, on the banks of the Black fork. This field gave araple room for maneuvering and regimental display. The privates were destitute of fire-arms on train day, and the performance was a mere pastime, and regarded as a dry affair. For many years the companies were conditionally kept in ex- istence. The privates, under the law, could either train or work two days on the public highway. Many pre- ferred to repair the roads, and this sapped the vitality of the organization.
Train days, however, were not wholly destitate of cx- citement. Such assemblages gave an opportunity for the "roughs" to concentrate ihcir forces to settle old. griefs and grudges. In the carlier years of the tailitia systein, there seems to have been a bitter feud between the pugilistic chiefs of the Clear fork and the Whetstone. The Clearcreek chiefs consisted of the Slaters and Braw- dys, and thei- backers, while those of the Whetstone were led by the Montgomerys, Burgetts, Bradens and others. There were also many game men on the mil- tary quarters in Montgomery and Orange townships, known as members of the "sixteen nations," who were ready, on all occasions, to see a fight well regulated, and generally took a hand in such contests. When the great chiefs of the Whetstone and the Clear fork met, their friends accompanied them. They were. generally, men of large size and famous for their muscle and counge.
At the dismissal of the companies in the evening, the respective chiefs, fired by bad whiskey, and eager for the fray, assembled their hosts. In a few moments the champions opened the contest, when large numbers of sympathizers would be drawn into the struggle to see fair play. A hand to hand contest followed. Parties were knocked right and left, and the victims of the "manly art of self defence" were found in every quarter, with bruised faces, and gouged ever and bitten fingers, stained with blood. I was no child's play. The beawy blows made fearful havoc. The war ended. The brave and then friends marched to a brook, washed their faces, and then proceeding to a neighboring still-bronse, drank friends and buried the hatchet These sturdy warners are all
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HISTORY OF ASHILAND COUNTY, OHIO.
gone. Their places are now filled by men of peace. Reason, instead of blows, sways public gatherings, and intelligence, instead of brute force, rules along those beautiful streams.
About the year 1852 an effort was made to revive the militia organization of the county, and create a brigade. To this end Captain John S. Fulton and Colonel George W. Urie visited the officers of the old regiment, who voted for Captain Fulton as their choice for brigadier general. He was accordingly commissioned by the gov- error as brigadier general, and appointed his staff officers. The brigade officers were:
Brigadier General John S. Fulton, Brigade Inspector George W. Urie, Quartermaster Jacob Crall.
The other members of the staff were from Huroncounty.
The attempt thereafter to revive the militia system was abandoned.
THE RIFLE REGIMENT.
About the year 1826, a rifle regiment was formed within the territory now composing AAshland, Morrow, and Richland counties. It was known as the First regi- ment, of the First brigade, of the Eleventh division of Ohio militia. The regimental and company officers were :
FIELD AND STAFF. -
Colonel Samuel G. Wolf. Lieutenant Colonel John Murray. Major George W. Urie Adjutant William Stevens. Surgeon William Bushnell.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Captain George Murray, Orange.
Captain Joseph Gladden, Green.
Captain Hugh Martin, Springfield. Captain Jacob Lynn, Franklin.
Captain Ezekiel Chew, Blooming-grove.
Captain N. S. Henry, Lucas.
Captain Robert W. Mitchell, Bloomfield !. Captain John Banghman, Bellville.
It will be seen that the regiment was composed of eight companies, which were elegantly uniformned and armed, and the ghiter of their burnished rifles, and their gay dresses, made a fine display in the field. The regi- mental and company officers attracted much attention in consequence of their size and soldier-like bearing. The regimental officers were superbly mounted, and their regalia was quite expensive.
The first company was composed of volunteers from Clearcreek, Orange and Montgomery. The first captain was John Murray. He was succeeded by John Sprott, and he by George W. Uric. The company then dis- banded, Captain Urie having been promoted to major. A new company was then formed. Jacob Oidshue was elected captain, and sometime afterward resigned. George McConnell succeeded him, and upon his resig- nation George Murray was elected captain, and remained in command until the regiment disbanded.
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Upon the resignation of Colonel Samue! (. Wolf, Lieutenant Colme! Jolan Murray became colonel, and upon the resignation of Colonel Murray in 1845, Major Urie was elected colonel of the regiment. Colonel Urie appointed John Sherman, now Secretary of the Treasury
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of the United States, adjutant. He is said to have possessed a good deal of military spirit. He rode a spirited horse, and, being elegantly uniformed, excited a good deal of admiration by his promptness, neatness, and officer-like bearing.
Colonel Samuel G. Wolf, at a recent period, was a cit- izen of Richland county, and, if alive, is well advanced in years. He is said to have been a very fine officer. His personal appearance and excellent voice enabled bim to acquit himself with marked efficiency.
Colonel John Murray possessed a good deal of mil- itary spirit, and made an industrious and influential offi- cer. He served as county treasurer for Richland from 1837 to 1841. He removed to Missouri and died about 1858. He is well remembered by all the old citizens, for his fine personal appearance, genial manners and in- dustrious habits.
- Colonel George W. Urie resides in Ashland, and although well advanced in years, the shrill tones of a fife, the sound of a drum er a military parade excites the martial fires that once blazed in his organization. Pur- ing the war of 1861-65, it was difficult for him to re frain from taking a hand in the "scrimmage." Advanc- ing years and failing health alone kept him from the fray.
Very few company officers survive. Captain Gladden, Captain Lynn, Captain George McConnell and Captain John Sprott are believed to be all of the old organization that remain.
Many pleasant memories cluster about the old train days. To keep those reminiscences ever green is the principal object of this sketch. Of course, it is not pre- tended that this history is complete. The unfortunate destruction of the old company rolls and other records, make it impossible to travel out of tradition.
About the year 1844 a company of lancers was formed in Ashland, composed of boys from fifteen to eighteen years of age, of which the late Bolivar W. Kellogg was captain. The members of the company possessed all the enthusiasm of regular soldiers, were handsomely ni- formed and made a fine display. It survived some thice or four years.
About the same tinte a light infantry company was formed, and the late Willian Johnston, of Mansfield, was elected captain. This company survived until about : 846, when it was merged into a new organization, sonte times called the Ashland guards. Captain Scott, Rich- ard Emerson, John S. Fulton and Anthony Jacobs suc- cessively became its captains. It expired in 1952.
SOLDIERS OF THE WAR OF ISI2.
During the pioneer period of Ashland county many soldiers of the war of 1812 located amid the forests of this region. Very few of these brave old men survive. At this time (18So) the only ones able to answer to! call are : Abraham Armentrout, of Hayesville Landes Kilgore, of Grange. E. Halstead of Indima, Nathan iel Clark and J. S. Parker, of Troy, jacek: Hulbert, of No hiranvide, R. D. Emerson, Missout and Ja die Shopbell, of Orange. The rest have passed over the great river to a grand encampment in a better land. 'The following is
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HISTORY OF ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO.
believed to be a complete roll of the worthy braves who settled within the present innits of Ashland county :
Solomon Uric, Sammel Burns, D.wvid Burns, John Clay, Samuel White, Joshua Glenn, Henry Gamble, William Reed, Patrick Murray, James Murray, John Tilton, Jacob Hiffner, jr., George Hilkey, James Pollock, Abraham Doty, Andrew Stevison, Thomas Donley, John Proudfui, Francis Graham, Peter Whitright, Jacob Zigler, James Dickason, George Remley, Allen Lockhart, Thomas Miller, James Short, James A. Dinsmore, William Hunter, Abraham Armentrout. John Galloway, Enoch Taylor, John Taylor, Michael Riddle, Robert Nelson, Richard Winbigler, George Martin, Thomas Henry, Thomas Urie, Samt! U're, Andrew Byerly, Isaac Smalley, James Andrews, Adam Link, Thomas McConnell, Samuel Falton, R. Richey. W. R'chey, Calvin Hibbard, Sage Kellogg. John McConnell, Jacob Jack- son, James Kilgore. Themas Willey, James Campbell, Jacob My- krantz, Charles Hoy, George MeFadden, Damel Porter, William Craig, Gerige Cornell, E. Hosted, Nathaniel Clark, J. S. Parker, John Hazlett, Thomis Smith, John Woodburn, Joseph Workman, John Smith, Hugh Adams, Case Macumber, Charles Tannehill, Elijah Hari, Sterling G. Bushnel, Abraham Johnson, David Stephens, Jo- seph Strickland, Samuel Taylor, William Burwell, John Burwell, Mat- thew Palmer, Mordecai Lincoln. Nicholas Shaffer, George Winbigler, Jaunes Cameron, George Richer:, Jacob Shopbell, John Chambers, Abraham Hofman, jacob Ridnour, Jacob Crouse, Rudolph Brande- berry, Philip Brandoberry, William Shaw, Joba Wertinn, John Da- voult, John Lamibright, Henry Nes!, Harvey sackett, Salmon Wes- ton; Pradimon Johnson, Samuel Monroe. Daniel Beach, Samuel Camp. . Jacob Roorback, Abraham Ferris, John Hall, Joseph Gates, Elas Slocum, Rev. Richard D. Emerson, Philip Markley, Jacob Switzer, Robert Ralston, st., Jacob Helbert, Levi Mercer, sr., Wesley Richard, Thomas Pittinger, James Allison, Charles Hoy, Christopher Rice, John Smith, James Dickson. Samuel Cordell, Peter Burns.
REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.
There were two in Perry: John Shriner, from Maryland, who died in 1855, and John Scott, from Pennsylvania, who died about 1853 or IS54.
CHAPTER XXXVI. ASHLAND COUNTY IN THE WAR OF 1801-5.
A Complete Roli of all the Commissioned and Non-commissioned Officers and Privates, with a History of the Company and Regiment in Which they Served, and the Casualties Attending the Service.
WHATEVER may be the judgment of future historians as to the avoidance or necessity of the great civil war of 1861-65, it must be conceded that the soldiers ard offi- fors who served in the campaigns of that struggle, ac- quitted themselves promptly. efficiently and bravely, and are entitled to a just meed of praise.
Ashland county furnished a just proportion of vo !- unteers and officers, and the number of deaths, the scars and missing Ihabs of the surviving, show that her sons did not cower in the presence of the enemy.
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