History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 53

Author: Perrin, William Henry, [from old catalog] comp; Battle, J. H., [from old catalog] comp; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852- [from old catalog] comp; Baskin & Battey, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1034

USA > Ohio > Crawford County > History of Crawford County and Ohio > Part 53

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).

348

HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

were laid ont. also two alleys and the public square. Five of these streets were named after various members of Samuel Norton's family, viz : Mary street, after his wife; Rensellaer, Warren and Charles streets, after three of his sons ; Perry street, after his first grandson, Perry Garton. Mansfield street was so called because the road to Mansfield originally started from the eastern end of the street ; Walnut and Poplar streets were so named because trees of these varieties were found along their borders ; Spring street receives its name from a spring at the northern end, near the river ; Main street was the principal avenue of the village ; it was afterward called Sandusky avenne, because the State road from Columbus to Sandusky City extended over this street; Galen street was possibly named after some member of the Nor- ton family. These eleven streets are, with the following exceptions, each sixty-six feet wide : Main is 82} feet, and Warren 573 feet ; West alley extended north and south just west of Main street. and East alley was parallel to the same avenue and just east of it. The new town was christened Bucyrus, by Col. Kil- bourne. There has been much speculation in regard to the origin of this word, and many persons have wondered why the town received this name. The word is so classical in sound that it is not surprising its meaning should not be universally understood unless its true origin is known. Doubtless many a classical scholar has examined his Latin dictionary and Greek lexicon to obtain a satisfactory derivation of the word, and during the past sixty years many plausible theories have been advanced. An ex- amination of the original contract between Messrs. Norton and Kilbourne will prove that the town was named Bucyrus between the time the agreement was made (October 4, 1821), and the date it was first altered (December 15. 1821) ; it also proves that the name of the town was spelled in the first legal papers of the village, as at the present time. Of all the

theories advanced in regard to the origin of this word Bucyrus, only two refer to Col. Kilbourne as authority, and, as it is beyond a doubt that this gentleman created and then adopted this name, these theories are both given. It is claimed by both authorities that Kilbourne desired to have a name for this town different from that of any burg ever inhabited by man since the world was created. He succeeded. The daughters of Samuel Norton, the original proprietor of the land, assert that one of Kil- bourne's favorite historical characters was Cyrus, the Persian General who conquered the City of Babylon, and that the town was named by the Colonel in honor of this distinguished soldier. The country in the vicinity of the town was very beautiful at an early day, and, the name Cyrus being rather short (possibly too much so to snit the meter of his early songs), Kilbourne prefixed to the celebrated Persian's name the syllable " bu," the sound of the first part of the word beautiful, and the old surveyor declared that the name should always mean "beautiful Cyrus." This theory is a very plausible one, and will be satisfactory to many citizens whose knowledge of the classics is even more limited than some who have prepared his- torical sketches for this work. But there are those who solemnly assert that a classical scholar would smile at the formation of a word in this manner ; these persons declare that, as Col. Kilbourne was a very highly educated man, he would never attempt to eoin a word in defiance of the rules laid down by Noah Web- ster and other distinguished men of letters who preceded him. The other authority, however, is also based upon Col. Kilbourne's statement. F. Adams, Esq .. of Bucyrus, who was well acquainted with the old surveyor, says that Mr. Kilbourne told him in after years that it was his desire the town should have a name of its own, and be the only town of that name --- that the African town " Busiris" (in ancient Egypt. near the River Nile) pleased his fancy,

349

HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

and he changed it into Bucyrus as a good sounding name. These two statements are both from responsible and reliable sources ; it may be the duty of an unbiased historian to draw conclusions from these facts presented, and endeavor to settle the disputed point, but in this case we will not undertake the task but will refer the matter to the patrons of this work. However, this name Bucyrus did not snit some of the early settlers in the village, who were ill-natured enough to object to the Colonel's ideas about a queer name ; it has frequently been, in later years, a stumbling block to many non-residents, who invariably mispronounce the word. But these early residents who objected to the name are nearly all dead, and those who fail to speak the word like a native of the city are not firm believers in the future destiny of the place, and conse- quently should not be consulted in regard to the name ; undoubtedly all of the present in- habitants are satisfied, and many are proud of the name Bucyrus.

The town having been named and surveyed by Kilbourne, during the winter and early spring of 1822. a public sale of lots was adver- tised and held. By this time, quite a small set- tlement had moved into the vicinity, and some of these persons were occupying lots which they contemplated purchasing after all the necessary surveys had been perfected. Mod- erwell writes, in regard to this early sale : "The lots brought from $30 to $45 cach ; and those disposed of at this sale were all on Sandusky avenue and Walnut street, and but few south of the public square. Besides Samuel Norton, there were living here at that time Lewis and Abel Cary, Lewis Stephenson, Robert Moore, J. S. George, George P. Schultz, Samuel Roth, Harris Garton, Harry Smith, Russell Peck, E. B. and Charles Merriman, and a few others." This first public sale of lots was attended by many of the settlers from the surrounding country, and several farmers bought town lots

during the early years of the village. One feature of this first public gathering of citizens to Bucyrus was the rendering by Col. Kilbourne of his "Song of Bucyrus," which ballad the author composed expressly for the occasion. The following is a copy of these verses as pub- lished in the Bucyrus Journal of March 24, 1853 :

BUCYRUS SONG.

Ye men of spirit, ardent souls,

Whose hearts are firm and hands are strong,

Whom generous enterprise controls, Attend! and truth shall guide my song.

I'll tell you how Bucyrus, now Just rising, like the star of morn,

Surrounded stands by fertile lands, On clear Sandusky's rural bourn.

In these wide regions, known to fame,

Which freedom proudly calls her own ; Where free-born men the heathen tame, And spurning kings-despise a throne. No lands more blest, in all the West,

Are seen whichever way you turn,

Than those around Bucyrus, found On clear Sandusky's rural bourn.

The river valley, rich and green, Far as the power of sight extends, Presents a splendid rural scene, Which not the distant landscape ends.

The bordering plain spreads like the main, Where native fruits its sides adorn, And nearly join the margin line Along Sandusky's rural bourn.

First, Norton and the Beadles came, With friends (an enterprising band); Young and McMichael, men of fame, Soon joined the others, hand in hand ; By various plans t' improve the lands, They early rise with every morn,

Near where the town Bucyrus stands, All on Sandusky's rural bourn,

There teams of oxen move with pride, Obedient to their driver's word ;

There the strong yeomen firmly guide The ploughs which cleave and turn the sward,

The dale around, with herds abound, The fields luxuriant are with corn,

Near where the town Bucyrus stands, All on Sandusky's rural bourn.

350

HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

Rich meadows there, extending far, By nature for the scythe prepared, And boundless pasture everywhere, Is free for all and ev'ry herd. The deep'ning mold, some hundred fold, Rewards with flax and wheat and corn, Those who with toil excite the soil, Along Sandusky's rural bourn.

In seasons mild their forests wild, Through hills and valleys widely spread, The streamlets glide from ev'ry side, Concent'ring to their common bed ; Thence, fed by springs which nature brings, O'erhung by plum-tree, elm and thorn, Winds on the stream, with dazzling gleam, Along Sandusky's rural bourn.

When gath'ring vapors dim the sky, And clouds condensed, their treasures pour ; When show'rs descend, and lightnings rend The heavens above, and thunders roar ; When growing rills the valley fills ; When gentle brooks to rivers turn ; Then moves with pride, the swelling tide, Along Sandusky's rural bourn.

There youths and maids along the glades, Are often seen in walks around, Where flowers iu prime, in vernal time, And where, in Autumn, fruits are found, With manly face, with dimpling grace, Give, and receive kind words in turn- In roseate bowers, where fragrant flowers, O'erspread Sandusky's rural bourn.

Then, here, my friend, your search may end, For here's a country to your mind, And here's a town your hopes may crown, As those who try it soon shall find. Here fountains flow, mild zephyrs blow, While health and pleasure smile each morn, From all, around Bucyrus found, On fair Sandusky's rural bourn.

Many times in after years when Col. Kil- bourne visited Bucyrus, he sang this and other songs to admiring crowds. He was a great fa- vorite among the sturdy pioneer settlers, who esteemed him for his many social qualities ; and, when the knowledge that the Colonel was at the village spread throughout the neighborhood, many would assemble at Bucyrus to enjoy the

rich season of fun which the old surveyor al- ways planned and directed when he appeared. He had a few old cronies, who were seldom ab- sent when the Colonel was willing to make a "night of it" with his boon companions. Brandy and eggnog were Kilbourne's favorite beverages, and these special friends of his never refused to indulge when stray glasses contain- ing liquids of this description were thrust into their hands ; consequently, when Kilbourne planned a good social time at the public house with a few friends, these old fellows were always willing and anxious to assist in disposing of the various liquors furnished by the Colonel's hospitality. In those days, when whisky was supposed to be a necessity in every household, nearly all indulged in strong drink, and for a man to be under the influence of liquor was not so serious as it is supposed to be at the present time. Even ministers did not object to an occasional glass, and many were regular drinkers ; some of these were frequently un- able to preach in consequence of indulging their appetites too freely in liquids that intoxi- cate. But in the early days of the village, when ordained ministers appeared at irregular intervals, some of the settlers, learning that Kilbourne had formerly been an Episcopal Rec- tor, requested him to conduct religious services. It is reported that the Colonel consented in order that Bucyrus would obtain some credit for being a moral and religious village. and ar- rangements were made for him to preach on a certain Sabbath. The night previous, however, he assembled with his usual companions at the public house, and until after midnight the jolly crowd had a fine time. Many songs were proposed and sung by the Colonel ; the bar- tender's till received numerous contributions, and much of his liquid-ware had been disposed of; consequently, when they adjourned, many were much the worse for liquor. But the Rev- erend Colonel appeared next day ready for the religious exercises, and, in consequence of his

All Jones

353

HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

early experience as Rector, he conducted a very satisfactory meeting ; the effect of the previous night did not prevent him from preaching an excellent sermon. Not so, however, with some of his companions who took part in the revel- ries at the public house ; one of these mis- guided men, having learned that Kilbourne was to officiate at another meeting, seemed to con- sider this a continuation of the "good time " started the night previons, and made haste to assemble with the religious portion of the com- munity. The poor fellow was too far gone to notice the difference in the assembly. but he heard the familiar voice of Kilbourne asking some one to propose a hymn for the occasion, and the erring man, not knowing the horrid mistake he was making, commenced one of those drinking songs so familiar to his memory. The incident related above is reported to have taken place ; some of the early settlers do not remember the circumstance, but acknowledge that, considering the drinking customs of early Bucyrus society, the story is a very plausible one.

When the original town plat was surveyed, Norton. the first settler, lived just west of the proposed town, on the lot now occupied by W. H. Drought's residence. Bneklin resided east, near the present site of T. C. Hall's barn ; the Beadles and Joe Ensley also lived west of the new town plat. The first cabin built on this land was by Norton, in 1819, on what is now C. H. Shonert's lot ; when Abel Cary removed to Bucyrus Township. it is possible he occupied this first cabin. The second residence con- structed on the town plat was by Lewis Stephen- son. on the southeast corner of Perry and Wal- nut streets. Among the early residents of the village were the following persons : Dr. Joseph McComb came in the fall of 1822, and resided on the second lot south of the corner of Mary and Main streets ; he died many years after- ward at Fitzsimmons' tavern, in Whetstone Township, from the effects of excessive drink-

ing. George P. Shultz was a resident of the village in the spring of 1822 ; he built a house of "rotten " logs on the river bank. at the north end of Walnut street, about 1823. He was the first " Dutchman " who moved to Bucyrus. For several years, Shultz kept a boarding-house ; he had an adopted daughter who married Harry Miller, an early cabinet-maker of the village. Dr. J. T. Hobbs came as early as 1825, and purchased the lot now occupied by George Shaeffer ; Hobbs afterward removed to Michi- gan. Harry Smith built a cabin, in 1823, on the lot now owned by G. K. Zeigler, at the sonthwest corner of Perry and Walnut streets. William Reeves built a log-honse, in 1823. on the lot now occupied by the Shaeffer Block. Adam Bair, called the "black bear." or " cuff bear," came from Columbus in 1823 ; it was al- ways reported that he had been an inmate in the Ohio Penitentiary, having been sent there from Wayne County, Ohio. for coining counter- feit money. Adam Bair. called the ". good bear," and a cousin of the former, moved to Bu- cyrus about 1825 ; this family of Bairs built the old brick schoolhouse, which was torn down in 1868. Harris Garton moved to Bucyrus in 1822 ; he was born in New Jersey. across the river from Philadelphia, and his father removed to Mansfield in 1818. Garton married Louisa, oldest daughter of Samuel Norton, in 1824. He bought out Albigence Bucklin's fifty acres about 1827, and in 1833 removed to what is now Wyandot County ; after remaining there three years, he returned to Bucyrus, and shortly aft- erward settled in Chatfield Township. Garton removed to his present home in South Todd Township in 1853. Ebenezer Dowd, a young man and a tailor by trade, settled in Bucyrus during 1826, and purchased a lot just south of the southwest corner of Main and Galen streets. He resided in the village a few years, and then went West. Harry Burns followed the Nortons from Elk Hill, Penn. ; he married one of James Scott's daughters. Burns was an excellent shot

354

HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

with the rifle, but very lazy, and only resided in the new town about five years. Mrs. Cloe Yost re- moved to Bucyrus with her husband and family in the fall of 1828. John Moderwell settled in the town, in 1827, with Aunt Betsy ; they lived on the southwest corner of Perry and Walnut streets. Moderwell was a cabinet-maker and millwright. He continued a resident of the place for nearly fifty years, during which time he held many positions of honor and trust, to which he was chosen by the citizens. George Lauck removed to the town about 1826, and shortly afterward purchased the northwest cor- ner of Mary and Main streets, at which stand he conducted an inn for many years ; he after- ward purchased Garton's land, east of town, which was known in later days as the Lauck homestead. Hugh McCracken and old Bailey came in 1826, and in April of that year Hugh was commissioned first Sheriff of Crawford County. James MeCracken settled in the vil- lage shortly afterward, and, previous to 1830, lived on the lot now occupied by George Ma- der's block ; his sister, the Widow Phillips, and her two daughters, Samantha and Susan (now Mrs. E. R. Kearsley), resided in the same house. A small log house, situated on this same lot, was used for school purposes, and Sallie Davis taught school in it as early as 1829. Gen. Sam- uel Myers, who came in 1826, purchased the lot immediately south of the one now occupied by Blicke's store, and Andrew Failor, several months previous to this, bought Lot 20, imme- diately south of Myers' property. Thomas Johnson, a cabinet-maker, came about the year 1826, and desired to follow his trade, but he could not secure seasoned lumber for material. He removed to Dallas Township, of which lo- cality he was a resident for many years. Judge John Nimmons removed from Wooster to Bu- cyrus in 1827, and opened a store ; his brother- in-law, R. W. Cahill, came with him and clerked in this establishment. John Deardorff settled in the village at an early day, and, when he died,

Abner Rowse married his widow. Old Tommy Alsoph appeared in the village as early as the year 1824. He was of English birth, and the son of wealthy parents, who placed him in charge of George Cortall and other English colonists, who visited America about the year 1819, for the purpose of engaging in the manu- facture of silk near Athens, Ohio. Their en- terprise proved a failure, and many returned to the old country. Alsoph, however, wandered up toward the New Purchase, and finally made his home in Crawford, where he resided for nearly forty years. He obtained, in after years, a regular quarterly allowance from his relatives, amounting to about $400. Each quarter, after receiving these funds, he expended them with a lavish hand, and in a few days was without money. But he possessed a fine education, and occasionally taught schools in the village and surrounding country. Alsoph was ad- dicted to the excessive use of intoxicating liq- uors, and became a regular sot. He boarded with several families throughout the country, and was generally treated in a shameful manner. One old Methodist minister named Camp, who boarded him for a time, abused him terribly ; oc- casionally he kept Alsoph chained with a log chain. The people, generally, who consented to harbor him, tried on various pretexts to secure his quarterly allowance, and when they succeeded, cared very little how he fared until the next draft appeared from the old country. Alsoph was slightly demented, or he never would have suffered the various impositions to which he was subjected. He was a great poli- tician, a fluent speaker, but very vacillating, and frequently changed from one party to another. Alsoph was finally placed by his relatives in the charge of Mr. J. Hopley ; he was reformed to a great extent, and taken back to England in 1862.

The lots sold by Norton and Kilbourne always brought fair prices. It is stated in some pioneer sketches that the lot upon which

335

HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

Quinby Block is now situated, and also all the land between this block and the railroad, was originally sold for $5 in gold. Norton paid the Government about that amount for it, but sold the lots located upon this land for much more. The lot upon which the aforesaid block is now located was sold to Lewis Stephenson for $42. By November 28, 1826, forty-two lots in the village had been disposed of, and the fol- lowing parties were then owners :

Lot. Price.

No. 10, Charles Merriman .. $50 0)

No. 12, Hugh MeCracken and French & Bowers 40 00

No. 13, Robert More. 40 00

No. 14, E. B. Merriman 40 00

No. 15, James McClure 40 00

No. 16, Dr. I. T. Hobbs 30 00

No. 17, John Miller. 50 00

No. 19, J. S. Hughes' heirs 40 00

No. 20, Andrew Failor. 45 00

No. 21, Henry Miller 40 00

No. 23, Dr. Joseph McComb. 40 00

No. 25, Hawkins Thompson (of Chillicothe). 30 00

No. 26, Nehemiah Squires 25 00 No. 27, James Houston 40 00

No. 28, Patrick Height's heirs. 40 00

No. 29, John Deardorff's heirs 50 00

No. 30, H. & L. Holmes 40 00

No. 31, Ebenezer Dowd. 60 00

40 00

No. 32, John Hurh.

No. 33, Edward Billups 40 00

40 00

No. 34, Harris Pratt.

No. 35, Henry St. John. 45 00

No. 36, Lewis Stephenson. 42 00

No. 38, Kirklan & Clap. 50 00

40 00

No. 40, James Marshal. 40 00

No. 43, Jacob Drake. 40 00

No. 44, John McClure.

No 52, Ilarris Garton (given by Norton). 25 00

1 00

No. 53, Russel Peck. 40 00

No. 54, John Miller. 40 00

No. 64, Nathan Merriman. 40 00

No. 65, Nathan Merriman. 40 00

No. 66, E B. Merriman. 1 00

No. 69, Ilarris Garton (given by Norton) 40 00 No. 79, Ebenezer Dowd

No. 91, Joy Sperry 50 00

No. 93, Rensellaer Norton (given by Norton) 1 00

No. 94, Elihu Dowd. 38 00

An ontlot, Ilugh Long. 25 00

In addition to these, the proprietors had do- nated to the citizens of the county and village the following land : Lot No. 86, for school purposes, valued at $50; Lot No. 90, for the court house, valued at $200 ; Lot No. 88, for jail, valued at $50.

Much of the land embraced in the original town plat was low and wet, as was also the coun- try in the immediate vicinity. This general dampness caused considerable sickness, and the early inhabitants suffered much from the ague. James Nail, of Sandusky Township, in his early recollections published in the Forum during 1874, gives the following description of early Bucyrus life: "At this time. 1824, I went to Bucyrus and engaged mill-stones of a Mr. Bucklin, who was making them there out of a kind of 'nigger-head' stones. After he finished them he gave me notice, and I went after them with a wagon and two yoke of cattle. I remained overnight with Bucklin, and as I could get no inclosure or stable, I let the oxen graze on the plain. In the morning when I went for them, they had started homeward, and it was about 10 A. M. when I found and brought them back to town. In the street, I met a man (Mr. Harry Smith). He asked me if I had breakfasted that day. I said no. He then said: ' Nearly every person in town has got the ague; go with me and take your breakfast.' He

further remarked, 'I am the only man in this town that has any pork ; you must fill your stomach with pork ; then keep your mouth shut and breathe through your nose, or you will have a shake of ague before you leave town.' After breakfast, my mill-stones were loaded. and I hauled them home." A few of the carly in- habitants suffered additional privations in con- sequence of poverty. One case of privation has been graphically described by Mrs. Lucy .Rogers, who says : " My husband took sick on one occasion, and was bed-fast. He could neither eat nor drink a part of the time. Mean- while our scanty store of food was consumed

356

IIISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

until not a particle was left in the house for our subsistence. The last erust was gone. My prayer to God was that all of us, my young babe, my helpless husband and my starv- ing self might all die together before the sun should set. That night was one of sleepless agony. Next morning, I went through an In- dian trail. unfit as I was to go through the tall wet grass, which was then as high as a man's head,to William Langdon's, near Young's grist- mill, and, between sobs, told my pitiful story to him, and begged for some flour to keep my little family from starving to death. He did not know inc and refused. but his wife-God bless her- spoke up and said 'You shall not starve if it takes all there is in the house.' Her husband relented and weighed me out nineteen pounds of flour, and then, blessing them for their charity. I returned home through the tall grass with the ' bird of hope' again singing in my bosom. How sweet the short-cake, without butter. meat or anything else, tasted that day. In the afternoon Aunt Lois Kent, learning of our destitution. brought us a pan of meal. I got some milk of Mrs. Shultz, and then made some mush. Believe me, the tears of joy and sorrow rained down my cheeks when this meal was eaten. I then told Louisa Norton, who afterward married Harris Garton, how terribly we were distressed by want and hunger. She went home and told her father, Samnel Norton, who said : 'This will not do, these folks have come to a new country, and they must be helped. They shall not starve in Bucyrus.' So every evening he sent us new milk fresh from the cow, and, as we needed it, a ham of meat. One day he sent Louisa over to us with a dressed pig. 1 never had a present that did me so much good. In a few weeks my hus- band recovered, and then we fared better." But very few of the early citizens were reduced to such extremes, although most families were many times without the necessaries of life.

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.

History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 53

Author: Perrin, William Henry, [from old catalog] comp; Battle, J. H., [from old catalog] comp; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852- [from old catalog] comp; Baskin & Battey, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey Number of Pages: 1034

Author: Perrin, William Henry, [from old catalog] comp; Battle, J. H., [from old catalog] comp; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852- [from old catalog] comp; Baskin & Battey, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Baskin & Battey
Number of Pages: 1034