History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 86

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 86

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The first settler in the township, so far as known, was George Byers, who, in 1820, lived in a small log cabin, or " hen coop," located on Section 17. The exact date of his settling

there is unknown or forgotten, but was, proba- bly, 1818. He had several acres cleared in 1820, but from the fact that he spent his time in hunting and trapping. seeming to despise farm labor as a much less dignified pursuit, many think his land was cleared by an earlier settler of whom he bought. He was a success- ful hunter and trapper, roaming the forest and swamps for miles around in search of adven- ture, or joining the circular hunts of the Indians. He became familiar with every path in the cranberry marsh northwest of his cabin, and was about the only hunter who dared, in the night-time, to brave the perils from snakes and from the wolves, panthers and bears which infested that dreary region. He made large wooden traps for wolves and foxes, baiting them with deer or other meat attached to sharpened sticks which formed the triggers of the traps. His traps for fur-bearing animals were thoroughly rubbed with asafetida to remove any suspicious smell. He is said to have caught more than a hundred mink in one winter, together with coon, beaver and a few otter. Mink skins sold for $4; fox for from 75 cents to $3 ; beaver for $5; otter for as high as $8. After many years, Byers died and was buried in the township. James Richards ap- peared in 1821. He was the second settler and the first blacksmith, and, shortly after the erection of his cabin, built a small round-log shop. He made cow bells, prepared iron points for plows, hammered out and tempered axes, obtaining his supplies of iron from Sandusky City. He found much to do in repairing set- tlers' wagons that had become disordered in the long journeys to the West. At this time, there were two roads in the township (if they deserve that name). The Columbus and San- dusky road, running north and south through the township, had been first cut out about the year 1818, and was simply a blazed path through the forest, from which undergrowth and fallen trees had been removed. It was

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located on the site of an old Indian trail, and was one of the routes traveled by settlers living in the central part of the State, on their jour- neys to the cities on Lake Erie. The other was the Bucyrus and De Kalb road, that had been blazed in 1821. Pioneers in their jour- neys to the West would follow, as far as prac- ticable, Indian trails to avoid the serious delay and annoyance of having to eut a wagon road. These trails afterward became fixed highways, and are now among the best roads in the State. George Dickson, a young unmarried man, arrived, in 1822, and entered the land upon which he yet lives. After clearing a few acres and making some improvements he returned to the Keystone State, where he married, and, in 1823, brought his wife to their wilderness home. He has ever since been one of the most promi- nent citizens in the township. The fourth settler was Conrad Walters, who arrived in 1824, and began working at the cooper's trade. Several old settlers are yet in posession of kegs, tubs and barrels made by him. Mr. Walters was well educated and well-bred, and his case was one of those where men of culture left the attractions of settled localities for the soli- tude and hardships of pioneer life. He was apt and courageous, and soon became an expert hunter and trapper, learning much from his associations with Byers and from the Indians. One night, just at dark, while hunt- ing in the swamps in the southern part of the township, he shot and wounded a large buck, which was standing knee-deep in mud and water. It fell, and Walters, thinking it was dying, rushed in to cut its throat. He seized it by the horns and drew his knife ; but the deer had only been stunned, and began to struggle desperately to get up. It knocked the knife from his hand into the water, and Walters, to prevent the enraged animal from goring him to death, seized him by the antlers, and exerted all his strength to prevent it from rising. He clung to it until it was thoroughly exhausted,

when throwing his whole weight on its head, he plunged its nose into the mud and water. The animal was too much exhausted to raise its head and, in a few minutes, was strangled to death. Walters' clothing was cut to ribbons by the sharp horns and hoofs, and his body was covered with bruises and wounds. He was ever afterward careful to avoid a hand-to- hand struggle with a wounded deer. He recovered his knife and, having bled the deer, swung its body into a sapling for safe keep- ing from the wolves until morning.

Levi Arnold, R. W. Cahill, William Cleland, James Dickson, Charles Warner, Jonathan Diekson, Samuel Tarr, David Anderson, Bar- net and James Cole, Andrew Dickson, Dennis Orton, Thomas Gill, Samuel Dean and a few others settled in the northern part prior to 1830. These settlers were mostly New En- glanders, and many of them were the descend- ants of Revolutionary soldiers. There were probably twenty cabins erected in northern Vernon prior to 1830, and the forests began to disappear. Various industries arose to supply articles which otherwise were only obtained by long and tiresome journeys to Sandusky or some other city. Arnold located where the village of West Liberty now stands. He was a carpenter, probably the first in the township, and began working at his trade. Richards planted the first orchard, in 1825. In 1826, two births occurred-Andrew Dickson and William Cleland. These were likely the first. David Holstein died in northern Vernon in 1833, and Mrs. Akerman in southern Vernon same year. These, so far as kuown, were the first deaths. Prior to 1830, no settler had made his appearance in the southern part of the township; but, between 1830 and 1835, as many as twenty families of German emigrants came in and erected cabins in the swamps and marshes. They were induced to come there because the land was cheap, and because their finances were impoverished by the traveling

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expenses from the old country. They immedi- ately began to clear and drain their land, and were frugal and industrious. The surface was covered with water, and the prospect for any- thing except frogs and ague was gloomy and disheartening. The marshes were filled with snakes and other reptiles, many of them being large and venomous. Near the center of a swampy section of land, comprising about two hundred acres, was a small knob of earth, about twenty feet across and two or three feet above the surrounding flats, where large num- bers of snakes made their dens, and where, on sunny days, they would lie and bask in the sun. One day, several German settlers wit- nessed a furious battle. While they were look- ing at the bank, two rattlesnakes, each about six feet long, came quickly out of an opening, and, throwing themselves into coil about three feet apart, raised their heads about a foot high, and began swaying their bodies from side to side, watching for a chance to strike. Finally, one of them struck the other with its sharp teeth on the neck. The glistening bodies were instantly lashed together like whips, writhing and twisting on the ground for some time, until at last one freed itself from the hold of the other, and, with a rapid movement, darted into its den, leaving its antagonist surprised at its sudden departure. Large numbers of rat- tlesnakes were afterward killed there. Mr. Tempy was the first settler in the southern part, coming in 1831. Jacob Clahn, George Amspaugh, Christian Makerly, Leanderline Gosser, Gotleib Schneider and Conrad Ebner came in 1832, and John B. Yetser, John Weaver, John J. Rubly, John Baumgartner, Jacob Reichlin, Jacob Shibly, Fredolin Gosser, John Heimgartner, Phillip Akerman and oth- ers in 1833. Among those who came in 1834 were Bowers, Beach, Feik, Keller and Reiter. Tempy was a blacksmith, but did not work at his trade. Gosser was a shoemaker, and had a small shop in one end of his log cabin. He

did a small amount of tanning, but only enough to supply himself with rough leather for patching shoes. He planted a few apple- trees in 1832, the first in the German settle- ment. Yetser also set out a small orchard in 1834, and many of the trees are yet standing. This man had received an excellent education in Germany, and he soon became a leader in the settlement. He led in all public enter- prises and educational undertakings, and is to-day one of the most prominent men in the eastern part of the county. Makerly was a cooper, and began making pails, tubs, barrels, etc., an occupation he followed to a limited ex- tent for many years. Jacob Clahn had previ- ously settled a few miles east. When he moved to Vernon, it is related that his wife, having a pailful of excellent swill, determined not to lose it ; so, taking the pail in her hand, she started on foot to carry it two miles to her new home. She got lost in the woods, and, after traveling nearly five miles, reached her destination, and was repaid for her effort when the swill was placed before a large family of hungry pigs. The wonder is that she did not empty the swill on the ground before starting, but the German characteristic to save was paramount. Beach was a carpenter, and erect- ed the first frame houses in Southern Vernon, beginning in 1835. Bower worked at cabinet- making, although he had not learned the trade. He made rough tables, stands, chairs, coffins, etc. The inability of the Germans to speak English almost severed their intercourse with neighboring settlements except those of their own tongue. This resulted in bringing for- ward many industries, which made the settle- ment an almost independent colony. However, the journeys after flour, whisky, powder and shot had to be made. Mansfield was the prin- cipal trading-point, although liquor was usually obtained at the extensive distilleries in Mon- roeville. In 1840, one bushel of corn was worth seven quarts of whisky; sheep sold at

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

$2.25 per head; cows at from $12 to $15; pork at $2 per hundred ; horses at $50. By this time, all the larger varieties of wild animals had disappeared, except an occasional wander- er, and even deer and wolves were scattering and shy, and could be trapped or shot only with difficulty by experienced hunters. Cata- mounts occasionally wandered in, and then all the neighborhood turned out with dogs to hunt them down. These hunts afforded great sport and excitement, often coupled with no little danger, before the animal was killed. Coons and the Ohio species of porcupine were yet abundant, especially the former, which could be found in the woods at any time, and which were accustomed in the night to feed exten- sively in the settlers' corn-fields. The woods were also filled with large flocks of wild tur- keys. For several years, about 1840, much consternation had prevailed in the southern part among sheep owners. A few wolves had established themselves in the heavy woods on Lost Creek, and, when the shades of night fell, would steal into a neighboring sheep-fold, and, when the morning dawned, the indignant own- er would find eight or ten of his flock killed and mangled. Large losses occurred to several citizens, and a grand circular hunt was organ- ized to rid the neighborhood of the marauders. After several trials and a great amount of sport, two or three wolves were killed, and the others were dispersed to distant localities.

The first saw-mill in the township was started by Samuel Reed in 1836, and was located about two miles east of West Liberty. It was at first run by a sweep, but afterward by tread-power, and for ten years did a good business. The most extensive saw-mill ever in Vernon was built on Loss Creek, in 1837, by Isaac Vanhorn. It was a water mill, and was enabled to run nine months of the year-a very unusual thing for mills on small streams. This was possible by reason of the vast quantity of water ob- structed in its flow from the flats by a large

amount of fallen timber. The sawing was mostly done on shares. A Mr. Kilgore afterward owned it, as did Walters and Charles Warner ; the lat- ter tore the mill down. Several other mills have been run at different times, the most im- portant one being a steam muley mill, built by Nicholas Fetter, in the eastern part in 1862. Previous to 1833, the settlers obtained their flour and meal at the large grist-mills on San- dusky River, or at Mansfield ; but, at that date, Conrad Walters erected a frame grist-mill near West Liberty. It at first received the patronage of the citizens, but finally lost support, and was permitted to run down. Samuel Reed built the second grist-mill two miles east of Liberty, in 1836, in which were placed two sets of stone- one, made from " nigger-heads," for grinding corn, and the other, a first-class set of French buhrs, for wheat. It was run by tread-power, in connection with his saw-mill, and for ten years did a prosperous business ; but, having lost much of its custom, the business was discontinued, and the stones removed. These were the only grist-mills ever in the township. Conrad Wal- ters began making potash in 1834, and Dimmick & Gibbs in 1844, the latter firm making as high as seven or eight tons per annum. Jacob Kemp began burning brick in 1838, and about this time brick buildings began to go up.

The village of West Liberty was laid out May 28, 1835, by John Stewart, Surveyor of Richland County, and Thomas Dean, projector and pro- prietor. It was located on Section 17, and was laid out into twenty-eight lots, to which no ad- ditions have since been made. The lots sold originally for $25, a higher price than has pre- vailed at many periods since. The little village was ambitious in carly years, and apparently stood as good chance of becoming populous and opulent as its neighbors ; but its dearth of manufacturing facilities, and its lack of capital, were serious drawbacks to its pretensions, men of wealth preferring to invest their means where county seats were likely to be located, or on

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large streams where ample water-power insured a permanent future revenue. The town fell into the hands of poor men, who began improving it as rapidly as circumstances permitted. At the expiration of a decade, the outlook was promis- ing, and, in 1850, the town reached the pinnacle of its fame. A Mr. Gillespie built the first dwell- ing, in what is now West Liberty, in 1830. It was a double log cabin, and was constructed by Eli Arnold. a carpenter by trade. The building was peculiarly constructed, and people spoke of it as "stylish." It was probably the most elegant (if that is the word) dwelling in the township up to that time. Thomas Dean, the proprietor of the town, failing in business, trans- ferred his interest to Jacob Kemp and Andrew Miller, each of whom built a log cabin, obtain- ing the material from a large log barn erected a few years before by Dean. These were built about the same time, and, like the Ark, had but one window each. Jacob Kemp, Andrew Mil- ler and Samuel Dean, each began with a sepa- rate stock of goods in West Liberty in 1838, and thereby hangs a tale. In the fall of 1838, when there were but four or five dwellings and no store in the town, a peddler arrived with about $500 worth of goods in one of the old- fashioned box wagons. He was a boy about twenty years of age, and, to all appearances, was as green as grass. In his awkward way, the " Green Irish Boy," as he was called, began praising the town, quietly insisting that its lo- cation was a sufficient guaranty of its becom- ing an important trading-point. The citizens listened and commented, and the three men- tioned above, possibly thinking there were " mill- ions in it," determined to embark on the mer- cantile sea. He sold his entire stock of goods to the three men, neither of whom knew that the others had bought. When they discovered the truth, they were staggered ; but, determining not to be outdone by each other, the stock of each was increased to the value of several thou- sand dollars. But the surrounding country

could not furnish the trade necessary for the success of the stores, and, after much contention and disappointment, they were closed. The " Green Irish Boy " took possession of the stock, and considerable land, pledged as security for the goods, fell into his hands. This, for a time, dampened the ardor of mercantile pursuits in West Liberty, and the citizens began to suspect that the " Green Irish Boy " was a " Tartar", and had outwitted them. Fry & Kaler ventured to begin about 1845, with a general assortment of goods, valued at $5,000. The goods were purchased in New York City, and, in 1850. the stock invoiced at $8,000. Six years after be- ginning, Mr. Fry sold to Mr. Malic, and five years afterward Mr. Kaler, having been elected County Treasurer, also sold out to Mr. Malic, who continued the business alone for about five years. Brown & Guiss succeeded him, and soon afterward Mr. Gloyd took Mr. Guiss's place in the partnership. Brown & Gloyd failed, and made an assignment of their goods to J. J. Bowers, who yet has a grocery and notion store in the town. This has been the extent of mer- cantile pursuits in West Liberty. Mr. Wallace was the first blacksmith, but the date of his location is forgotten. Thomas Gill opened a cooper-shop in 1844. He was well educated, and taught many of the neighboring schools. Jacob Kemp built a large two-story frame tavern as early as 1833; it was one of the first buildings erected in the town. It is yet stand- ing and has been converted into a barn. Charles Warner was the first cabinet-maker in the town, beginning in 1830, and continuing about sixteen years. He was succeeded by Henry Balsor, who, soon afterward, sold to George Parsons. In 1844, Gibbs & Main erected a distillery, into which they placed a small copper still, having a capacity of fifteen gallons. The grain was ground in a small cast-iron crusher, run by horses. About two barrels of whisky were made each week. It is said that the whisky was im- bibed as fast as it was made. Notwithstanding

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this very satisfactory condition of the business, it was discontinued at the expiration of about a year. A few years before this, a Mr. Kile tried the experiment of having a raising without whisky ; not a man came to assist him. Dr. J C. Wood, an allopathic physician, located in the village in 1842, but died five years afterward. He was followed by Dr. Hutchinson, who flour- ished for a short time, and by Dr. James Aikens, who appeared in 1852. Afterward, in 1873, came Dr. Bevier, who left for more fruitful fields at the end of two years. The town has no physician at present.

The village of De Kalb was laid out Novem- ber 20, 1835, by David Anderson, projector and proprietor, the surveying being done by Chris- tian Wise. The town consisted originally of sixteen lots, and to these Anderson added twelve more October 15, 1838. The town was located on Section 5, and, since the establish- ment of the station at Tiro, business has been suspended altogether, or transferred to the sta- tion. West Liberty and De Kalb were rivals in early years, each striving to surpass the other in improvements and industries.

In 1838, Dr. Peter Carlton, a physician of the old school, located in De Kalb. He brought with him about $2,000 worth of goods, consist- ing largely of drugs, and began selling his stock, practicing his profession at the same time. David Anderson bought his stock in 1840, but, after continuing in business for five years, sold to Gabriel and Cornelius Fox, who disposed of the goods and retired from the bus- iness. George Cummings kept a small stock about 1840. Elias Cramer opened a grocery there soon afterward. To him belongs the questionable honor of having kept the only saloon ever in the township. Phillip Artz brought a stock of groceries to the town in 1871; his widow is still continuing the bus- iness. Samuel Hagarman erected a blacksmith- shop in 1833. He was succeded by John Hanna. The present smith is Christopher

Norris. Drs. Henry Mack and B. W. Mc- Kee succeeded Dr. Carlton. In 1837, Thomas Mahan and Samuel Wiggins erected a wool- carding and cloth-dressing mill in De Kalb, the building being a large, two-story frame edifice. Several assistants were employed, and large quantities of wool were carded during the first few years of its existence. The business be- came depressed, and, after fluctuating for sev- eral years, died out. John Fulton sunk five vats for dressing skins at De Kalb, in 1835 ; he continued the business but a short time. Charles Gowan also dressed skins there for a short time. R. W. Cahill succeeded in getting a post office established at De Kalb in 1834. The office was called De Kalb, and was first located at Mr. Cahill's residence, he being the first Postmaster. The office was removed to the village in 1839, and David Anderson suc- ceeded Cahill as Postmaster. Between 1840 and 1850, the two villages in the township were at the height of their business prosperity. All industries were active and thriving, and those who had invested capital realized hand- some revennes. Before the establishment of railroads in the county, all villages on well- traveled routes seemingly stood an equal chance of becoming populous and wealthy. Villages located at the intersection of well- traveled highways or on large streams, could boast of superior advantages, and could offer greater inducements to men of capital. De Kalb and West Liberty were situated on the route connecting Columbus and the center of the State with Sandusky and other cities on Lake Erie. This route was extensively trav- cled by settlers Westward bound, many of whom were induced to purchase land and settle in the township. Industry and sobriety are are marked characteristics of the citizens. Ed- ucation and religion received an early impetus, and have steadily kept pace with the progress of the township. Although covered with stag- nant water in early years, and subject to ague

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

and various types of malarial diseases, the township slowly arose from the subsiding waters ; rich, dry land appeared ; forests dis- appeared ; bountiful crops were grown, where erst the songs of batrachians resounded ; im- provements multiplied ; toil brought rich re- wards to the husbandman; good health took the place of burning fever, and happiness and contentment prevailed. The long years have developed a superior soil, and the citizens are proud of their township-one of the most pro- ductive in the State.

An Underground Railroad, running north and south through the State, established two or three stations in the township between 1840 and 1850. The road was exclusively traveled by dark men on dark nights, and many a happy African, now in Canada or in the Northern States, will remember with gratitude the hospi- tality and humanity of several citizens of Vernon Township. Samuel and David Anderson often entertained ebony runaways aiming for the North Star. These were guided to the citizens' dwellings under cover of the night, and, if brought there near morning, were kept con- cealed, and feasted during the day, and were then conveyed to some station nearer Canada and Freedom. Concealment was necessary, because, in harboring runaway slaves, the law was violated, and many whose sympathies were with the slaveholder would not scruple, and even rejoiced, to reveal the name of the law- breaker. This resulted in concealment, and nocturnal pilgrimages by runaways.

In 1862, Mr. Bowers, having dug a well, dis- covered some days afterward that the surface of the water was covered with oil. About this time, great excitement broke out in Pennsyl- vania, on account of the discovery of large quantities of coal oil. Vast fortunes were real- ized in a few days by lucky individuals, and the oil mania spread far and wide. Mr. Bowers began to think that Ohio, as well as Pennsyl- vania, might be rich in coal oil deposits, and

began to examine his well and the oil therefrom. It was certainly coal-oil, and as fast as it was removed from the surface of the water, another film quickly took its place. The supply, though limited in quantity, seemed inexhaustible, and exaggerated reports of the discovery spread rapidly over the neighborhood. The citizens swarmed in to examine the well, and test the oil, and all pronounced the discovery valuable, and warmly congratulated the lucky Bowers. A stock company was formed, pledged for the payment of $10,000, should that amount be necessary to develop the resources of the well. One man bought one-twentieth of the stock, paying $500 for it. About $2,000 were paid to begin with, and men of experience were em- ployed to assume control of the business, which the stockholders ardently hoped would soon afford abundant returns for the investment. But they were doomed to bitter disappointment. The supply of oil, instead of increasing, slowly decreased, and boring was soon abandoned as unprofitable; oil was there, but not in paying quantities.

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History of Crawford County and Ohio, Part 86

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