USA > Ohio > Hancock County > History of Hancock County, Ohio. Biographical and Statistical > Part 5
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY
business. Mr. Woods replied that he was on the public highway, and had no right to be disturbed, and backed up his reply by presenting a well-loaded re- volver as convincing evidence. The party strode on to Findlay and among others inquired of Mr. Ballentine, who kept a hotel, who the party of a certain de- scription was, and Mr. Ballentine said he did not know unless it was someone who had brought parties to the train to go away on the Carey branch. Thus one of the investigators was misled. Story after story of this character could be told of the workings of the underground railroad. Parties were even taken from Dela- ware as far north as John King's and passed through Findlay in broad daylight. Mr. Woods stated that as many as thirty-one runaway slaves were in hiding among the hay at their barn at one time. The party who run the flag station. two miles north and one and a half miles west of Arlington, was Francis Bartley.
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CHAPTER X.
HANCOCK COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR.
War! War !! War !!! Since the days of the Revolution were the people of this county, this state, this nation so thoroughly aroused as when the news flashed over the wires and also from tongue to ear that Fort Sumter had fallen.
From all sections of the free states, regardless of political affiliation, voices went up with fierce determination to sustain the government and punish the traitors. History furnishes few examples of such patriotic devotion and such unanimity of sentiment and feeling. Volunteer companies sprang into existence as if by magic, and large amounts were contributed by state legislatures, private corporations and individuals to defray the expenses of the coming struggle for national unity. Hancock county was in harmony with the patriotic sentiments of the nation, and enthusiastic expressions of loyalty to our time-honored flag fell from the lips of old and young.
Findlay being the county seat, was the prinicpal point where public senti- ment found outward expression and the action taken here will serve to illustrate the patriotism of the people throughout the county.
Early on the morning of April 17, 1861. a few national flags were thrown to the breeze, the sight of which seemed to kindle a patriotic fire in every heart. Presently a large American banner was suspended across Main street from the court house to Reed's hotel.
The town soon began to present a lively appearance, and when the band headed by the Stars and Stripes commenced promenading Main street the mar- tial spirit in many loyal hearts broke forth in cheers. About Io o'clock a. m. a cannon, owned by the local Democratic organization, was brought forth and ac- companied by several hundred citizens on foot and horseback was taken across the river and a salute of thirty-four shots fired in honor of the union. Enthusiasm was abundant, and party lines were entirely forgotten. Towards noon another large banner was suspended across Main street, and flags of every size were float- ing from nearly every business block and numerous private residences. Two lib- erty poles were raised in the afternoon on the opposite corners of Main and Main Cross streets, and the American flag run up on each. Afterwards other poles were raised from fifty to eighty feet in height and mounted with the Stars and Stripes, all of which taken together made the appearance of a vast military camp.
Pursuant to a call issued April 17, 1861, a large and enthusiastic assemblage of citizens convened at the court house on the following afternoon. Edson Goit was made chairman and Philip Ford and S. J,. Mills appointed secretaries. Mr.
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
Goit on taking the chair delivered a patriotic speech, which was frequently in terrupted by outbursts of applause. He said the government should be sus- tained at all hazards and the man who in this emergency opposed the execution of the laws be denounced as a traitor.
On motion of J. M. Palmer, a committee consisting of Messrs. Aaron Black- ford, J. M. Palmer, A. P. Byal, W. W Siddall and Israel Green was appointed to draft resolutions expressing the sentiment of the meeting During the absence of the committee the enthusiasm was kept at fever heat by patriotic, soul-stirring and at the same time appropriate music and speeches. The band played "Hail, Columbia," and the "Star-Spangled Banner" was called for and sung by Messrs. N. Y. Mifford, Dwella M. Stoughton and William Mungen, the vast audience rising and joining in the chorus. At the close of each verse cheer after cheer was given by the assembled multitude till the very building seemed to join in the enthusiastic patriotism of the people and echo back their sentiments.
James A. Bope made a brief speech denouncing treason and secession, and calling upon all to rally around the flag. Amidst frequent applause William Mungen declared himself "in favor of our country, right or wrong." The time, he said, was now past for party questions, and as a Democrat of the strictest school, he asserted that in the present alarming condition of the country, political questions should be forgotten. William Gribben was the next speaker. He said that armed traitors had conspired together for the destruction of our govern- ment, that our national flag had been insulted and trampled upon by the enemies of our country, and declared the honor of the glorious old banner should be up- held. At this point the committee on resolutions presented the following report, which was, amid vociferous applause, adopted :
"Whereas, A band of armed traitors to the government of the United States have leagued together for the avowed purpose of overthrowing the constitution and laws of our beloved country, and to insult and strike down the ensign of our nation, which has given to the American citizen ample protection at home and abroad, and to our country consideration and dignity wherever its stars and stripes have been seen and known ; and
"Whereas, In pursuance of such treasonable intent, those traitors have once struck down that glorious flag. and now threaten with a myridian host in arms to seize our national capital, to trail our nation's honor in the dust and transform this free government into a cruel monarchy ; therefore,
"Resolved, That whatever differences of opinion have divided us in the past. today we are united and are animated by one purpose, and that is an unyielding and undying devotion to the Union, and determination to stand by the govern- ment and flag of our country. Living, we will stand shoulder to shoulder and fight in their defense; dying we bequeath this purpose to our children.
"Resolved, That in the present civil war so wantonly begun by traitors now in arms against our government, the only issue presented to every American citizen is : Shall our constitutional government stand against the rebel and revolutionary
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force that now threatens its destruction? Or shall it yield to treason for a despotism to be erected upon its ruins? 'He that is not with us is against us.'
"Resolved, That as our revolutionary fathers with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence eventually pledged to each other their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor for the purchase of those civil and religious lib- erties by them transmitted to us, and that we have so long enjoyed, we, their descendants, with a firm reliance upon the same Divine and all-protecting Power. mutually make the same sacred pledge to each other for the preservation and per- petuity of that inestimable inheritance by them bequeathed to us."
Upon the adoption of the foregoing resolution, Judge Palmer addressed the meeting in an eloquent speech full of patriotic devotion.
James M. Neibling was then called for and began by saying that fourteen years before, when only a boy, he shouldered his musket at the call of his country to assist in chastising Mexican arrogance, and he was ready to go again if his country's cause demanded his services. This declaration was received with un- bounded applause. After some further remarks upon the necessity of union and immediate action he presented the roll of enlistment for volunteers, under the call of President Lincoln for 75,000 men, issued three days before. In a very short time seventy-two names were down upon the roll, and the meeting then adjourned with cheers and expressions of loyalty to the flag. The volunteers were formed into line by Colonel Neibling and escorted by the band, marched down Main street and disbanded to meet for another rally on Tuesday, April 23, which had been previously announced.
The news went abroad for a grand rally at Findlay on that day, and prob- ably never before were so many people seen in the town. They came from every part of the county, all seeming to be moved by the one prevailing senti- ment of loyalty. Nothing was talked of but the defense and preservation of the Union. And in this great cause none were more deeply interested than the old gray-headed veterans who had so long enjoyed its blessings. Scores of pioneers publicly declared their readiness to shoulder a musket and march to the defense of their country. All seemed to be imbued with that same spirit of patriotic de- votion and sacrifice which nerved the revolutionary fathers to win that glorious boon of liberty we now enjoy. Party prejudice was set aside, and all labored together, hand in hand in that noble work of preserving the national honor.
By this time three companies of volunteers had been raised in Hancock county, which were afterwards mustered into the Twenty-first regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, as companies A, F and G, the officers of which you will find together with the privates in another part of this book.
In the afternoon companies A and F were each presented by the ladies of Findlay with a handsome flag. The presentation took place in front of the court house, in the presence of the large assemblage which had come together on that day to attest their unswerving loyalty. Mrs. James M. Neibling made the presentation speech, and the flags were respectively received by Captain Wil- son and Walker on behalf of their companies.
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
The volunteers rendezvoused at the fair grounds, then located in East Find- lay, on the Mt. Blanchard road, which was dedicated as "Camp Neibling," in hon- or of the gallant Colonel James M. Neibling, who was ever foremost in promoting the good cause, and who afterward commanded the Twenty-first regiment on many a bloody field. On the 25th of April, Mrs. Mary Mungen, on behalf of the ladies of Findlay, presented a flag to company G; before the following day a delegation of ladies from McComb put in an appearance at Camp Neibling and presented another flag to the same company, most of which command were from the northwest part of the county. Miss Addie M. Price presented the beautiful banner, and Captain Lovell received it and responded in appropriate terms.
On Saturday, April 27, a mass meeting was held at the court house for the purpose of arranging for a more thorough military organization of the county. James. M. Neibling was elected chairman, and D. B. Beardsley secretary. Speeches were made by Messrs. James M. Neibling, Aaron Blackford and Abel F. Parker, advocating the proposed measure; and committees were appointed in each township to carry the project into effect. Meetings were soon afterward held in nearly every township, military companies organized, and the patriotic ardor of the people was unabated. Several companies of home guards were also formed, consisting of men over forty-five years of age; but these organizations subsequently disbanded, because the term "Home Guard" soon became one of reproach, and was flippantly used to designate stay-at-homes or a class who were afraid to go into the army.
Our space is too much limited to give a full description of the principal events relative to preparations and active service in this great struggle for freedom, as a complete list of soldiers, etc., is elsewhere found in this volume, so we must content our readers with a very limited description. We cannot, how- ever, pass by the fact that a vast amount of credit is due the various societies organized at divers times during the rebellion towards providing for the fam- ilies of those who were willing to give their service and, if need be, their lives for the cause of freedom. And especially is this true of the ladies of these so- cieties, who did a great amount of good in gathering and forwarding sanitary supplies to hospital camps. In fact, the patriotic women of the county did their full share toward crushing the mightiest rebellion in the history of the world, not only in actions and deeds naturally performed which relieved the soldiers in the field, but in enduring the heart-aches, and responsibility of both parents' fondness and care over their children, where at such ages as they at that time had obtained, their future was being molded and shaped.
But all these heart-aches and thoughts of bloody war were somewhat soothed when the news that Richmond was captured had spread over the country; it created the most intense excitement, but it was one of joy. Bell-ringing, hand- shaking and congratulations were the order of the day.
The citizens turned out en masse ; bonfires were lighted in every town and village, and an undercurrent of deep thankfulness pervaded the entire communi- ty. All hailed the good news as a harbinger of peace and happiness. With the
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HANCOCK COUNTY IN THE CIVIL WAR.
fall of the rebel capital the war was comparatively at an end; and though Lee struggled bravely to save his army from the iron grasp of Grant, its fate was sealed. On the 9th of April, 1865, he surrendered to Grant at Appomattox court house, and nine days afterward Johnston gave up his armny to Sherman.
Throughout the north the news of these glorious successes of the Union arms was received with unbounded enthusiasm, and heartfelt prayers were of- fered to the God of battles, who in His infinite mercy had vouchsafed such a brilliant ending to the long turmoil of civil strife. After four years of bloody war-after the sacrifice of hundreds of thousands of gallant men and millions of treasure, the great rebellion was at an end, the government preserved. and freedom perpetuated.
According to previous announcement, a grand celebration was held at Find- lay, April 14, 1865, to rejoice over the dawn of a glorious peace. The day was bright and cheerful, and nature seemed to smile on the exalted happiness of the people.
The exercises commenced at six o'clock in the morning with the ringing of bells, and the firing of a salute of thirty-six guns. As the day wore on ,crowds of people came pouring into Findlay. At ten o'clock services were held in sev- eral of the churches, and shortly after noon a large audience gathered at the court house, where appropriate addresses were delivered by Revs. Rose and Wykes. In the evening there was a fine display of fireworks, and every busi- ness house, as well as many of the private dwellings, were brilliantly illuminated.
This joy, however, was short lived, and suddenly changed to deep mourning. About ten o'clock the news of President Lincoln's assassination reached Findlay, and fell like a pall on the hearts of her citizens. Everyone was horror-stricken at the awful deed, and never was there so much feeling manifested by the true and loyal hearts of Hancock county. In a short time all of the business houses were closed and draped in mourning, and the flags dressed in crepe and raised at half-mast. In the afternoon a public meeting was held at the court house to express the sentiments of the people on the assassination of the president, and deep gloom filled every honest heart.
Soon after the war ended, the Union armies were discharged, and the sol- diers still remaining, returned to their homes, and once more joy reigned su- preme around hundreds of firesides in Hancock county. To the survivors and their children has been vouchsafed the blessing to witness the grand results of all their sacrifices, in a reunited country pursuing a common destiny, while the name and fame of those who fell, either on the battlefield or in the line of duty, has been commemorated through the pages of history and on the beautiful mon- uments of marble and bronze prominent in city, town and village all over this fair land of ours. They all went out with one common aim in view-to lay down their life, if necessary, to aid in the cause of freedom. They went cheerfully wherever duty called them. They never shirked duty and never flinched under fire. They never retreated unless ordered so to do .. They endured all the hard- ships of marching, fighting, and of prisons, and more than five hundred of them
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
laid down their lives without a murmer, that the noble cause, for which they fought, might be sustained for the benefit of future generations. They left father, mother, brother, sister, wife, children, all that was near and dear to them in this life, well knowing that for the last time they might look at their families' loving faces, and into their aching hearts; and for four long and weary years, both those at home and those engaged in the fight for freedom, endured the hardships of one of the most bloody and cruel wars on record.
But space is somewhat limited, else one could write a volume on this one subject, but enough has been said to lead the reader into a sort of meditating mood, where he can think and imagine for him or herself.
List of soldiers found elsewhere in this volume.
CHAPTER XI.
THE BAR OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
There is, perhaps, no subject in pioneer history of more general interest than that of law. The majority of men have at one time or another been brought in close contact with it in some way, and this condition will continue as long as men exist.
The early struggles of the average lawyer in any community were something that the young beginner of today knows nothing of. His trials and tribulations are as nothing compared to the continued battles for existence of his pioneer predecessors. The pioneer bar of Hancock county had some giant intellects as well as a few of the pettifogging order, and all were alike obliged to bide their time in the days when 'coon skins and any old thing was legal tender, and when cases of litigation were few and far between. And beyond doubt these men hewed their way through the legal wilderness just as truly as did the farmer through the material forest that in early days covered the entire land.
EDSON GOIT.
Edson Goit was the first resident lawyer of Findlay. He was a native of Oswego county, New York, and was born October 18, 1808. When he was quite small his father died, but, through improving every opportunity during his boyhood years he managed to obtain a fair education and taught school ere reaching his majority. In 1827 he left his early home and traveled across Ohio, until arriving at the village of Fremont. Here he halted, and subsequently taught school in Fremont and Tiffin. During this period Mr. Goit read law under Rudolphus Dickinson, of Fremont, and Abel Rawson, of Tiffin, and July 12, 1832, was admitted to practice. Learning that Findlay, the then new county seat of Hancock county, had no lawyer, he at once concluded to come here and cast his fortunes with the then hamlet. Traveling on foot from Tiffin, he reached Findlay on the third day of his journey, and went to reside in the home of Dr. Rawson, a practicing physician of the village. This was in August, 1832, and in September he was appointed prosecuting attorney, which position he held un- til June, 1836. The office of prosecutor, however, paid a very small salary dur- ing this period of the county's history, and for several months after settling in Findlay, Mr. Goit patiently waited for clients that never came. Discouraged at the poor outlook, he at last made up his mind to leave the town, but ere car- rying out his intention, the tide turned, he was engaged to teach a school, and was thus guaranteed sufficient to pay his board. Clients soon began to consult him, hope took the place of despondeney, and he gave up the idea of leaving
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
Findlay. While boarding at the tavern of William Taylor, in 1835, he married Miss Jane Patterson, a sister of Mrs. Taylor, with whom she was living. In May, 1836, Mr. Goit was appointed auditor, vice John C. Shannon, deceased, and served till March, 1837. In April, 1837, he was again appointed prosecuting attorney, but resigned the office in October, 1838. The same month he was elected treasurer, and filled that office two successive terms. He was now on the highway to prosperity, and besides attending to the duties of his profession. launched out boldly into other pursuits. He accumulated a large amount of land and engaged extensively in mercantile business in Hancock. Allen and Put- nam counties. He, however, got "too many irons in the fire;" his business was two complex for judicious management, and his large land interests finally be- came an incumbrance and proved his financial downfall. From January. 1858. to January, 1862, he again filled the office of prosecuting attorney, and this finished his official career. Mr. Goit possessed unbounded energy, and though a fair lawyer. did not devote sufficient attention to his profession to keep up with the times. He was a man of fine personal appearance and dignified carriage, and was regarded as a very strong jury lawyer. Though he lost the fruits of a lifetime of persevering industry, he did not, however, "fail," as that term is commonly understood, but paid his creditors to the last penny, no man losing a cent by him and his every promise being faithfully redeemed. Such was his sterling honesty, that his principal solace at the hour of his death was the fact that he owed no man a dollar. His first wife died in the spring of 1863, leaving a family of three sons and one daughter. One of the sons was subsequently killed in the war of the rebellion. Mr. Goit was afterward married to Mrs. Sarah A. McConnell, of Van Buren, and in the fall of 1867 removed to Bowling Green, where he died May 29. 1880. Two daughters were born of the second marriage, both of whom are dead. No man has ever lived in Findlay who is more kindly remembered than Edson Goit. He was charitable to a fault, and every worthy public enterprise found in him a warm friend and generous sup- porter. Mr. Goit built while living in Findlay what was then the largest block in Findlay. The Karg Bros.' meat market block is a portion of the building he erected, although the entire structure was remodeled during the boom.
ARNOLD F. MERRIAM.
Arnold F. Merriam was the second lawyer to locate in Findlay. He was born in Brandon, Vermont, December 17, 1811, and was there educated and began the study of law. In early manhood he removed to Zanesville, Ohio, where he completed his law studies and was admitted to practice. He soon after- ward started for Vinton county, where he intended to locate, but during his journey met Wilson Vance, who induced him to change his mind and come to Findlay. He arrived here in the spring of 1835, and entered into partnership with Edson Goit. In June, 1836, he was appointed prosecuting attorney, which office he filled till April, 1837, when he resigned. On the 27th of May, 1837. he married Miss Sarah A. Baldwin, sister of Dr. William Baldwin, who bore him
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THE BAR OF HANCOCK COUNTY.
one son and two daughters. In January, 1838, Mr. Merriam started the Han- cock Republican, the first Whig paper published in the county, which he pub- lished about a year. He then removed to Mansfield, Ohio, sold the press and subsequently went to Kentucky, where he died in July, 1844. His widow re- turned with her family to Findlay, and afterward married Judge Robert Strother. The lady is now living here, the venerable Mrs. S. A. Strother, whom everybody loves and reveres. Though Mr. Merriam followed his profession about four years in this county, he left Findlay at such an early date that little is remembered of him by the older citizens still living.
JOHN H. MORRISON.
John H. Morrison was the third lawyer who came to Findlay, and was one of the best known members of the pioneer bar. P. B. Morrison and the Misses Morrison, of this city, one of whom is now dead, were son and daughters of the once celebrated lawyer. He was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, in 1802, but removed when quite young to Perry county, Ohio, where at the age of fifteen he lost his right arm by accident. Young Morrison received a good common school education, read law in the office of Philemon Beecher, of Lancaster, Ohio, began practice in Bucyrus, and afterwards filled the office of prosecuting at- torney and treasurer of Crawford county. In the fall of 1836 he located in Findlay ,and soon became well known throughout northwestern Ohio. Mr. Morrison was talented, blunt and fearless to a remarkable degree, possessed of untiring energy, and was an indefatigable worker in the interests of his clients. Mr. Morrison was married in Perry county, Ohio, to a Miss Henthorn, who died at Bucyrus, without issue. He afterwards married Miss Nancy Williams, who reared a family of five children, two of whom still reside in this city. He died April 19, 1854, but he is as vividiy remembered by the older members of the bar as if he had only passed away a year ago.
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