USA > Ohio > Hancock County > History of Hancock county, from its earliest settlement to the present time > Part 15
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The settlement here was perhaps the very earliest in the county, next to that at Findley. Don Alonzo Hamlin was the first Sheriff of the county, and was also County Assess-
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History of Hancock County.
or. Godfrey Wolford was Coroner of the county, and was also County Commissioner I believe, and Asa M. Lake was one of the first Justices of the Peace in the county.
The lands in this township were mostly purchased by emigrants from the south-eastern counties of Ohio. A few, however, were from Pennsylvania and Virginia. This was a full township of thirty-six sections until the formation of Wyandotte County in 1845, when one tier of sections on the east side were taken to help form that county.
Asa M. Lake, who first came to the county in 1822, re- sided here to the time of his death. He was a fair speci- men of the class of men who first emigrate to a new coun- try, hardy, industrious and honest. He succeeded in build- ing up for himself and children a home in one of the rich- est sections of our county, and lived long enough to see a thriving village built up on the very lands he had redeemed from the wilderness, and peopled with an intelligent and energetic population, supplied with schools and churches and other appliances of civilization.
The red-man, who had been his early companion, had long since been removed westward, and herds of domestic animals taken the place of the wild.
Josiah Elder, whose parents came to this part of the county almost simultaneously with the Lakes, after spend- ing an honest, active lifetime, almost, in the township, died a few years ago, on the old homestead. Mrs. Henry Helms, a sister of Mr. Elder, related to me, a few years ago, the in- cidents connected with her wedding day, in that long ago. She was first married to William J. Greer, of this township. She relates that her intended husband, and herself, travelled from Delaware township to Findley on horse-back-both on one horse-through the almost trackless wilderness, where
239
Soil-Timber-Water.
they obtained a license, and then in the same manner went to the residence of Joshua Hedges, a Justice of the Peace, three miles west of Findley, where they were married, and returned to their homes. The trip occupied three days. What do my fair readers think of that style of wedding tour ?
The soil of this township is generally a black sandy loam, intermixed with clay in some parts. The Blanchard River traverses the township from south to north, and with its fertile bottom lands, and numerous creek bottoms, makes it one of the best agricultural districts in the county. Many of the most beautiful farms in the county are to be found here. The lands-as in all parts of the county-were heavily wooded, and the improvements we see here are the result of the most arduous toil. The fruitful fields have been redeemed from the wilderness, only by the most patient industry and economy.
The timber here found is of the usual kinds, indigenous to the country, such as sugar, beech, elm, white and black ash, the different varieties of the oak, walnut, hickory, hack- berry, buckeye, etc.
The township is well watered by the Blanchard River,. which crosses it, and by the creeks and runs tributary to it. The most considerable creek is in the eastern part of the township, and called Potatoe Creek. Good drinking water can be had in all portions of the township, by sinking wells from ten to thirty feet.
The first school house was built in 1830, near the center of the township, on the farm now owned by J. A. Rose. The first school was taught by John Wolford. The school population was not large at that time, and were easily ac- commodated in the log school house. The enumeration of
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History of Hancock County.
school age in this township, in 1880 was 355, outside the town of Mt. Blanchard. There are now eight school houses- in the township, one graded and seven common or ungraded.
The first church was built in 1838 by the Methodist Episcopal denomination, in the town of Mt. Blanchard. But it must not be supposed that the people were without religious services up to that time. The school houses and private houses had been the churches. There are now seven churches in the township, three Methodist Protestant, two Methodist Episcopal, one Baptist and one Presbyterian.
Godfrey Wolford built a flouring mill on the Blanchard River in 1830, near the center of the township. The mill is now known as "Fahl's Mill." And Felix Miller built a. saw mill-the first in the township-on the Blanchard River, near the south line of the township.
The only still-house ever in the township was built in 1833, by Abner Bell. It was run but a short time, and. was then sold to Samuel Thornton, and removed to Jackson township, where it was operated for several years.
The first white child born in this township, was John B. Elder, and it is believed to be the first white child born in the county. Marian Greer was the first white female born in the township. Nancy Williams, wife of Nathan Williams,. was the first white person who died in this township.
The first election for township officers was held in 1832. R. W. Hamlin, Harvey Smith and John Rose were elected Trustees, Godfrey Wolford, Clerk, and D. O. Hamlin, Treas- urer.
The first couple married were Asa M. Lake and Charlotte M. Greer, and the second couple, William J. Greer and Ros- anna Elder. Both couples were married by Joshua Hedges, J. P. of Findley.
241
Indian Relics.
Mr. Simpson Harris, long a resident of the township, and to whom I am indebted for much valuable information, re- lates the following incidents :
"In 1828, or 1829, as John H. Greer, M. S. Hamlin, J. Greer and D. O. Hamlin were out at play, they came to where a tree had been blown out by the roots, and in fall- ing had left bare the skeleton of an Indian. Upon exami- nation they found a large amount of jewelry, consisting of finger rings, ear and nose rings, wristlets, breast plate, necklace, and quite a large nugget, which they supposed to be copper, all engraved with some French characters. They, supposing the rings to be nothing but tin, and of no particular value, divided them equally between themselves, as near as they could.
"There was a trading post established in what is now Wyandotte County, the agent of which, hearing of their finding, sent word that if they would bring them to him he would pay them all they were worth. M. S. Hamlin sent his portion of the rings, etc., for which he received seven dollars in money. The nugget laid around for a long time, pieces being frequently hacked off, and it was finally lost. This was afterwards supposed by some to have been gold."
"In 1830, John Greer and M. S. Hamlin, two lads, con- cluded they would take a hunt, and with their guns and ammunition, on a beautiful morning, they started on their way. After spending some time in the sport, and securing what game they wanted, they started on their way home- ward. After travelling sometime, and not reaching home, it became evident that they had lost their way.
" After a few moments of consultation they agreed on the direction they would take, when travelling until late in the afternoon, they came to an opening or clearing. At this
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History of Hancock County.
they rejoiced to think they would soon rest their weary limbs. But their hopes were doomed to disappointment, for they had landed at Upper Sandusdy.
" But they did not allow this discovery to entirely discour- age them. They concluded to try it again, but by a surer road this time. They struck off on the old Indian trail. To reach home that night they knew was impossible, but determined to go as far as they could. The afternoon being well spent, some preparation must be made for the night. Just as the sun was setting they came to an Indian wigwam. The old Indian and his squaw kindly took them in, admin- istered to their wants, and they had a good night's rest. The next morning the old Indian pointed out the old trail to them, bade them God speed on their road home, where they arrived the same day."
MT. BLANCHARD.
In October, 1830, Asa M. Lake, one of the very earliest settlers of the county, laid out a town of fifty-three lots on a part of the west half of the north-west quarter of section 1, and the east half of the north-east quarter of section 2, and called it Mt. Blanchard. It is situated on the bluffs, or high grounds on the east bank of the Blanchard River. The location is a good one, surrounded by beautiful and rich farming lands. The town is regularly laid out in squares, the streets and alleys crossing at right angles. The build- ings are mostly of wood, and the dwellings are commodious and respectable. The town was incorporated in 1865. Dr. John Foster was the first Mayor, since which time the fol- lowing persons have held the office: H. C. Pickett, J. W. Turnpaugh, J. W. Wingate, W. W. Hughes, A. F. Naus, J.
243
Churches and Schools.
W. Pickett, Jacob Harris and R. W. McVary, present in- cumbent.
A Post Office was established here in 1834, with John P. Gordon as first Post Master, since which time Elijah Strad- ley, Chester Cook, W. W. Smith, J. Lafferty, J. Patterson, L. A. Baldwin and Henry Greer, who now holds the office, have been Post Masters.
The Methodist Episcopal denomination built the first church in the town. It was a frame building and built in 1838. The Rev. Thomas Thompson and Rev. Gavit, then Missionaries at Upper Sandusky, were the first Methodist preachers. They organized a Society at the residence of Father Greer, one half a mile east of Mt. Blanchard, on the banks of Potatoe Creek, where they continued to wor- ship until a hewed log school house was built on a corner of the Greer land, in 1833 late in the fall, worshipped there until they built their frame house in town in 1838, where they met about twenty years, then moved into their present house, south part of town.
The first school house in the town was of the then pre- vailing style, built of round logs, with huge fire place, clap- board roof and other peculiarities not now known to builders. The Union School of Mt. Blanchard was organized in 1868, and their present building was erected in 1873, It is a commodious, two story brick structure, the style and finish of which gives it a commanding appearance. There are three large school rooms, besides smaller ones for recitations, and other purposes. The building and grounds cost $8,000. In 1880, there were 151 children of school age in the dis- trict.
The business of the village is quite extensive for an in- land town, with no railroad, or other transportation facilities.
244
History of Hancock County.
There are two large dry goods stores, one by J. H. Biddle, and the other by W. S. Shoemaker & Co. These stores keep a full line of goods, and are doing a large and lucrative business. By keeping an assortment of standard articles, they are able to control the trade of the surrounding coun- try for many miles.
The drug business is successfully carried on by Dr. W. M. Yost, and Henry Greer. Both of these gentlemen carry a full line in trade, and by fair dealing, and attention to busi- ness have been enabled to command a very fair trade. Both being experienced druggists, they have and deserve the con- fidence of the entire community.
Two family groceries supply the inhabitants with such articles as are needed in that line. One saloon supplies that want. The hotel "entertains man and beast," as the old signs used to read. This hotel is kept and conducted in such a manner as places it above the average of country hotels. Three blacksmiths are kept busy at their work, and two wagon shops supply the town and surrounding country with work in their line, built of the best materials, and in the best style of workmanship. There are two boot and shoe stores well stocked and well patronized. One butcher shop supplies the people with fresh meats. Such is the business of this thriving village.
The Odd Fellows organized a lodge here in 1858, and have a healthy membership of fifty. A Masonic lodge was organized here in 1878, and now numbers twenty.
The population of this village in 1880 was two hundred and eighty-six.
The following is a list of persons who have held the office of Justice of Peace, with the date of their election.
Asa M. Lake-1828, 1831, 1834.
1
245
Justices of the Peace.
Godfrey Wolford-1834, 1837, 1810, 1843, 1846, 1849. John Lafferty-1835, 1838, 1841, 1844, 1847, 1850, 1853, 1856, 1859, 1862, 1865.
Benjamin Corbin-1847. Robert Taylor-1855. John Rose-1856.
Thomas Miller-1859.
Harvey Smith-1841.
Robert Park-1862, 1865, 1868.
E. A. Sheffield-186S.
Jacob Bridinger-1870.
Jacob Harris-1870, 1873, 1876, 1879.
Geo. W. Beard-1871, 1874.
Josiah Fahl-1877, 1880.
Balser Hauman-1SS0.
An exhibit of the number of acres, and number of bush- els of grain, and number and value of live stock in this township, as returned to the Auditor in 1881.
Wheat, 3,771 acres. 70,073 bushels.
Oats, 286 66
7,949 66
Corn, 2,547 66
104,570 66
Flax, 114
1,069
66
Hay, 56S
624 tons.
Horses, 574 number.
$30,070, value.
Cattle, 1,223 66
14,270, 6
Sheep, 3,676
7,500, 66
Swine, 2,435
5,670,
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History of Hancock County.
EAGLE TOWNSHIP
TP. 1, S.
R. 10, E.
AREA 23,040 ACRES. POPULATION 1,309.
The Commissioners' records of the 3d of December, 1832, read : " A petition was presented by sundry citizens of the original township No. 1, south, in range 10 east, praying to be organized. Township 1 south in range ten east was ac- cordingly set off, and formed into a body politic and corpo- rate, and the said township shall be called Eagle."
This township is bounded on the north by Liberty and Findley townships, on the east by Jackson, on the south by Madison and Van Buren, and on the west by Union, and takes its name from the creek of the same name which runs through it. It is situated in the first range of town- ships south of the base line.
The records of the Land Office show that the first land entered in this township was the west half of the north- east quarter of section 35, by John Woodruff, on the first day of June, 1827. On the 6th day of June, 1829, Elijah Woodruff entered the north-west quarter of section 13. This land is now owned by William Yates and J. Alspach. On the 7th day of August of the same year, Philip Heakes entered the lands now owned by the heirs of George Arnold in section twelve, and in November of the same year, Geo. Bishop entered the north-west quarter of section 24, now owned by John D. Bishop. The north-west quarter of sec-
247
Soil and Timber.
tion 9 was entered by Joshua Hedges, of Pickaway County, on the 28th of September, 1830, and on the 27th of Novem- ber, in the same year, Shun Sager entered the west half of the south-west quarter of section 31. This land is now owned by I. Heldman. In the later part of the year 1831, entries were made in sections 5, 6 and 8 by Jacob Powell, Peter Powell and John Powell, all of Fairfield County, O., and by John Bright in section 21. Other entries followed, and much of the land in the township was speedily taken up.
The soil of this locality is much of it a sandy loam. In some parts a clay soil predominates. The bottom lands along Eagle Creek are exceedingly fertile, and many very valuable farms may be found here. The surface of the land is generally level, except along the creek, where it is somewhat broken, but not enough to prevent easy cultiva- tion. Some parts of the township have been, and indeed are yet, occasionally subject to a disease known as “ Milk Sickness." The cause of this disease has never yet been discovered, and is attributed to the character of the soil, to the water, to vegetation, either living or decaying, but each and all of these theories have been discarded as not giving a satisfactory solution of the cause. Certain it is, however, the cause of the disease, no matter what it may be, is found only in the uncultivated or unreclaimed lands. It is not known on cleared or cultivated fields. Hence, perhaps the most rational conclusion is that the cause is some species of vegetation, that disappears when lands are once cultivated.
The timber is of the prevalent varieties found elsewhere in the county, such as walnut, beech, ash, oak, maple and buckeye. The timber and vegetation thoughout the town- ship was of a very rank growth.
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History of Hancock County.
Eagle Creek and Tiderashy, with their tributaries, furnish an abundance of stock water, and sufficient drainage in all parts of the township. Eagle Creek crosses the township from south to north, in the east part, and Tiderashy Creek follows the same course in the western part, thus pretty thoroughly watering and draining the entire surface. These streams of course are small, and yet Eagle Creek has fur- nished water power for mill purposes ever since the early settlement of the township.
The first settlement made in this township was by John Woodruff in the latter part of 1829, and by John Decker Benjamin Whitman, Conrad Line, Jacob Zoll, and R. W. McClellon in 1830. These pioneers were followed in 1831 by John D. Bishop, Elias Decker, Amos Crum and others. These first settlers were for the most part from Fairfield and Franklin counties. Whitman was from New York, and Mc- Clellon from Pennsylvania. The first settlements were made on or near Eagle Creek, on the east side of the town- ship. The Nunamakers, Heldmans, and others very soon after made settlements in the west part, and the Powells and others located on Tiderashy Creek.
At the first election in 1833, when the township was or- ganized, there were barely electors enough to fill the differ- ent offices. Benjamin Whitman, Conrad Line, George Bishop, John Woodruff and John Decker were voters at that election.
The first school house built within the limits of the town- ship was in the Bishop district, in 1834. Mr. John D. Bishop informs me that himself and Benjamin Whitman were the only tax payers in the district at the time. Rach- ael McBride taught the first school in this building. There are now nine school districts, each one supplied with a com-
249
First Church -- First Mill.
fortable school building, and an enumeration in the town- ship of four hundred and fifty-eight children of school age.
There were no church buildings in the township until 1840, although religious services had been held, and socie- ties formed before that time. These societies met for wor- ship in private families, or in the different school houses. In 1840 the United Brethren Church erected a building on the farm of John Woodruff, on the east side of the creek. It was of hewed logs, small in' dimensions, but sufficiently large to accommodate the religiously inclined of the young settlement. Of the first members of this church we have the names of Mrs. Woodruff, Conrad Line and wife, and some of the Deckers.
The first mill was known as Decker's hand mill, and here by a great deal of muscular power, corn could be ground fine enough for mush making. It was, however, a slow, laborious process. In 1830 George Bishop erected a saw mill, and in 1833, a flouring mill, still known as Bishop's Mill. In 1854 John D. Bishop, the present owner of the mill, attached steam power, as the mill previous to that time had been propelled by water. But after a few years trial he became dissatisfied with this, and removed it, since which time water has again been used as the motive power. Per- haps no mill in the county has been of more real benefit, when mills were most needed, than has this one. Not only did the immediate neighborhood patronize it, but people from a distance came here.
This township is being rapidly developed. Already it can boast of some of the richest farms in the county. There are a large number of very fine residences, and some of the very best farm buildings in the county. The soil is rich and when the timber is removed, is easily cultivated. The peo-
17
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History of Hancock County.
ple are engaged in agriculture and stock raising. The num- ber and character of the church and school buildings found here, speaks of its intelligence and morals. One in trav- elling over the township cannot fail to observe the steady, permanent improvements being made in all parts, and is struck with the air of thrift and contentment which seem to pervade.
MARTINSTOWN
Was laid out on the south-east corner of section 36, by Martin Hollobaugh, in September, 1836. There were, per- haps, never any lots sold, or streets laid out, as the site was at the cross-roads, and the record of the platting of the town closed up its existence, if indeed it ever had one.
CLEMENT POST OFFICE.
A Post Office of this name was established in 1850, with Amos Crum as Post Master. The office was located on the Bellefontaine road about six miles south of Findley. Mr. Crum was succeeded as Post Master by John Swank, who held the office until it was discontinued in 1864.
GEORGE W. ALSPACH.
In the latter part of April, 1834, Mr. Alspach, to use his own language, "landed in Hancock County, in Eagle town- ship, at the house of John Powell." He at once engaged to work for Mr. Powell at $13 per month. In the fall of the same year he went back to his home in Fairfield County, but soon returned, and went to work for Jacob Zoll. He says however, "that he took time to select a lot of land, and go to the land office to enter it, but was too late, as it had already been taken up." After returning to the township, he selected and entered the south-west quarter of section
251
G. W. Alspach.
22. Mr. Alspach is now living on this same tract of land, which by his industry has been converted into a beautiful and valuable farm.
Mr. Alspach says he was married in March, 1835, built a cabin on his land, moved into it in May, without a door or window in place. A blanket served to close the door. This cabin stood in the woods, with wolves howling them to sleep at night. His nearest neighbor was Benj. O. Whitman, who lived one mile and a half distant.
The first settlers in this part of the township, as Mr Alspach remembers them, were the Woodruffs, Whitman, John Decker, Ebright, William Tanner and Jacob Powell previous to 1834, then came Jacob Zoll, Peter Oman, Moses Elsea, Henry Keel, John Powell, Daniel and Peter Fellers, and J. Alspach. Mr. Alspach said that at one time he was at a log rolling, or house raising, every day for three weeks. All the township offices have been filled by Mr. Alspach, in- cluding Overseer of the Poor, and Fence Viewer, and yet he never became wealthy holding office. Mr. Alspach is and always has been an honest, upright man and good citi- zen.
JOHN WALTERS
Was born in Rockingham County, Va., June 22d, 1814, and in his infancy his parents removed to Kentucky. His father died in Shelby County, Ky., in 1824, and the widow, and children, of whom there were six, removed to Fairfield County, Ohio, two years later. Here Mr. Walters, having received such an education only as could be had in a com- mon school of that day, followed the occupation of a farm hand until 1841, having by his industry and economy saved money enough, he made entry of the land on which he now
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History of Hancock County.
resides, and came to this township, his mother, and other members of the family having preceded him.
In 1812, Mr. Walters was married to Miss Penelope Woodruff, and at once moved into a cabin on his land, and commenced life in earnest, clearing up and cultivating a fine tract of land. Mr. W. was the father of seven children, six of whom are now living. His health is none of the best, but he seems to enjoy life in his old days. Mr. Walters united with the United Brethren Church in 1842, and has ever since been a consistent member, and was for twenty- five years a class leader, and for the past nineteen years has held a license to exhort. He enjoys the respect and friend- ship of all his neighbors, and is a good citizen.
The following named persons have held the office of Jus- tice of the Peace, having been elected at the dates men- tioned.
Benjamin Whitman-1833.
Jacob Powell-1836, 1839, 1850, 1853, 1860, 1863, 1866, 1869.
William Williamson-1839.
Jacob Miller-1842. 1845.
W. W. Hughes-1842, 1845, 1848, 185S.
John Miller-1848, 1851.
Henry Bishop-1853. John Swonk-1853.
Peter Bender-1857.
John Wise-1857.
. John Croft-1857, 1866, 1869, 1872, 1875, 1878. Abraham Keel-1863.
Peter H. Powell-1872, 1875, 1878.
L. W. Scothorn-1879. Jacob B. Smith-1881.
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Crop Statistics.
An exhibit of the number of acres of grain sown, and the number of bushels produced, and the number and value of live stock in Eagle township, as returned by the Township Assessor in 1881.
Wheat, 3,905 acres.
68,530 bushels.
Oats, 315
11,242
Corn, 2,867
117,170
Flax, 104
1,077 bushels.
Hay, S14
937 tons.
Horses, 648 number. $32,210, value.
Cattle, 1,576
20,260,
Sheep, 2,577
5,990,
Hogs, 2,705
7,000,
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History of Hancock County.
FINDLEY TOWNSHIP.
Tp. 1, N. R. 10, E.
AREA 15,360 ACRES.
Tp. 1, N. R. 11 E. POPULATION 5,556.
From the preliminary organization of the County of Hancock in 1820, until 1823 the counties of Hancock and Wood formed one township, called Waynesfield. The Com- missioners of Wood County passed the following order at their session, May 28, 1823; "Ordered further that so much of the township of Waynesfield as is included in the unorganized county of Hancock be set off and organized into a township by the name of Findley, and that the elec- tion for township officers be held on the first day of July, A. D. 1823, at the house of Wilson Vance, in said town- ship."
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