USA > Ohio > Hancock County > History of Hancock county, from its earliest settlement to the present time > Part 18
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Mr. Vance was succeeded as Postmaster, by Jno. C. Wick- ham, who, after a few months, gave way to Squire Carlin, who held the position for about nineteen years. It cer- tainly could not have been a very lucrative office at that time, for it is said that upon the arrival of the mail, the post master would put the papers and letters received for delivery in his hat, and as he met those to whom they belonged, he would deliver them. Mr. Carlin imforms me that at the time he took the office, there were but four newspapers re-
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Post Office and Post Masters.
ceived by subscribers, and as letters were received in the same proportion the above story does not seem improbable.
In 1849 Mr. Carlin, having made arrangements to go to California, resigned, and was succeeded by his brother, Par- lee Carlin, who held the office for a short time, when he was succeeded by Robert Coulter, who was at the same time publishing a newspaper in the town. Mr. Coulter held the office a few years, when he was succeeded by William Tay- lor, and shortly returned to Urbana, where he died. Mr. Taylor removed the office to the corner of Main and Main Cross streets in the building now occupied by Frank Karst, sr. Abel F. Parker followed Mr. Taylor, and he in turn gave way to Oliver Munger, who held the office two or three years, and was succeeded by James Robinson.
Upon Mr. Lincoln assuming the Presidency in 1862, the Republican patrons of the office decided by vote, who should be recommended as Mr. Robinson's successor. The choice- fell on Joseph B. Rothchild, and he was appointed. On the Ist of July, 1865, this office was made a money order office. When Andrew Johnson assumed control of the Government, after the assassination of President Lincoln, he removed Mr. Rothchild, and as the Senate would not confirm a successor, he appointed the late Col. J. M. Neibling Special Agent of the Post Office Department, and placed him in charge of the Findley Post Office. Upon the election of Gen. Grant, Amariah Ballou was appointed Postmaster, who after hold- ing the office about two years, died, and was succeeded by Thomas E. Adams.
Mr. Adams held the office for a term of four years, and was then succeeded by Eli G. DeWolfe, the present incum- bent. During Mr. Rothchild's term of office, Isaac Davis built a one story brick building on the north side of Sandus-
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History of Hancock County.
ky street, just in the rear of his business house, and into this the post office was moved, and remained until Mr. De- Wolfe took possession, when he removed it to the Jefferso- nian Building, south side Public Square, where it yet re- mains.
The money order business has been rapidly increasing, and there has been a greater number of orders issued in the past five years than there was in the first ten years after its establishment. The money order business now transacted through this office amounts to $50,000 annually. There have been 28,500 orders issued. The other business done at this office amounts to about seven thousand dollars annu- ally.
On the 17th day of March, 1838, the Legislature of Ohio passed " An Act to incorporate the town of Findley, in Han- cock County." The first section of that act provided that "So much of the township of Findley, in the County of Hancock, as herein described, to-wit: The S. E. part of the S. E. quarter of fractional section number thirteen, township one north, of range ten, also the S. W. part of the S. W. quarter of section eighteen, township one north, of range eleven, so far east as the bank of Eagle Creek; also the east half of the N. E. quarter of section twenty-four, town- ship one north, of range ten, and also what territory of the N. W. quarter of section nineteen, as is situated south-west of Carlin's mill race, be and the same is hereby created a town corporate, and shall be hereafter known by the name of the town of Findley."
Section 2 provides for an election at the Court House, on the first Saturday in April next, to elect a Mayor, Recorder and five Councilmen.
"An Act to repeal the charter of the town of Findley,"
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City Government.
was passed March 13, 1843. Why, or by what influence this last act was passed, we are unable to say.
The Legislature, on the 4th of March, 1845, passed an- other act, entitled " An Act to repeal the act entitled 'An Act to repeal the charter of the town of Findley, passed March 13, 1843, and to declare in force the act incorporat- ing said town, passed March 7th, 1838.'" Then follows the sections of the act, in accordance with the title.
It will be impossible, on account of the loss of the records to give the names of those who held the office of Mayor, consecutively prior to 1858. The business of laying out opening up and improving streets, was carried on through the different administrations, and economy in expenditures, and a freedom from indebtedness, has always characterized the conduct of our municipal affairs. Whilst we may not have made as rapid improvement as some neighboring towns have done, we have never incurred a debt that was not promptly paid, and we are now, as we always have been, almost entirely free from debt.
The following persons held the office of Mayor previous to 1858, but as before remarked, we cannot give the exact order in which they were elected. John Adams, W. L. Hen- derson, Abraham Younkin, U,,A. Ogden, N. Y. Mefferd, Jo- siah S. Powell, Jacob Carr, and perhaps others.
In 1858 Charles Carroll Pomeroy, late of Kentucky, and a most eccentric young man, was elected, but resigned be- fore the end of his term, and was succeeded by Ezra Brown.
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History of Hancock County.
In 1859-Ezra Brown, Mayor.
S. F. Gray, Recorder.
1860-Israel Green,
Wm. Klamroth,
1861-G. W. Twining. .. HI. S. Shannon,
1862- ..
J. P. Dennis, Sam. Huber,
1864-Jacob Carr.
B. F. Kimmons, 66
66
1865- ..
1866- יל
1867-N. W. Filkin,
1868-J. A. Bope,
J. C. Martin. D. H. Pugh,
E. G. DeWolfe,
1870-G. F. Pendleton, “
Lem. MeManness, "
1872-D. B. Beardsley. "
J. W. Davidson,
1874-Wm. Gribbon,
Jesse Wheeler, jr. "
1876-Jacob Carr.
J. 1. Meeks,
1878-Wm. Vance. ..
W. T. Platt,
1880-
The city owns as yet but a small amount of real estate. but sufficient for present purposes, when completed. Hav- ing accommodations for the Fire Apparatus, and an office for Mayor, Mayor's court room, police headquarters and city prison.
In 1880 the city was divided into four Wards. The first ward includes all of North Findley, and so much territory on the south side of the river and east of Main street, as lies between the river and Crawford street and west of Ea- gle Creek.
The second ward includes all the territory lying between the river and Putnam street, and west of Main street.
The third ward includes all the territory west of Main. street and south of the second ward.
The fourth ward comprises all the territory on the east
1863 -- ..
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Sewerage.
side of Main street, and south of the first ward, and all of East Findley.
These wards are very nearly equal in population.
In addition to the Central Fire Engine House, the city has an engine house in North Findley, and one in East Findley. The town supply of water for fire perpose, is tak- en from public cisterns, of which there are now about fif- teen, all of large capacity.
The town was located on a flat piece of land, and conse- quently was subject to much inconvenience from rains and wet weather, and no doubt but it was rendered unhealthy from this almost continual dampness. No cellars could be built, and streets, and even lots in some places, had to be filled up, to make them at all comfortable. The surface drainage did not suffice to relieve the ground of surplus water, and it became a serious matter as to what should be done.
At last the city authorities inaugurated a system of sew- erage. The town was divided into sewer districts, and Main street was at once thoroughly drained, by putting in a sewer of twenty inch pipe on either side, just outside the gutter line. Throughout the length of West street a large open ditch had been dug for carrying off the water. This for a time answered the purpose, but as the street become more of a thoroughfare, and buildings were erected along the line of the ditch, from the many obstructions continually occurring, the ditch became a nuisance, and the residents of the sewer district petitioned Council to deepen and sewer it, which was done.
Sewers have been constructed in Hardin, Lincoln and Lima streets, in North and East Findley, in the west part of the town, emptying into the river near the cemetery road.
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History of Hancock County.
And now by this system of drainage, cellars can be con- structed in almost any part of the town.
The health of the town has been greatly improved, and the comfort of the citizens has been immeasurably increased.
In 1865 the city authorities arranged for the lighting of the streets by gas. They had for a number of years pre- viously been lighted by coal oil lamps. There are now about one hundred and twenty-five street lamps in place, sur- mounted by large and beautiful globes, and lighted by gas, to the great convenience and comfort of the citizens.
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Professional Men.
PROFESSIONAL MEN OF FINDLEY.
The following named persons are located in and practice their profession in Findley :
ATTORNEYS.
Ballard, O. A.
Beardsley, D. B.
Gribben, Wm. Hamlin, J. M. Johnston, J. H.
Bitler, J. C.
Blackford, Aaron
Mungen, Wm.
Blackford, Jason
Pifer, Peter
Bope, J. A.
Poe, John
Brown, Ezra
Pendleton, Geo. F.
Brown, Henry
Shafer, M. D.
Burket, J. P.
Shafer, A. B.
Carlin, W. L.
Strickler, J. C.
Dunn, E. T.
Graber, Alfred
Totten, Theo. Whiteley, W. H.
Whiteley, M. C.
PHYSICIANS.
Barnhill, T. G.
Minuti, J.
Carlin, C. R.
Oesterlin, C.
Firmin, L.
Pierson, J. W.
Firmin, F. W.
Rawson, Bass
Hurd, Anson
Ray, Miss E. J.
Kimmel, J. A.
Tritch, J. C.
Knapp, F. H.
Waltman, Wm. Woodworth, T. F.
-
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History of Hancock County.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
WILSON VANCE
Was the son of Joseph Colville Vance, and Sarah, his wife, whose maiden name was Wilson. Mr. Vance's father was born March 24th, 1759, and was married April 10th, 1781, in Loudon County, Virginia. He emigrated to Penn- sylvania in 1783. Mr. Vance's parents were both what was called Scotch Irish Presbyterians. They emigrated to Ken- tucky in 1788, where Wilson Vance was born January 19, 1796, in Mason County. The family came to Ohio in 1800, and settled in Old Town, Greene County. In 1804 they re- moved to Urbana. In 1816 Mr. Vance and his brother William went to Fort Meigs, on the Maumee River, where for a time they clerked for their brother Joseph, who was afterwards Governor of Ohio.
On the 14th of March, 1820, he was married to Sarah Wilson, by Rev. John Thompson, in Champaign County, and returned with his wife to Fort Meigs, where they remained until the fall of 1821, when with his wife and one child, and all their earthly possessions on an Indian pony, he came to Findley, himself walking the distance. He moved into the old fort until his log cabin was completed. The next season he erected a two-story log house, and kept a tavern. These buildings were situated on the south bank of the river, on the east side of Main street. Mr. V. also
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Wilson L'ance.
farmed the bottom lands along the river, and by industry and economy laid the foundation of his future prosperity.
In 1830 he built a one-story frame house with five rooms, and in 1831, he in company with John W. Baldwin opened up a dry goods store, using the south room of the house as a business room. This is the same building now occupied by G. C. Barnd, in rear of the Sherman house. In 1837 Mr. V. bought out the interest of Baldwin, who went to New York City. Vance was engaged actively in mercantile pursuits up to 1852, when he sold out his stock at auction.
He however did not wholly retire from business, but was a partner with his sons, Miles W. and William, at Bluffton, Ohio, up to the date of his death.
Mr. Vance was one of the first Justices in the county, and officiated at the first marriage in the county. He was the first Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, and the first Recorder of the county. He was Surveyor of Wood County, Treasurer of Hancock County, and the second Post Master at Findley. He superintended the building of the first flouring mill in the county. The structure was put up in 1825, and belonged to Elnathan Cory, and was on the site of the present Carlin Mill. His wife did all her own work, and that which was necessary in the boarding of the sixteen men employed in putting up the building, digging the race, and building the dam, although at that time she had three little children to look after and care for.
Mr. Vance and his wife were of the first membership of the Presbyterian Church, and I believe both were still mem- bers at their decease. The Church was organized at his house in December, 1831. He was always ready to do his part in sustaining the church, and contributed liberally to its various objects.
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History of Hancock County.
Mr. Vance was a good neighbor, an upright citizen and an honest man. He was a man of stong convictions, not easily swerved, and whilst honest in his opinions, and de- termined in his actions, he of course made some enemies for the time being, but no one questioned his motives. Mr. Vance was the father of twelve children, eight sons and four daughters, all of whom are dead but three, William. Horace M., and Bridget. Wilson Vance died March Ist, 1866. His children were all born in this county except Joseph, who was born at Ft. Meigs, and Miles W., who was born in Urbana. William was the second male child born in the county.
JONATHAN PARKER.
From an address delivered before the Pioneer Association by Mr. Parker, we learn that he was born in Louden County, Virginia, and that his grandfather was a soldier in the Rev- olutionary war. His father, with a wife and six small chil- dren, emigrated to Ohio in 1813, and settled in what Mr. Parker says he thinks is the poorest county in Ohio-Mor- gan. At the age of fifteen years, Mr. Parker was appren- ticed to the trade of carpenter and joiner, at which he served for six years.
At the age of twenty-one, with one suit of clothes and seventy-five cents in money, Mr. P. says he started out on a tramp to hunt work. After two years time, and having saved $200, he became acquainted with the late Frederich Henderson, who had been to Findley, and purchased prop- erty, and intended to remove there in the fall. Mr. P. at once made arrangements to accompany him.
On the 18th of October, 1831, they started from Blue Rock township, Muskingum County, Ohio. Mr. Parker
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Jonathan Parker.
says : "We had four horses, and an old wagon, which latter broke down before we had gone ten miles. We then, after procuring another wagon, got along very well until we ar- rived at Upper Sandusky. There having been rain for sev- eral days the roads were in a terrible condition. When not far from where Carey now stands, the bottom fell out of the roads, and we were fast. Mr. Henderson made his way to Capt. Brown's for help, and I made my way to a cornfield to purchase some corn for our horses, which I did of a man by the name of Ogg. Mr. Henderson returned with a yoke of cattle, by the aid of which we were soon placed on firmer ground, and that night we lodged with Judge Smith.
"The next day a young Mr. Smith was hired to accom- pany them with a yoke of cattle, by the help of which they reached the residence of Peter George, at what was known as the old Ashery. The rains having so swollen the river that it could not be crossed with teams, the party hired a canoe from a Mr. Gipson, and Mr. George, and a Mr. Hew- itt, piloted them down the Blanchard. There were in the canoe four men, one woman and one child. In this manner we made the voyage to Findley, where we arrived on the 28th of October, 1831.
"On our arrival in Findley, Mr. Henderson took lodgings in a log cabin near where the old jail on the Park stands. At that time there were but twelve families in the town, these were Wilson Vance, Allen Wiseley, Squire Carlin, Parlee Carlin, William Taylor, Thomas F. Johnston, Barna- bus De Witt, Bass Rawson, Laquina Rawson, George Flen- ner, John Basehore, William L. Henderson, being about fifty persons in all."
Mr. Parker says that when he came to the town, "the water"-for it had rained nearly all the season-" covered
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History of Hancock County.
the ground from Main Cross street to Chamberlain's Hill." That when they landed, "they wanted to go to the residence of William L. Henderson, which stood on the ground now occupied by the store of Kurz & Morrison, and could only get there by cooning it on logs across the public square, and on through that part of town." Mr. Parker did much, very much, during his long residence here, to make Findley what it is to-day. Public spirited, industrious, honest and trusted, he helped to give tone and character to the place. In his death, which occurred but a few years ago, the town lost one of its most enterprising citizens, and the commu- nity a most valuable member. The close of his long chris- tian life was peaceful and serene.
DR. BASS RAWSON
Was born April 17th, 1799, in the town of Orange, Franklin County, Massachusetts, and was one of the five sons of Lemuel Rawson, a tanner of Warwick, Massachu- setts. In 1836, he removed to Bath, in Summit County, O., but died at the residence of his son, Dr. L. Q. Rawson, at Fremont, Ohio. Dr. Rawson-the subject of this sketch- and his four brothers left Massachusetts at an early day, and settled in Ohio. Four of the five brothers were phy- sicians. The Doctor is of the sixth generation of the Raw- son family, in direct descent from Edward Rawson, who was Secretary of the Massachusetts colony from 1630 to 1636. His mother's maiden name was Sarah Barrows. In his boyhood, Dr. Rawson worked ou a farm, and attended a country school. He afterwards learned the trade of a hat- ter, at which he worked until he was about twenty years old. His health then failing, he quit farming to engage in the study of medicine. He attended the Academy at New
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Dr. Bass Ruwson.
Salem for several terms, teaching school to defray the ex- penses of his education.
At the age of twenty-five, he married Amanda Blackmer, and removed to Ravenna, O., but after a few months he went to Otsego, N. Y., and located at Richfield. Here he taught school, and pursued the study of medicine with Dr. Thomas. In the winter of 1826-27 he attended medical lectures at Dartmouth College, N. II., and at the close of the term went to New Salem, and pursued his studies under Dr. Brook, of Oswego. In June, 1828, he emigrated to Ohio again, and practiced his profession with his brother in Medina County for about a year.
In September, 1829, he came to Findley, where he settled permanently in the practice of his profession. He was the first practicing physician in the town. When he came here there were but twelve white families in the place, the Indians were more numerous than were the whites. Here he has practiced for fifty years, and has always been able to command a large practice, and his successful treatment of cases has given him a wide reputation. The Doctor is a large land owner, and one of the wealthiest men of the county. He has always been economical in his style of living, having always all the comforts, and many of the luxuries, without the extravagancies. He is now, and has been a member and supporter of the Presbyterian Church for more than forty years.
The Doctor and Mrs. Rawson had but one child, Harriet E. A., who married Dr. W. D. Carlin. As Surgeon of the 57th O. V. I., Dr. Carlin died at Vicksburg, Miss.
CHARLES W. O'NEAL.
Mr. O'Neal was born in Middletown, Frederick County, 20
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History of Hancock County.
Maryland, January 19th, 1811. In 1833, he came to Zanesville, Ohio, where in 1834 he married Miss Amy J. Baldwin. In July of the following year he came to Findley, and studied law with Edson Goit and A. F. Merriam. He was admitted to the bar in 1838, and from that time to within a few years of his death he practiced his profession. Mr. O'Neal was a practical surveyor, and as such located many of the roads in the county. He also taught school a number of terms, and there are men and women residing here now who were his pupils.
Mr. O'Neal, by his industry and intelligence impressed upon the early settlers his worth as a citizen, and he was many times intrusted with responsible positions. He was Auditor of the county one term, and in 1844 was elected to the State Senate. In his profession he took high rank. As an advocate, although neither fluent or eloquent, he was terse, forcible and convincing. As a counselor, he was thorough and always safe. He was cautious, dilligent and methodi- cal in his practice, and in his business transactions. In his profession he was dignified, truthful, and a despiser of petty fogging tricks, courteous and gentlemanly in all his relations to the court and bar, considerate towards witnesses, and pur- suasive before a jury.
At the age of sixteen he united with the Methodist Church, and remained an acceptable member until his de- cease. His attachment to the church of his choice was very strong, and he watched her interests with a jealous care. He died at Findley, Ohio, December 20th, 1879.
DR. W. H. BALDWIN.
Doctor Baldwin was born in Champaign County, Ohio, January 16, 1810, and came to Findley in 1832. Having
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Baldwin-Blackford.
studied medicine and attended lectures before he came to Findley, he at once commenced the practice, and rose to a high rank in his profession, and his practice became very large, extending into adjoining counties. An extensive practice at that day meant hard labor, long rides through a country in which there were but few roads, and no bridges .. But none of these discouraged the faithful physician in his untiring efforts to relieve the afflicted.
But all these could not be endured without producing their legitimate effects. The strong and healthy constitution of Dr. Baldwin became impaired, and he became premature- ly old and feeble. His last years were years of suffering, borne however, without complaint.
In April, 1835, Dr. Baldwin was married to Miss Mary Jane Patterson, who survived him some ten or twelve years. Four of the Doctor's children yet survive. He left to his widow a comfortable home, and to his children an unsullied name. In all the relations of life he was considerate, re- respectful and just, and enjoyed the highest esteem of the community. In 1842 he united with the Methodist Church, and retained his membership until his death.
In 1836 Dr. Baldwin was appointed Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, for this county, which position he held for seven years, discharging all the duties with promptness and intelligence.
PRICE BLACKFORD.
Mr. Blackford was born in Pennsylvania, in 1803, and came to Ohio when but a boy, and with his parents located in Wayne County, but the family afterwards removed to Stark County. In 1834 Mr. Blackford, with his family, came to Findley, and he at once commenced the manufact-
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History of Hancock County.
ure of fur hats, a trade which he had learned of his father. No professional man, and scarcely any young man consid- ered himself dressed properly unless he was crowned with one of Blackford's hats.
Perhaps no man ever lived in Findley who enjoyed a greater share of the respect and confidence of the people than did Mr. B. His honesty was proverbial, and his deal- ings were all characterized by courtesy and fairness. He held the office of Justice of the Peace for fifteen years, and " Blackford's Decisions " were regarded as almost infalli- able. He was a member of the Baptist Church for more than thirty years.
He had a family of six children, three of whom are liv- ing. Aaron and Jason are both practicing attorneys in Findley, and Albert is in business in Clinton, Mo. Mr. Blackford died in 1851, at the age of forty-eight years, and universally lamented.
SQUIRE CARLIN.
Mr. Carlin was the second of eight children, and was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., December 25th, 1801. His parents came to Ohio when he was about six years old, and located at the mouth of Huron River, in Huron County, there being but one other white family in the county. Here his father commenced farming, but after a residence of about a year at this place, he removed to Michigan, near the site of the present town of Monroe. Here he remained but a few months, when he returned to Ohio, and located on the Maumee River, at the present town of Maumee City. Mr. Carlin's father being a blacksmith, he was employed by the Government to work for the Indians.
Mr. Carlin's family remained here, Squire working on a
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Squire Carlin.
farm, until the war of 1812 broke out. After Hull's sur- render, the family went to Urbana for safety. They trav- elled through the wilderness country of Wood, Hancock, Hardin and Logan Counties. All the goods that Mr. Car- lin was able to save in his flight, were packed on two horses, and with these, and his wife and four children, he made the perilous journey. When the family passed Find- ley, the Fort was occupied by soldiers.
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