USA > Ohio > Hancock County > History of Hancock county, from its earliest settlement to the present time > Part 23
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368
History of Hancock County.
In 1871 the town authorities purchased a Silsby Rotary Steam Fire Engine, at a cost of seven thousand three hun- dred dollars, including two hose reels and one thousand feet of hose. A volunteer company was at once formed and took charge of the apparatus.
In 1877 another steamer of the Silsby patern was pur- chased, which, including two hose reels and one thousand feet of hose, cost three thousand seven hundred and forty dollars. The whole force of the department is volunteer, and is composed of five companies, two steamers, two hand engines and one hook and ladder. After the purchase of the second steamer, the city authorities built an engine house in the first ward, North Findley, in which they placed the L. Button engine, in charge of a company, and also one in the fourth ward, East Findley, in which they placed the " Citizen's Gift " hand engine, also in charge of a volunteer company.
The entire department is volunteer, and now consists of not less than two hundred active, efficient members. The value of the fire apparatus is about $20,000. There are thirteen public cisterns, in different parts of the town, which have cost the tax payers about $8,000. Fortunately, the department is not called out very often on duty, as the town for the past thirty years has been singularly free from fires.
369
Maple Grove Cemetery.
MAPLE GROVE CEMETERY.
On the 25th day of December, 1854, the following named persons filed papers for the incorporation of a company to be called "The Maple Grove Cemetery Association," to-wit: D. J. Cory, William Taylor, Hugh Newell, Jesse Wheeler, A. H. Bigelow, Benj. Huber, J. B. Hull, Parlee Carlin, G. H. Crook, Henry Porch, Dr. W. H. Baldwin, H. P. Gage, John Ewing, F. Henderson, M. C. Whitely, Dr. D. Goucher, G. W. Galloway and J. H. Wilson. The first election for officers was held at the office of M. C. Whiteley, on the 22d of June, 1855, at which time John Ewing, H. P. Gage and Parlee Carlin were elected Trustees, and William Taylor, Clerk.
About twenty acres of land on the west bank of the river just outside the west corporation line, was bought of George Biggs, and laid out into lots. A main avenue extends through the center of the grounds from east to west, and on either side of this avenue, there were two hundred and fifty- two lots laid out, making in all, five hundred and four lots, through which passed two other avenues, one on either side of the main one, and parallel with it. The lots are laid out in rows, and are eight feet wide and twenty-four feet long. August 3d, 1860, after many of these lots had been sold, the association proposed to the town and township, that if they would avail themselves of the provisions of an act of the Legislature, providing for the joint ownership, by Incor- porated Villages and Townships, of cemeteries, and assume the amount still due upon the purchase of the lands, they
370
History of Hancock County.
would transfer the grounds to them. This was accordingly done, and Dixon Stansberry, William Mungen and William Church. as Trustees, deeded the lands to the town of Find- ley and Findley Township, and the name of " Maple Grove Cemetery " was adopted.
In 1872 the authorities purchased of Jasper Lytle, for $2,200, a tract of 22 acres adjoining their grounds on the south. In 1865 a further addition of two hundred and eighty-six lots, was laid out in the rear of the first platting of lots.
In 1878, under the direction of L. A. Baldwin, C. B. Hall and Henry Brown, Cemetery Trustees, a very fine and imposing Mortuary Chapel was built, at a cost of two thous- and dollars. This chapel is used for the reception and re- tention of bodies before burial, at the request of the friends of the deceased. The trustees deserve much credit for the erection of so tasteful a building, in this city of the dead.
The entire occupied part of the grounds, is profusely planted with evergreen and shade trees, whose beautiful foliage, and inviting shade, dispel much of the gloom natur- ally surrounding such a place. A wide shady driveway ex- tends the length of the grounds on both sides. There are many very beautiful and costly monuments, marking the resting place of friends.
The families of Jesse Wolf, W. C. Cox, Wm. Taylor and F. Henderson have very pretty vaults erected for the recep- tion of their dead.
The grounds are situated on the high banks of the Blanch- ard, and are thoroughly underdrained. A public highway passes along the river bank, in front of and between the cemetery grounds and the river. A beautiful iron fence is built along the entire front. The whole is in charge of three
371
Cemetery.
trustees, elected by the village, but who are under the con- trol and direction of the council of the village. The village council and the trustees of the town meet in joint session in May of each year, and determine on the amount of mon- ey to be raised, and the rate of taxation.
Maple Grove Cemetery is fast becoming one of the most beautiful burial places in the country. The present Board of Trustees is L. A. Baldwin, J. R. Clark and J. L. Kenower.
372
History of Hancock County.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP
TP. 1, S. R. 11, E.
AREA 19,200 ACRES. POPULATION 1,338.
The Commissioner's Record of December 7th, 1829, Charles McKinnis, John P. Hamilton and Mordica Ham- mond, Commissioners, reads: "A petition presented by sundry citizens of Amanda and Delaware Townships, pray- ing for a new township, to be set off as follows, to-wit: Number one, range eleven, south of the base line, into a body politic and corporate, and to be named Jackson, which was agreed to by said Board."
At the December session of the Commissioners in 1836, it was "ordered that an election be held in Jackson town- ship, to elect a Treasurer and three Trustees for section six- teen, on the 20th day of December, 1836, and that notices thereof be set up in three of the most public places in the township, after having been satisfied by the inhabitants of said township, that there are twenty electors in said town- ship, at the usual place of holding elections." It was also ordered " that sections 3, 4, 5 and 6 in township one south, range twelve, (now Ridge township) and sections 1, 12, 13, 24, 25 and 36, in range number eleven, township one south, (now Jackson township) be attached to Amanda township."
Jackson township now comprises sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 and 35, in township one south.
Peter George made the first entry of land in the town- ship on the 21st day of November, 1823, which entry was
373
1
Land Entries-First Settlement.
the east half of the north-east quarter of section thirty-five, (now owned by G. W. Krout).
December 10th, 1823, Wm. Greer entered the east half of the south-east quarter section thirty-five, (now owned by heirs of T. G. Hammond).
On the 18th of May, 1827, Mordica Hammond entered the west half of north-east quarter of section thirty-five.
David Egbert entered the east half of north-east quar- ter of section two, and in September of the same year Al- pheus Ralston entered the south-west quarter of section seven, upon which he soon after settled, and upon which he still resides. In November of the same year George Bish- op, of Franklin County, took up the south-east quarter of section seven. These entries were followed by others made by Levi Williamson, William Newell, John Swank and others.
This township was named in honor of Gen. Andrew Jackson, who was then President of the United States. Its boundaries are, on the north, Findley and Marion town- ships, east by Amanda, south by Delaware and Madison and west by Eagle.
The first white man who settled in the township, was Judge Mordica Hammond, whose widow, Mrs. Tillie Ham- mond, is, I believe, still living. Judge Hammond came here in 1827, and settled on the Blanchard River, in section thirty-five, there being no neighbors nearer than Mt. Blanchard. Indeed but a very small portion of the lands in the township had been entered at that time. The Judge resided upon the same tract of land at the time of his death, which he had reclaimed from the wilderness, and converted into a beautiful farmn.
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History of Hancock County.
But Judge Hammond was not long without neighbors. Peter George, Wm. Greer, the Egbert's, Ralston, William- son, Newell, the Missmores, the Treeces, and others quickly followed.
The timber of this part of the county is oak, elm, wal- nut, beech, maple, buckeye, &c., and heavily wooded the whole face of the township.
The soil is rich and productive, especially so along the water courses. The population is a purely agricultural one, there being no manufacturing establishments of any moment in the township. There are many valuable farms and beau- tiful farm buildings here, and the township is one of consid- erable wealth, and its people are industrious and energetic ..
The township is well watered by the Blanchard River- which passes through from south to north-and its tributary creeks and runs. Wells, which are easily dug in any part of the township, furnish a supply of good wholesome water.
This part of the county never having had the advantage of railroads, is comparatively new, but when once improved, will be a beautiful part of the country.
The first school house was built in 1832, and the first school was taught by the now venerable Aquilla Gilbert, Esq., of Vanlue. At the time Mr. Gilbert taught the school there were no public school funds, and the compensation was one dollar and fifty cents per scholar, paid by voluntary subscriptions. The district included all of Jackson and Amanda townships, and if the "school-master boarded around," as was then the fashion, he certainly had to spread himself over a good deal of territory.
The first church was built in 1833.
A hand mill owned by Godfrey Wolford, was the first in the township, and Mr. Gilbert says that he and Judge.
375
First Birth-First Death.
Hammond with whom he resided during the winter of 1828-29, used to go to mill every other day to grind enough meal to support the Judge's family. The first flouring mill was built in 1835 by Michael Missmore, but as it was pro- pelled by water, it was rather uncertain as a means of pro- curing bread. This mill was the first frame building erected in the township.
The market for the first settlers was Portland and San- dusky City. But as was said by one of the old pioneers, it made but little difference to them where the market was, as they had but little to sell.
Aquilla Gilbert and L. P. Hamblin were the first couple married in the township, Asa M. Lake Esq., of Mt. Blanch- ard, officiating. Capt. Dan. Gilbert, their son, and now of Vanlue, was the first white child born here. Capt. Dan. has grown up with the county, and doubtless remembers with pleasure his boyhood days, spent in clearing, and the old log school house, long since replaced by the neat brick or frame.
The first death was that of Mrs Margaret Williams, wife of an old hunter and pioneer. Her remains were interred in what is now the Mt. Blanchard Cemetery.
There are many fine farms and farm buildings in this township, and it is fast becoming a wealthy locality. The fine residences of John Doty, Rev. Asa Ellis, Thompson Myers, David Bibler, Geo. Treece, Moses Elsea, jr., Henry Bowers, Alpheus Ralston and Peter Struble, are as modern in construction and comfortable in finish, as any in the county. The out-buildings on these farms are of the most convenient, ample kind.
This township is peopled by a quiet pastoral population. Thrifty, neighborly and hospitable. Much attention is paid
376
History of Hancock County.
to the common schools, and the necessary school buildings, and school apparatus is provided, and competent teachers employed, to the end that all the youth may have an oppor- tunity of acquiring a good common school education.
LEVI SAMPSON
Was one of the early settlers of this township. He was a man of limited education, but possessed a large stock of good common sense, sterling integrity, and a perseverance that overcame all obstacles. His life, whilst it was one of labor and toil, and in the early years of his residence here, one of privations, was so good naturedly enjoyed by him, and so cheerfully did he meet all the hardships and disap- poinments of pioneer life, that he was known amongst his neighbors as "Sunny Sampson." He became quite wealthy, and had a well improved farm and good buildings.
In 1851, just previous to the adoption of the present State Constitution, he was appointed Associate Judge, in place of Michael Price, resigned. Judge Sampson died a number of years ago, regreted by his neighbors.
ALPHEUS RALSTON
Was the son of William Ralston, and was born in Rock- ingham County, Va., in June, 1801. Whilst quite young, his parents removed to Wood County, in the same State, but now West Virginia, where he remained until his twenty- fourth year.
In 1826 he came to Ohio, settling in Picakway County, and in the same year was married. After a residence here of about four years, he sold out his possessions and came to Hancock County in 1830, and took up his residence in this
377
Ralston-Newell.
township, on the same tract of land on which he now re- sides.
At that time his nearest neighbor on the north, was Mr. Chamberlain, three miles distant, and Mr. Woodruff, on the south, about the same distance. No neighbors on the east nearer than the river, six miles away, and Philip Cramer on Tawa Creek, seven miles distant, was the nearest family west.
The Perrysburg and Bellefontaine road was not yet loca- ted or opened up, only a wagon track led to Findley. Mr. R. was at the first election in the township, and with Aquilla Gilbert, Mordica Hammond, the Beards, and others effected the organization of Jackson Township. His first neighbors were the Williamsons
Mr. R. is the father of eight children, four of whom are living. The farm upon which he resides is one of the most valuable in the township, and he is enjoying his declin- ing years, surrounded by kind neighbors and friends, and with a sufficiency of this worlds goods. He has always re- tained the good will of his acquaintances, and has been noted for his industry, honesty and fair dealing. He speaks with pleasure of his early associates in the settlement of the township.
JOSEPH NEWELL
Was born July 6th, 1808, in Shenandoah County, Va. and when six years old, came with his parents to what is now Fairfield County, Ohio. Here he remained until 1836, and where he married. In that year he came to this town- ship and took up his residence on lands entered by him a few years previously. Mr. N. was one of the pioneer Meth- odists of the township. The year preceeding his emigration
25
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History of Hancock County.
here, a society had been organized by a Methodist itinerant, of which Mr. Newell's brother James, and two sisters and a Mrs. Bond were members. His wife became a member of the same society the year after they came here, and Mr. N. a few years later.
The first church in the township was built on Mr. N.'s land, and there has been a church building here ever since, and a regular preaching place.
Mr. Newell has raised a large family, and provided liber- ally for them. He has won and retained the friendship of his neighbors, and been an honest citizen, a warm friend and a consistent christian. The early ministers, no matter to what denomination they belonged, always found a wel- come at his house, and a cordial invitation to its hospitality.
GEORGE TREECE
Was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, January 9th, 1827, and in November of the same year came to this county, his father's family locating in this township.
Mr. Treece is one of the largest farmers and land owners in the township. He has always followed the occupation of a farmer, and by his industry and intelligence, has made it a success, and he in now the owner of many of the best cultivated acres in the township.
At an election held in this township in October, 1833, there were ten votes cast.
The first company muster was held at the house of Aquil- la Gilbert, and the company-about fifty men in all-was composed of men from Amanda, Delaware, Richland and Jackson Townships, under the command of Capt. Godfrey Wolford and Lieutenants R. W. Hamblin and Josiah Elder.
Capt. Wolford having been promoted to Major, the com-
379
North Liberty.
mand of the company devolved upon the Lieutenants, and one who was there, has suggested that had they been at the first Bull Run fight, the fortunes of the day would have been very different.
Wild game was plenty in all parts of the township, and the hunting of it was a source of profit as well as pleasure, and the table of the backwoodsman was scarcely ever without a supply of venison or bear steak, or a squirrel pot pie.
There are now eight school buildings in the township, nearly all of which are brick, and the enumeration of youth of school age, amounts to four hundred and seventy-one.
In 1863 a post office was established on the road from Findley to Mt. Blanchard, about six miles from Findley, and called Ewing's Corners, with Jesse Ewing as post- master. The office was, however, discontinued after about eight years. Mr. Ewing was the only postmaster.
NORTH LIBERTY.
This village was laid out in April, 1853, by J. F. Houk, on the north-west part of the west half of the north-west quarter of section 27. Fifteen lots were platted.
In 1867 John Douty and A. M. Houk made an addition of twenty-eight lots, and in 1859 six more lots were added by Jacob Hoy.
The place never assumed very large proportions or very much importance. It never advanced beyond a cross roads village, and its business was entirely local, being confined to the trade of the immediate neighborhood. Its location is in the midst of a rich agricultural district, but remote from railroads.
Its business was confined to one grocery store, one wagon shop, one blacksmith shop, one shoe shop, one saw and
380
History of Hancock County.
shingle mill. There is one church and one school building, and one physician. The town, so far as improvements in the way of new buildings are concerned, is at a stand still. Population in 1880 was one hundred and eighteen.
In 1855 or 56, a post office was established here, under the name of Houcktown, and the postmasters have been as follows: Robert Davidson, J. R. Babcock, John Garst, Israel Sampson, Eli Gorsuch, John Ebaugh and David Beagle.
The following named persons have been elected Justices, at the dates mentioned :
Aquilla Gilbert, 1830, 1833, 1836, 1839, 1842.
George Henry, 1835.
Joseph Tromney, 1839, 1842, 1845, 1851, 1854.
Arthur Russell, 1844, 1847, 1850.
Charles O. Mann, 1845, 1848, 1851, 1854.
Andrew W. Houk, 1856.
John Teems, 1855.
D. W. Engle, 1857, 1863, 1866.
Joseph S. Struble, 1857.
James Waltemire, 1859.
Henry Bowers, 1859, 1863, 1866, 1869, 1872, 1875, 1878, 1881.
Thomas Waltemire, 1862.
Eli J. Shelden, 1869, 1872, 1875, 1878.
Israel Sampson, 1880. John C. Hayes, 1881.
381
Stock and Crop Statistics.
Statistics of the number and value of live stock and acres and bushels of grain produced, as reported to the Auditor of the County, in 1881.
Horses, 547 number. $75,140, value.
Cattle, 1,205
14,150,
Sheep, 3,023
5,995,
Hogs, 2,137
5,050,. "
Wheat, 3,416 acres.
59,820 bushels.
Oats, 416
13,270
Corn, 2,655
106,055
Flax,
67
600 bushels.
Hay,
879
979 tons.
.
382
History of Hancock County.
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.
Tp. 1, N. R. 10, E.
AREA 15,360 ACRES, POPULATION, 1,101.
From the organization of the county in 1828, until De- cember, 1830, this township was a part of Findley town- ship. At the session of the County Commissioners held in that month, present, Mordica Hammond, John P. Hamilton, and Charles McKinnis, it was determined that it was ne- cessary to divide the townships of Findley and Amanda into three townships, after the following manner: Then follow the boundaries of Findley and Marion, and this order in re- lation to Liberty township, " and in the next place commenc- ing at the south-east corner of section 34, in township 2 south, range 10, thence north to the north-east corner of section 3, in township 2 north, thence west to the north- west corner of section 6 in range 9, thence south to the south-west corner of section 31, in township 2 south, thence east to the place of beginning, in which bounds shall be made a separate township, and become a body corporate and politic, and be known and designated by the name of Liberty."
This township comprises sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, and 34 in township 1 north, and range 10 east, and is bounded north by Portage township, east by Findley, south by Eagle, and west by Blanchard. It is situated in the cen-
383
First Entry of Lands and Settlement.
ter of the county north and south, and just west of the east and west center, which location gives it some advantages over its neighbors.
The first entry of lands in this township was made July 3d, 1821, by Vance, Neil and Cory, of the south-west quar- ter of the south-east quarter of section S.
On the 20th of December of the same year, Robert Mc- Kinnis entered the east part of the north-west quarter of section 7, and Charles McKinnis entered the west half of the north-west quarter of section 7. John Gardner entered the north half of the north-east quarter of section 10, and on the 27th day of the same month Jacob Poe entered the west half of the south-west quarter of section S. Septem- ber 5th, 1825, Thomas Wilson entered the east half of the south-east quarter of section 9, and in August 1828, R. L. Strother entered the north-east quarter of section 21, and these were followed by entries made by Alfred Hampton, John Hobbs, Richard Watson, Isaac Comer and others.
The first settlement was made in 1821, in the spring, by Jacob Poe, and in the fall by Robert McKinnis and his sons, Charles, James, Philip and John. Judge McKinnis settled on the farm now owned by Oliver P. Shaw, James on the farm owned by Solomon Swarts, and Poe on the farm now owned by his son Nelson. The sons of Charles Mc- Kinnis now reside on the lands on which he first located.
These men were followed by Fishel and his sons John, Michael and Daniel, and some grown up daughters, John- son Bonham, John Boylan, Judge Ebenezer Wilson, Rich- ard, William and George Watson, Barna Beardsley, William Fountain, Isaac Strother, Nathan Frakes, Isaac Comer, Povenmire, John Price, the Radabaughs, Solomon Lee, Abraham Bails, and others.
384
History of Hancock County.
This township was heavily timbered with walnut, ash" beech, sugar, oak, cottonwood, sycamore, and the inevitable buckeye. No part of the land was clear of timber, and the. immense forests of walnut which were destroyed, burned up to make way for the plow, would now be of incalculable value.
The soil of this locality is variable. Along the river it is warm and sandy, and on the ridges, sandy with a mixture. of gravel. Between the ridge and the river it is a rich vegetable loam, in places partially mixed with clay. On the. north of the river the prevailing soil is clay. The rich bot- tom lands are adapted to corn, the sandy gravelly soil to. wheat, and the clay or up lands are used for grazing pur- poses. The principal crops are wheat, corn, oats, flax and grass.
The Blanchard River crosses this township from east to. west, furnishing an abundance of water not only for stock purposes, but during a good portion of the year enough to. propel the two flouring mills located upon it. The river bottom lands are exceedingly rich and productive, but are subject to occasional overflows, by which crops and fences are damaged more or less.
On the north side we have Watson's, Wilson's, Grassy and Worden's runs, small wet weather streams, whose chan -- nels furnish good drainage for the adjacent lands. There are several springs along Watson's and Wilson's runs, which keep them supplied with water the year round.
On the south side Comer's run enters the river on the Dye farm, and is the only creek of any importance on that side. None of these creeks furnish water power now. There was for a number of years a saw mill on Comer's run, on the old Povenmire farm, just south of the Findley
385
First Church.
and Kalida State road, but that has long since been aban- doned. On the farm of Nelson Poe, and some forty or fifty feet from the river is what the people in the neighborhood call a sink hole, that is the water dissappears in the ground, and is not seen again until it is emptied into the river.
Blanchard Church, on the Ewing farm, on Defiance road, built by the Presbyterians in 1850, was the first church build- ing in the township. The congregation, however, previous to that time, held services in private houses, and in the school house in the neighborhood. The society was organized in 1832 by Rev. Peter Monfort. The first stated minister, the late Rev. Geo. VanEmon, was at the same time pastor of the church in Findley. Of the first membership we find the names of Judge Wilson and wife, William Coen, wife and two daughters, Jacob Poe and wife, and Mrs. Judge Mc- Kinnis.
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