History of Putnam County, Ohio : its peoples, industries, and institutions, Part 24

Author: Kinder, George D., 1836-
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Indianapolis, Ind. : B.F. Bowen
Number of Pages: 1744

USA > Ohio > Putnam County > History of Putnam County, Ohio : its peoples, industries, and institutions > Part 24

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Of these posts, Belmore and Kalida are discontinued and all of the others have only a few members left. The Henry Beemer Post at Con-

SOLDIERS MONUMENT, COLUMBUS GROVE.

261

PUTNAM COUNTY, OHIO.

tinental was formerly at North Creek, but on account of so many of its mem- bers living in or near to Continental, the post was transferred to that place.

SOLDIERS' MONUMENT AT COLUMBUS GROVE.

A beautiful soldiers' monument was dedicated at Columbus Grove on May 20, 1915, and, despite the inclement weather, the occasion was the means of bringing a large crowd to the town. The Altsteatter, Delphos and Shannon bands furnished excellent music during the day, while Comrade Keirn's drum corps helped to stir up the enthusiasm of the rain-stricken crowd. There was an imposing parade, which wound up in the large tent of the Shannon Show Company, which was showing in the town that week. Mayor Poast made an appropriate welcoming address and was followed by Cyrus E. Locher, of Cleveland, who spoke on "The Boys in Blue." M. D. Long gave such a stirring talk that the people generously gave about five hundred dollars which went towards paying for the monument. The final address was made by Gen. J. Kent Hamilton, commander of the Grand Army of the Republic of Ohio, who closed an eloquent speech with the formal unveiling of the monument.

The monument, which was made possible through the untiring efforts of the Civic League of Columbus Grove, has a total height of sixteen feet and ten inches. It is cut from gray granite and makes a truly imposing appearance. The base and pedestal have a total height of ten feet and four inches, the whole being surmounted by the standing statue of an infantryman, six feet and a half in height. The monument stands at one end of the town park, while at the other end of the park is located a beautiful new granite drinking fountain.

SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.

We have a record of but two soldiers of the Revolutionary War who are buried in Putnam county. One of these, Israel Hubbard, is buried in the old graveyard on the Mallahan farm in Riley township, while the other, William Jack, is buried on what is known as the Pearman farm, in Ottawa township.

SOLDIERS OF THE WAR OF 1812.

Among those who served in the War of 1812 and who came to this county in 1834-35, we have a record of the following: Frederick Eck, Matthew Chambers, Nathaniel McClure, Andrew McClure and William Galbreath, all of whom died many years ago.

CHAPTER XVI.

SIDELIGHTS ON PUTNAM COUNTY HISTORY.

BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS OF PUTNAM COUNTY IN 1870.

The following list of business and professional interests in Putnam county is taken from Dun's Report of 1870 and may prove interesting even after the lapse of forty-five years :

BELMORE.

William E. Caddy, physician; Doctor Drain, physician; G. W. Ed- wards, general store; H. Ensminger, general store; John Gibble, boots and shoes ; C. Green, wagon maker ; William Knoke, mill, etc .; V. L. Ovenchain, dry goods and groceries; John Pennel, hotel; Speaker Brothers, general store; A. R. Van Doran, drugs, groceries, etc.

COLUMBUS GROVE.

William Breckbill, stoves and tinware; Charles Busche, grocery; A. W. Chase, grocery and bakery; Thomas N. Day, general store; A. H. Day & Bro., general store; C. H. Day & Co., grain; A. Edmonds, wagon maker; Edwards & Ward, bricklayers; Elkell & Bro., saw-mill; John Greek, gro- cery ; Fred Hannert, shoes; E. A. Hartley, hardware; E. Henderson & Co., stave factory; David Jones, saddler; Jacob Kohli, wagon maker; McHenry & Gessells, produce; Simon Maple, dry goods, etc .; I. W. Martin, flour-mill; Martin & Son, general store; Joseph Oglevie, carpenter; A. Oglevie, steam mill; Henry Oglevie, saw-mill; Mrs. E. Palmer, milliner ; Anderson Reeder, saw-mill; Jacob Risser, grocery; John Rollands, saddler; Alexander Slem- mons, blacksmith; J. O. Smith, cooper ; J. B. Sprague, drugs and groceries; Samuel Stirlen, furniture; Joseph Tingle, merchant tailor; Simon Turner, physician; John D. Viers, cabinet maker; Ward & Arnold, groceries.

263

PUTNAM COUNTY, OHIO.

FT. JENNINGS.

Louis Boehmer, mills; Funk, silversmith; F. H. Klakamp, grocery and tavern; Christian Raabe, dry goods and groceries; William Recker, grocery

GILBOA.

Stellman Blodgett, cabinet maker; Jacob Bressler & Co., general store; Pressley Coron, lumber, stock; John Cunningham, miller; W. H. Fisher, groceries and drugs; James Fuld, shoes; J. S. Hill, drugs; G. Kisabeth, shoes ; A. D. McClure, dry goods, etc .; W. McClure, tavern.

GLANDORF.

Altekruse & Son, general store; Joseph Baker, shoes; Frank Brinkman, wagons; John G. Buckhold, hotel; J. W. Ellerbrock & Co., woolen factory; Henry Evers, shoemaker; Anthony Fox, shoemaker; Joseph Gerding, sad- dler; Ferd Gerding, harness; Henry Guelker, shoes; William Helker, gro- cery; F. W. Hoffman, general store; Hubert Huber, physicians; Hueve & Nartger, bricklayers; Henry Klassing, blacksmith; Kolhoff & Doepker, saw- mill; F. Landgraber, general store; George Loudenbach, tailor; Henry H. Meyers, shoemaker; Moenke & Co., flouring-mill; William Rampe, shoe- maker ; Mrs. E. Ricknier, grocery; John Schmenck, grocery; Henry Shafer, blacksmith; M. Shoemaker, tailor; Blasius Street, furniture; Nicholas Thom, wagons; Henry Wortcutter, tailor.

KALIDA.

S. D. Ayers, grocery ; Wilton H. Crain, wagons; Lee & Bro., drugs and dry goods ; S. Metheney & Co., general store; John Overbeck, cabinet maker; L. L. Parker, dry goods; John T. Thrift, physician.

LEIPSIC.

.A. Ball, shoemaker; Frank Eastman, mill; R. Edgecomb, dry goods and groceries ; S. S. Emery, physician; Joseph Faber, carriage; Folk & Son, clothing and grain; Hammet & Alt, general store; Daniel Leffler, grocery; Charles Mann, hotel; Joseph Opdyke, saw-mill; J. D. Timmerman, drugs ; Jacob Werner, lumber; V. Winkler, shoemaker; A. J. Young, groceries and drugs ; Solomon Young, drugs and dry goods.

264

PUTNAM COUNTY, OHIO.

VAUGHNSVILLE.

Peter Breeling, hotel and grocery; T. Henderson, dry goods and gro- ceries.

OTTAWA.

H. F. Beach, wagon maker; C. E. Beardsley, physician; John Beck, dry goods, etc .; R. J. Beeney, baker and grocery; J. S. Bowers, furniture; An- drew Brinkman, blacksmith; Sarah Buahler, milliner; Burkmier & Gosling, saddlers ; C. M. Carson, hotel; Carnahan & Ault, builders; Mrs. M. Cover, milliner; M. C. & J. P. Ewing, produce; Foltz & Taylor, marble; John Fipp, groceries ; Samuel F. Foltz, livery; Freese & Raff, dry goods; Joseph Ger- ding, harness; F. S. Godfrey, baker and grocery; N. Goetchius, foundry ; Mrs. J. Goldsmith, grocery ; N. M. Haviland, groceries and provisions ; J. S. Hale, furniture; A. J. Hamilton, tinner ; Thomas H. B. Hipkins, groceries and produce; Thomas H. B. Hipkins & Sons, dry goods and groceries ; Holtz, Goetchius & Co., manufacturers hubs, etc .; Kelly & Hauck, drugs; George D. Kinder, printing; J. C. and H. F. Knowles, insurance; Laskey, Pratt & Campbell, stoves, etc .; Frank Lassance, clothing; Lentzy & Willoughby, merchant tailors; David Lowery, hardware; McBride & Humberger, steam mill; McCoy, Slauson & Co., dry goods and groceries; Miles & Son, builders ; A. S. Miller, contractor; Misner & Brockman, boots and shoes; Lyman M. Moe, physician; J. T. Moorehead, books, notions; Newman & Co., dry goods; Freeman F. Paul, physician; E. Pomeroy, groceries and notions; C. H. Rice & Co., bankers; Michael Row, hotel; Charles Schimpff, jeweler; William Schmitschulte, groceries; Mrs. F. Sargent, milliner; Samuel Shoup, drugs ; John P. Simon, groceries and provisions; Slausson, Ewing & Cox, bankers; Slawson & Ewing, real estate dealers; J. R. Thompson, photo- grapher and picture; C. E. Tupper, physician; Lycurgus Willoughby, hotel.

OTTOVILLE.

Joseph C. Forrier, groceries and dry goods; Gerhart Otte, dry goods. and groceries; Charles Wannemacher, shoemaker; Mathias Winkleman, dry goods and grocery.

PENDLETON.

Joe Keinie, dry goods and groceries; John Lacont, grocery; James Mc- Bride, tailor; J. C. Snyder, dry goods and groceries; Mark Thompson, gen- eral store.

265

PUTNAM COUNTY, OHIO.

THE STORY OF JOHNNY APPLESEED.

Who has not heard of Johnny Appleseed? He spent his life in the woods, wore cast-off clothes, tramped the year around in his bare feet, had little or no money and died in comparative obscurity and yet did more to promote the raising of apples in the state of Ohio than any other man. The fruit he was responsible for raising would fill millions of bushel baskets.

Johnny Appleseed for years wandered through Ohio planting apple seeds, collected at cider mills and carried in a little sack over his shoulder, in practically every cleared tract he could find. Often he would clear pieces of land in the heart of the wilderness and plant either sprouts or seeds. So well known did he become that people forgot his real name was John Chap- man and called him by his soubriquet.

Johnny Appleseed was born in 1775, at Springfield, Massachusetts, the son of Nathaniel Chapman, and came with his half brother to Ohio in 1801. Soon afterward a desire to wander and develop apple orchards struck the young man and, abandoning civilization, he set forth. As early as 18II he had become known all over the state and before he left it to go west,. where the ax of the pioneer was not heard, he was probably the best known man in the state. Few communities did not boast of orchards planted by his hands. He died in Allen county, Ohio, in the summer of 1847, aged seventy-two years, forty-six of which had been consecrated to his self- imposed mission.

Johnny Appleseed was a man of many manias. He abhorred the ex- tinction of all forms of life. One time, when lying before his fire in the woods, he saw that gnats and mosquitoes were flying to their death in the flames. He promptly arose, extinguished the fire and permitted himself to. be bitten all night by the pests. At another time he sought shelter from cold and snow in a hollow log, which he found occupied by a bear and her cubs. He quickly withdrew and laid in the snow and cold all night. At an- other time he accidentally killed a rattlesnake which had bitten him. He- blamed it on an ungodly passion.

Johnny Appleseed was an apostle of Swedenborg, whose literature he distributed among the people he met. Once, when his supply had become exhausted, he tore his only remaining book in two and gave one part to each of the two men with whom he was talking.

He was twice jilted by young women whom he expected to marry.

266

PUTNAM COUNTY, OHIO.

JOHNNY APPLESEED VISITS THE RESERVATION.

While the early settlers found a number of good-sized apple trees on the reservation when they first came here, no one of our pioneer citizens knew of Johnny's visits prior to the year 1833, when he came down the river in a canoe laden with young apple trees. It is stated that wherever he could find a white settler he would furnish him with trees without regard to the settler's ability or disposition to pay for the same. His last trip down the Blanchard was in the year 1841. The history of this remarkable man and great philanthropist is so well known. throughout Ohio, especially in the northwest portion of the state, that it is not necessary to give it in detail here.

Many years ago the writer of this history interviewed a large number of the pioneer citizens of the county in regard to events and incidents con- nected with its early history. Among those interviewed was Mr. Brower, who settled on the banks of the Blanchard river, in Greensburg township. Among the incidents Mr. Brower related was one referring to Johnny Appleseed, who figured as a "tourist" in this part of the state from the close of the war of 1812 and for some twenty years after. The present generation is no doubt familiar with the eccentricities of this man and the life he led, therefore we well but briefly notice one of his visits to this county, at which time he paid a visit to Mr. Brower, who states that during the visit Johnny exhibited his usual characteristics or eccentricities of habits. While on this visit he brought with him a big supply of apple seeds, which were encased in pumice from cider-mills in western Pennsylvania, the source of his supply. Johnny made it a business to plant these seeds on every available spot along the Blanchard river and in a few years afterward the early pioneers gathered many apples from the trees grown from the seed planted by Johnny, and a number of the trees bore fruit for many years after the organization of the county. When he planted the seed he usually put some brush around the spot to protect the young trees, yet as the county was cleared up and brush burned, many of the young trees were destroyed.

EARLY TAVERNS.

Prior to 1850 there were many taverns in Putnam county, and places for the entertainment of man and beast were located about every three miles along the roads generally traveled in those days. In every small vil- lage two or more taverns existed. In Gilboa, in 1847-1850, taverns were

267

PUTNAM COUNTY, OHIO.

kept by Matthias Chambers, William McClure, William Hipkins and Christ- tan Hensy, while in Kalida taverns were kept by Arthur E. Martin, William Phillips, James H. Vail, T. R. McClure and Mr. Foss. It was a common custom then to have bars, where liquor was sold at the modest sum of five cents per drink. Then there was only a state tax of five dollars a year for the privilege of dispensing strong drinks; no revenue or county tax being re- quired. Beer and ale were not then a common beverage.

AN EARLY DISTILLERY.

There was one distillery of whisky in the county. It was known as Ash distillery, located in Jennings township, near the canal. It is common report that often, when government revenue officers were expected to call, weights would be put on barrels of liquor which were sunk in the canal, until after Uncle Sam's men had gone. A few years ago a barrel was found in the canal, after being there many years. It is supposed that this one was overlooked and forgotten by the owners. Of course canal whisky is always good.

COUNTY EXPENSES IN 1849.

The county commissioners' report for the year ending June 4, 1849, certifies that the amount paid prosecuting attorney, for one year's salary, was $108.33; paid clerk of courts, yearly allowance, $43.33; paid for sta- tionery, during year, $49.50 ; paid for postage by the county for all officials, $2.83; paid for wolf scalps, $39; auditor's salary, $499; treasurer's salary, $489.38.

In the year 1849, the three county commissioners received sixty dollars for per diem allowances. These items show how expenses have increased in sixty-six years.

KALIDA MARKET, MARCH, 1847.

As published in the Venture at that time :

For purposes of comparison, the following market quotations are re- produced from the Kalida Venture of March, 1847: Wheat, per bushel, 75 cents ; corn, per bushel, 25 cents ; oats, per bushel, 15 cents ; clover seed, per bushel, $3.00; timothy seed, per bushel, $1.00; flax seed, per bushel, 62 cents; beans, per bushel, 75 cents; potatoes, per bushel, 25 cents; pork, pickled, per pound, 4 cents; beef, fresh, per pound, 4 cents; butter, per pound, 9 cents ; lard, per pound, 6 cents ; ham, per pound, 6 cents ; tallow, per pound, 10 cents ; maple sugar, per pound, 10 cents ; eggs, per dozen, 5 cents.

268

PUTNAM COUNTY, OHIO.

CHOLERA AT GILBOA IN 1852.

In 1852, during the epidemic of cholera, Gilboa was the worst afflicted village in the county. It had nineteen cases of the dread disease, from which fourteen deaths occurred, only five persons who had the disease recover- ing. A great many of the people fled from the village, and only two doctors- remained to administer to the afflicted. One of these two was Dr. T. E. Paul and the other Doctor Thatcher, a Hungarian by birth, who died with the dis- ease at the time.

EARLY LIQUOR VIOLATIONS.

The contention now in regard to the liquor question is not a new thing, or "boot-legging" a new species of crime under the laws of this state. Eighty- one years ago (1834), at the first term of court ever held in this county, the first grand jury convened brought in six indictments, four of which were "for selling spirits without a license." The first criminal case in the first court was for this offense, and the dispenser of the spirits was fined twenty-five dollars and costs. In those days a license to traffic in liquor was required and the amount of the license was five dollars. Upon the adop- tion of the new Constitution in 1851-52 the license law became obsolete and a penalty was prescribed for the sale of liquor and everyone selling it laid himself liable to a fine. This condition existed up to the time of the enact- ment of the law requiring dealers to pay a tax. Up to this latter date nearly every grand jury indicted from one to a dozen saloon keepers. They were each fined about twenty-five dollars and costs for each offense, which was paid and the dealer proceeded in the business until the next court convened, when in many instances he was again indicted and paid his fine. In some cases, a term in the county jail was added to the fine.

AN EARLY POSTMASTER OF GILBOA.

In looking over some old documents in our possession we came across the following letter, written by the second assistant postmaster-general to Hon. William Sawyer, notifying Mr. Sawyer of the appointment of Stans- berry Sutton as postmaster at Gilboa, this county, with Mr. Sawyer's letter to Mr. Sutton informing him of his appointment :

269

PUTNAM COUNTY, OHIO.

"Postoffice Department, "Appointment Office,

Dec. 10th, 1845.

"Sir-I have the honor to inform you that the postmaster-general has appointed Stansberry Sutton postmaster at Gilboa, in the state of Ohio, in place of J. E. Creighton, resigned. I am respectfully your obedient servant, "W. I. BROWN.

"Second Assistant Postmaster-General. "To the Honorable William Sawyer,

House of Representatives."

Mr. Sawyer notifies Mr. Sutton as follows, written at the bottom of the same page as the foregoing :

"Dear Sir-Your appointment as p. m. at Gilboa is sent to you. The above is a notification of the fact to me.

"With respects, yours, "WILLIAM SAWYER."

There are very few of our older citizens who do not remember Stans- berry Sutton, one of the most highly respected and prominent citizens of Gilboa and Ottawa for many years, and who died in Ottawa in the year 1879, after a long and useful life.

A KALIDA RAT-TRAP.

In 1852 a resident of Kalida invented a rat trap which is duly mentioned in the Venture at that time: "The trap consisted of a hollow stick, about seven feet long, closed at one end, and after putting some grain and litter in it he set the trap in his hay mow and covered it with hay. The next morn- ing he plugged the hole in the trap, and carried it out and killed the rats." The inventor claimed that the trap was a great success.

THE WOLF SCALP INDUSTRY.

During the early history of Putnam county, many wolves infested the county as well as the other counties in this part of the state. At that time the state paid a bounty for the scalps of wolves, and the early pioneers were industrious in hunting them. The money they received for the scalps was certainly a blessing to them in those days, as money was very scarce and what was received from this source paid taxes and afforded now and then a better living in several respects. All scalps had to be presented to the

270

PUTNAM COUNTY, OHIO.

clerk of the court, who issued an order on the county treasurer for the amount. The order called for four dollars and twenty-five cents for each scalp. Persons presenting scalps had to swear that they killed the wolves.

The following is a sample of the affidavits required to be made :

"You, George Sweiger, do solemnly swear that the scalps now produced by you are the scalps of wolves taken by you within the county of Putnam, within twenty days last past, and verily believe the same to have been under the age of six months, and that you have not spared the life of any she wolf within your power to kill, with a view to increase the breed.

"GEORGE SWEIGER.

"Sworn to and subscribed before me this 20th day of May, A. D. 1834. "DANIEL W. GRAY, Clerk pro tem."

The above certificate was numbered II, and is the earliest certificate we find on file.

The George Sweiger above mentioned was quite a success as a wolf hunter, as he presented many of the scalps of wolves killed at various times. During the period from 1834 to 1836, many wolves were killed in this county, and about a hundred were killed during the year 1834. Many per- sons killed only a single wolf, while others seemed to make it a business.

Among those drawing the most money during the year 1834, for wolf scalps, were the following: George Sweiger, $60; William Kenny, $42.75; John Woods, $26.75; Andrew Clawson, $20; John Elder, $21.25; John Mc- Gill, $15; Joseph Nichols, $15; Leonard Sweiger, $12.50; John Neill, $9,25, and George Blessing, $7.50.

The last wolf known to be bred in this county was killed by a hunter, near Belmore, many years ago.

Miles Crow, many years ago a resident of Greensburg township, was a great hunter and was possibly the last man in the county to trap or kill wolves. He was successful in killing more wolves than any other man, after the year 1840.

An incident is related of one of Ottawa's first settlers wherein about every male citizen of that time became very much excited. In March of 1835, a man who lived at the river bank on the west side of what is now known as Walnut street, had a barn yard where now is located the old wheel works. He had in the yard a flock of sheep. The snow had been deep on the ground for nearly a month. A pack of wolves came across the river and made a raid on the sheep. About every man in the village turned out to fight the wolves. In the fight two valuable dogs were killed by the wolves,

271

PUTNAM COUNTY, OHIO.

while but a few of the wolves were captured. The owner of the dogs greatly regretted their loss, as in that day a good hunting dog was valued at a greater price than an entire flock of sheep.

In waterworks park, in Ottawa, may now be seen one of the traps used for capturing wolves in the early history of the county.

THE FIRST SCHOOL ON THE RESERVATION.

The first school taught on the Indian reservation was held in a part of a double log cabin owned by Christian Huber. This cabin was located on. the farm now owned by Mr. Miller, and situated immediately north of the: present waterworks plant. Miss Priscilla Compton taught the first school in the first school house in Ottawa, that being located immediately north of the residence for a time occupied by Thomas Carnahan. This school house was built of logs, the seats and desks were made of slabs, and the floor was. of puncheons.

SELECTING POSTMASTERS IN 1845.

It is not generally known that the people of the various towns of Put- nam county helped to select their postmasters seventy years ago. Such, however, appears to have been the case, if the report given in a local paper is to be believed. The following extract from the Kalida Venture tells its own story :

"Postoffice Meeting.

"In pursuance to notice heretofore given the Democratic citizens trans- acting their business through the Postoffice at Kalida met at the office of Ben Metcalf and proceeded to nominate a suitable person to be recommended to the Postmaster General to fill the vacancy in the Postoffice at Kalida to be occasioned by the resignation of M. M. Gillett the present incumbent :

"Which resulted on the fifth ballotting, in the choice of Winchton Risley.

"On motion the meeting adjourned without day, March 22nd, 1845. Stephen White, Chairman. Ben Metcalf, Secretary."

IRON BRIDGES OF PUTNAM COUNTY.

There seems to have been considerable discussion in the local newspa- pers concerning the first iron bridge in the county. From the best evi- dence obtainable it appears that it was built over the Blanchard at Cuba

272

PUTNAM COUNTY, OHIO.

in Greensburg township. The Auglaize and Blanchard rivers, with their many tributaries, have necessitated the building of a large number of ex- pensive bridges. There are no less than five bridges across the Blanchard at Ottawa, although the county built three of them, the others being erected by the steam and electric roads which come into the town. The county has built fourteen iron bridges over the Blanchard river and eight across the Auglaize; in addition, there are scores of bridges across the many tributaries of the two larger streams of the county. It is not too much to say that the spanning of the rivers and streams of Putnam county has cost nearly half a million dollars within the past half century.

EARLY DEBATING SOCIETIES.

In the early history of Putnam county, debates on public questions were one of the most popular features of entertainment, and debating societies were in vogue in every community where a school house existed. The Ka- lida Venture of March 21, 1848, contains the following notice: "There will be a meeting of the Kalida Lyceum held on the evening of March 28. The question for debate will be 'Ought all laws for the collection of debts be repealed.' "

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Putnam County, Ohio : its peoples, industries, and institutions, Part 24

Author: Kinder, George D., 1836- Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Indianapolis, Ind. : B.F. Bowen Number of Pages: 1744

Author: Kinder, George D., 1836-
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Indianapolis, Ind. : B.F. Bowen
Number of Pages: 1744